Deciphering the meaning behind these maxims is quite a challenge. We have to remember he wrote them and they were translated before the dangers of codependency were articulated and the term was used. Gracian is NOT talking about enabling someone through infantilizing or self sacrifice - issues that come up in relationships when an eating disorder is present.
The points he brings up in his commentary are critical learning for people in eating disorder recovery. Fear of abandonment that stimulates people pleasing to the point of