Toxic relationships can sneak up on almost anyone. And controlling behavior on the part of a partner knows no boundaries—people of any age, gender, sexual orientation or socioeconomic status can be in controlling relationships, playing either role.
Controlling people use a whole arsenal of tools in order to dominate their partners— whether they or their partners realize what’s happening or not. Sometimes, the emotional manipulation is complex enough that the person who is being controlled actually believes that they themselves are the villain, or that they are extremely lucky that their controlling partner “puts up” with them. Whether controlling behavior leads to more severe emotional or physical abuse or not, it is not a healthy situation. If you notice more than a couple of these signs within your relationship or your partner, take it seriously.1
If ANY of the following statements that are true about your relationship, you might be in a controlling relationship. If you’re in a relationship that is more about control than about mutual respect, mutual support, and mutual care take back control of yourself and your life. Do what you need to do to extricate yourself safely. We can help you.
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Are You in a Controlling Relationship?
1 20 Signs Your Partner Is Controlling by Andrea Bonior Ph.D., Psychology Today Used with permission.