@adi_awakening @neilstrauss Echoism is not the same as codependency.

I'll explain the difference by relating to the differences between shyness and introversion as examples. Shyness has a genetic predisposition (gene RGS2 variation rs3767480 to be exact) but it is largely a learned behavior.

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@adi_awakening @neilstrauss The RGS2 gene (rs3767480 variant) is associated with higher levels of harm avoidance, a personality trait characterized by a tendency to be cautious, anxious, and easily alarmed. Then humans have a section in our brains known as the behavioral inhibition system (BIS).

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@adi_awakening @neilstrauss The (BIS) system is about moving away from an object perceived as unpleasant, dangerous, or a form of punishment. The (BIS) system is built into the human brain. Whereas, the RGS2 gene (rs3767480 variant) is an anomaly. Some people's (BIS) systems can be on overdrive.

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@adi_awakening @neilstrauss These are two biological causes that can contribute to shyness behaviors. How these innate predispositions are expressed is largely dependent on their dominance and environmental influences on these behavioral tendencies.

Introversion is a genetic personality trait.

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@adi_awakening @neilstrauss Without going into a thread about introversion the short of it is this, introverts can easily choose between interacting with others or not interacting with them. Those who are "shy" struggle with interacting with others and find it difficult to interact with others.

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@adi_awakening @neilstrauss Echoism has genetic (innate personality traits; sensitivity, empathy, conscientiousness, agreeableness, etc.) but is largely a result of these traits being exposed to narcissistic abuse. As a result, echoists express their innate personality traits in maladaptive ways

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@adi_awakening @neilstrauss Codependency is different from echoism. Unfortunately, like shyness and introversion people confuse codependency with echoism. Codependents are more likely to be covertly controlling, passive-aggressive, and hostile when their reality bubble is threatened.

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@adi_awakening @neilstrauss An aspect people don't often discuss when discussing codependency is the codependent is deriving their identity as a good helper, a saintly savior, or a loving partner to those poor souls who need them. It's an exhausting identity system that breeds resentment.

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@adi_awakening @neilstrauss The echoist isn't deriving their core identity through destructive enabling behaviors. Echoists are more like Pavlov's dogs who have been psychologically conditioned to respond to themselves, others, and the world around them by being as invisible (no self) as possible.

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@adi_awakening @neilstrauss One of the biggest reasons if not THE reason narcissists are attracted to echoists is due to the echoist reflecting back a positive image to the narcissist. At their core, narcissists lack a healthy ego or core identity. This is why they create a persona (false self).

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@adi_awakening @neilstrauss I hope this has been helpful for you in understanding some of the key differences between codependency and echoism.