Relationships should be built on trust and autonomy. Noticing red flags in someone in regard to their behavior can be difficult. Here are five signs of controlling behavior and how to address them.
1. Excessive monitoring:
This can look like excessively monitoring your whereabouts, phone calls, or social media.
To address this, you can recognize the difference between healthy concerns and invasive monitoring.
Control: "You can't hang out with those friends because all they do is drink."
Concern: "I am concerned about your sobriety when all your friends are drinking. How do you feel?"
2. Isolation from support systems:
This might be an attempt to isolate you from friends and family. Healthy relationships encourage connections outside of the partnership.
3. Micro-managing:
This may be excessive control over daily activities, decisions, or personal appearance. Notice any signs that your autonomy is being restricted or threatened.
4. Threats and intimidation:
This can look like they are using threats and intimidation to manipulate your behavior. Recognize the impact of this behavior on your sense of safety. Try asking yourself how inappropriate this threat would be if a friend or family member used it.
5. Financial control:
They may try to control finances or limit access to resources.
Financial autonomy is also essential for a healthy relationship.
It may be hard to address or combat these behaviors, so always trust your instincts, set boundaries, and seek professional help if needed. You are not alone.
If you are experiencing domestic abuse or violence, call 1800-799-7233, text START to 88788, or visit thehotline.org to chat live. All available 24/7
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