Jolene probably is codependent. They tend to be easy prey for narcissists like Tess because they’re fixers who take in strays and can’t say no. I hope she’s gotten better at establishing boundaries for herself over the years. Codependents tend to be well-liked in their social circles because they’ll drive you to the airport at 3am, bake a casserole for your sick grandma, and pick your sister up from the mechanic last minute. It’s exhausting being that person.
The best protection (aside from gaining self-awareness and learning better coping skills) is to marry a down-to-earth man who can patiently tell you that no, this time isn’t different than all the others and you’re not allowed to rescue any more bitches with sob stories. Having a man to “blame” when the Tesses of the world hit you up in their latest time of crisis is the equivalent of big vats of hot tar and a moat full of alligators for old timey castles: hopefully the enemy is neutralized before they get that far but it’s better to be prepared just in case.
A dramatic, fictional scene of a codependent enforcing a boundary:
Jolene, getting off the phone after a 2-hour call with Tess: pours a glass of wine and tells her man, “Tell me I’m not allowed to let Tess and Bowie crash on our couch for a year again.”
Man replies, without looking up from watching reels of OSHA fails, weld porn, and power washing videos on Instagram, “You’re not allowed to let Tess and Bowie crash on our couch for a year again.”
Jolene lets out a sigh, takes a swig of wine, and composes a text to Tess on her phone: “Hey girl, I just wanted to get back to you right away. I would love to help but (husband) says I can’t put you and Bowie up in the house because then he can’t smooch me on the couch. Lol men! I could post on my Facebook for you tho, and see if anyone had a lead on an apartment?”
Her stomach twists in guilty knots, even through the relief, and she stares at the “…” on her screen indicating Tess is typing her reply. Jolene is SURE Tess is going to freak out and send back a huge block of angry text.
Phone pings with an alert. 1 new text message, Tess Hooliday:
“No worries, girlie, I get it! Yeah that’d be great, thanks!”
Crisis averted, Jolene drains the wineglass and puts her feet in Man’s lap, completely drained and relieved that she isn’t in the crosshairs of Tess’ narc rage after all.