u/Jealous-Version1722

So I have noticed recently that some people mistake Adachi and Shimamura's relationship for codependency. I personally don't think that is the case at all, so I've written an article that supports, with evidence from the LN, that their relationship is not codependent at all, and that it is in fact a very healthy interdependent relationship. You can find it here if you want to read it.

If you are too lazy to read the article, I have a summary of it written below (it's also included at the start of the article itself, so if you ever know anybody that thinks this and you wish to refute it, you could just send them the article lmao):

First of all, codependency is a continuing and inherently unhealthy way of relying on another person, where the relationship repeatedly causes harm or takes away someone’s freedom. It can involve control, isolation, self-neglect, protecting harmful behaviour, or taking over another person’s life. Interdependence is different. It is healthy reliance between people who remain able to choose, disagree, say no, spend time apart, handle their responsibilities, and support each other freely. Love or dependence does not become codependent simply because it is unusually deep. What matters is whether the relationship repeatedly causes harm or takes away either person’s ability to live and choose for herself.

Adachi and Shimamura depend on each other enormously, but their dependence adds joy, meaning, emotional safety, motivation, and belonging to their lives without creating a continuing pattern of harm or lost freedom. Their limited interests, relationships, and goals existed before they met; their relationship did not make them give those things up. Instead, knowing each other helps both of them care more about living. Adachi places almost everything she values in Shimamura, while Shimamura cares about more people and things outside Adachi. However, Adachi is still the light and centre of Shimamura’s world. Their love is equally deep, even though it is expressed differently. Adachi’s intense language also does not mean she becomes unable to function without Shimamura nearby. She can work, care for herself, spend time apart, and meet her responsibilities while missing her deeply.

Adachi’s jealousy is another trait that can be misunderstood. Early in dating, she crosses a line, recognises Shimamura’s discomfort, and changes her behaviour. She still feels jealous easily, but she keeps that feeling on a leash. She may pout, complain, or make a small request, but she does not repeatedly control Shimamura, isolate her, punish her, or make her obey. Shimamura also makes more everyday decisions because Adachi genuinely has fewer preferences, not because Adachi is afraid to speak. When something matters, Adachi can state what she wants, refuse, make plans, and act for herself. Shimamura includes her in important choices instead of using her devotion against her.

Shimamura may give Adachi more reassurance, but she is her willing partner rather than her caretaker. Adachi works, contributes to their home, comforts Shimamura, and cares for her in return. Although Adachi sometimes wishes privately for a world containing only Shimamura, she does not cut either of them off from work, family, other people, or necessary time apart. Instead, their closeness helps both of them become more motivated, capable, and interested in life. Their roles and personalities are different, but neither person loses her freedom, and neither has to carry the other through life. Their relationship therefore does not show the continuing harmful pattern that codependency requires. It is a very healthy interdependent relationship between two separate people who rely on each other freely, love each other with unusual depth, and keep choosing and building their life together.

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I'm interested in hearing whether y'all agree with my arguments or not. Despite my wording earlier on in the post, I am very interested to hear what y'all have to say after reading the arguments, and I am very open to discussion about this.