5 Ways Amae Can Negatively Impact Your Health

5 Ways Amae Can Negatively Impact Your Health

Amae is a Japanese term that can be roughly translated as “indulgent dependence.” It refers to the feeling of comfort we get from being close to someone else, whether it’s a partner, friend, or family member. While there’s nothing inherently wrong with seeking support and comfort from others, relying too heavily on amae can have negative consequences for our mental and physical health. Here are five ways amae can be harmful:

1. Amae can lead to codependency

Codependency is a term used to describe a relationship in which one person enables another person’s addiction, poor mental health, or other destructive behavior. It’s characterized by a lack of boundaries and an overreliance on the other person for emotional support. Amae can make it difficult to establish healthy boundaries, as the desire for comfort and closeness can override concerns about enabling destructive behavior.

2. Amae can increase stress

While being close to others can be comforting, it can also be stressful. Relationships can be a major source of stress, particularly when there are conflicts or disagreements. If you rely too heavily on amae for emotional support, you may find yourself feeling anxious or stressed when your partner or friend isn’t available to provide it. This can lead to a cycle of dependence and an increased risk of mental health issues like anxiety and depression.

3. Amae can lead to neglect of self-care

When we rely too heavily on others for emotional support, we may neglect our own self-care needs. This can include things like exercise, eating well, and getting enough sleep. In extreme cases, it can also lead to neglect of hygiene, as the desire for comfort and closeness can override concerns about appearing presentable or clean.

4. Amae can lead to social isolation

If you rely too heavily on amae, you may find yourself neglecting other relationships and activities. This can lead to social isolation, which is a major risk factor for poor mental and physical health. It’s important to have a diverse network of relationships and interests, as this can help protect against the negative consequences of relying too heavily on any one person or activity.

5. Amae can lead to emotional instability

While seeking comfort and closeness from others can be a healthy way to manage stress and difficult emotions, relying too heavily on amae can make you emotionally unstable. You may find yourself constantly seeking reassurance from others, or becoming agitated or upset when you aren’t able to obtain it. This can lead to a sense of emotional fragility and an increased risk of mental health issues.

In conclusion, while seeking comfort and closeness from others is a natural and healthy human behavior, relying too heavily on amae can have negative consequences for our mental and physical health. By understanding the potential risks of amae, we can work to establish healthy boundaries and relationships, and lead happier and healthier lives.