What Does Enmeshment Look Like?

Enmeshment is a description of a relationship between two or more people in which personal boundaries are permeable and unclear. This often happens on an emotional level in which two people “feel” each other's emotions, or when one person becomes emotionally escalated and the other family member does as well.

How do you know if you are enmeshed?

Signs that you're in an enmeshed relationship

you're giving up hobbies or interests to adapt to the lifestyle or expectations of another. your relationship determines your happiness, self-esteem, or sense of self. you experience another person's emotions as if they were your own.

What are examples of enmeshment?

Most often, enmeshment occurs between a child and parent and may include the following signs:
  • Lack of appropriate privacy between parent and child.
  • A child being “best friends” with a parent.
  • A parent confiding secrets to a child.
  • A parent telling one child that they are the favorite.
Alexander Ross

Alexander Ross

Gaming, Esports & Interactive Media Writer

Alexander Ross has covered the video game industry for a decade, writing deep dives on game design, esports tournaments, VR developments, and gaming culture.