7 signs your partner is controlling
Being in a loving relationship is what many of us aspire and look for in our lives. After all, having a partner is like being in a team with shared responsibilities and burdens. This helps a lot in the fast-paced and emotionally demanding time we live in. However, in many cases, one partner might try to control the other without even them knowing. This is not good for the relationship in the long run. Here are 7 signs that indicate your partner is controlling.
Isolating you from friends and family
This is often the first step for a controlling person. This includes them complaining about how often you talk to your brother or your best friend on the phone. They could even try to turn you against anyone you rely on for support besides them.
Criticizing you even for small things
No matter how small a criticism seems to be, if it's a part of a constant dynamic within your relationship, it would be tough to feel accepted, validated, or loved. You can't be valued as a true equal if every little thing you do could be improved in your partner's eyes.
They refuse to accept blame
No one likes to admit they made a mistake, but people who are controlling are incapable of admitting fault. Even when their actions are clearly the issue, they will find some way to blame you for what went wrong.
Veiled threats
Threats don't have to always be physical in nature. They can be psychological as well. A person may be threatened with losing their home, access to their children, or financial support if they leave a controlling or abusive partner. Even if such threats are not genuine, it is a way of controlling the other person.
Using guilt as a tool
In many cases, controlling people are skilled manipulators at making their partner's emotions work in their favor. If they can manage to send their partner on a guilt trip, their work is done. Their partners will gradually try to do whatever they can to not feel guilty.
Not respecting your need for time alone
Making you feel guilty for the time you need on your own to recharge or that you don't love them enough when they need you are classic signs of a controlling partner. In controlling relationships, the person needing the alone time is made out to be a villain or denied the time altogether.
Making you feel unworthy of them
Whether by subtly making you feel less attractive than they are or constantly comparing their professional accomplishments to yours, controlling people often want you to feel grateful that you are in a relationship with them. This will force you to work harder and harder to make them happy.