What type of role do clients with dependent personality disorder typically assume in relationships?

Clients with dependent personality disorder typically assume a passive role in relationships. This stems from their pervasive and excessive need to be taken care of, which leads to submissive and clinging behaviors. They often have difficulty making decisions for themselves and look to others to provide direction and support. This dependence creates a dynamic where they tend to yield to the wishes of others, prioritizing the needs and desires of their partners or family members over their own. As a result, their passivity can manifest as an avoidance of responsibility or risk in relational dynamics, often resulting in an ongoing fear of abandonment. This understanding of their behavior is crucial for recognizing how they interact with others and the influence of their disorder on their relationships.