This study attempted to empirically test one of the primary clinical observations which inform codependency Theory. That is that wives of alcoholics, or codependents, have an incapacity for experiencing mature emotional intimacy which antedates the marriage to an alcholic. It was hypothesized that this pre-existing incapacity for experiencing intimacy would manifest itself in a significant relationship outside of the marital dyad (i.e., with the codependent's closest friend). Despite widespread professional and public acceptance of Codependency as an identifiable unique diagnostic entity such acceptance has been solely based on clinical observation without reference to prior related empirical research on wives of alcoholics. This present study stands as the first empirical research testing a hypothesized personality deficit central to the personality configuration of the codependent.