What does it mean to enable someone? A lot of times,  family members or friends that mean well will take on tasks that they are not responsible for thinking they are being helpful. Helping is doing something for someone who can’t do it for themselves. For instance, caring for a loved one who is bedridden or physically unable to do something for themselves.

Enabling is doing something for someone who is more than able or capable of doing for themselves but they won’t. This looks like someone spending their money on shopping or recreational drugs but then asks others to “help” pay their rent. It also looks like someone throwing a tantrum saying “I don’t have anyone to help me out!” and people who care for them caving in knowing they consistently get their loved one out of their mess.

If you need help deciphering the difference between helpful and enabling behavior call Meraki Counseling to help you not only identify enabling behavior but create the necessary boundaries to stop enabling.