Case Lab · Type A · Foundation

F60

Unable to decide without her

A 45-year-old man has, since early adulthood, consistently relied on his older sister to make even minor everyday decisions for him — what to buy, which job to take, how to respond to a difficult letter. He describes feeling intense anxiety and helplessness whenever she is unavailable, has gone along with decisions he privately disagreed with rather than risk her disapproval, and has avoided taking a promotion because it would have meant working independently of her guidance. He describes a lifelong pattern of seeking out relationships where someone else takes primary responsibility for his life.