Some people are angry and in pain. They can't socialize. They have neither hobbies nor interests. They are preoccupied with their own lives. They can't sympathize.

They use alcohol to lift them out of their misery. They take drugs for stimulation. They gamble for excitement. They have one-night-stands to lessen their pain. They work long hours to forget their home life.

They are addicts.

Others are lonely. They feel inadequate. They can't entertain. They can't state their needs. They can't verbalize their wants.

They attach themselves to someone. They provide for his or her needs. They give him or her their wants. They constantly give. They think they are unselfish.

They are "caretakers".

The addicts find partners who are "caretakers". The "caretakers" find partners who are addicts. Both are bored with "normal" people.

The addicts are thrilled by the apparent endless love of their partners. The "caretakers" are thrilled by the apparent strength of their partners.

Sometimes the addicts feel engulfed. The "caretakers" can't detach. The addicts get upset. To get relief they indulge in their addictions. Then their partners get upset. Later they make up. They do this again and again for many years.

Sometimes the "caretakers" want to be loved in return. The addicts can't sympathize. The "caretakers" get upset. They sulk or rage. Then their partners get upset. Later they make up. They do this again and again for many years.

Some call the addicts narcissists. They call the "caretakers" dependents.