Do you find yourself at the receiving end of pointless interrogations? Does your partner have a habit of checking your phone?
Do you have to explain your whereabouts time and again? If the answer to all of this is yes, then chances are that you are stuck with a possessive partner.
Everyone yearns to be loved, protected and cared for in relationships but sometimes these perfectly healthy traits tend to reach a level when they can be rather sickening.
Possessiveness if not tackled tends to suck all the love out of relationships, leaving one partner forever suspicious and the other longing for space. Don’t let jealousy and possessiveness ruin your relationship.
Here are 5 ways to deal with a possessive partner:
1. Talk it out
Understanding why someone behaves a certain way helps in dealing with the person better. Think about it – what makes your partner so possessive and overbearing?
Does it have to do with his past relationships, a difficult childhood or just a very poor sense of self-worth?
Talk to him about his insecurities and fears and understand the root cause. While it is a difficult conversation to have, delaying it will only make matters worse.
2. Express your love
We don’t realize how a simple hug, saying “I love you” or a compliment can do wonders to our relationship – especially when you are dealing with an insecure partner.
If you love your partner, do not shy away from expressing your love, verbally, and physically. Give your partner that much-needed reassurance and let him/her understand that you truly are committed to the relationship just the way they are.
3. Involve your partner
Next time you are heading out with your set of friends, ask your partner to come along too. Involve him/her in your plans and let them see what your world looks like.
The more you involve them, the more secure your partner will feel in the relationship.
If your boyfriend has an issue with your male friends, make him meet them. Let him see for himself that you share a purely platonic relationship with them and nothing else. However, it is best to keep exes out of these gatherings because that never really goes down well.
4. Communicate your discomfort
Your partner needs to be made aware of the impact his/her controlling nature has on you and the relationship. Tell him/her why you don’t approve of them checking your phone, calling the shots on your outfit, or doubting you every time you meet friends.
Don’t expect yourself to take the burden of their insecurities because, in your attempt to be the more mature one, the last thing you want is to take it all in and have it affect your mental health.
5. Control your anger
Dealing with a possessive partner can get tough. In the process of trying hard to be mindful of your actions, it is natural to get irritable at times.
However, if your partner snaps at you, try not to respond angrily. Such altercations only tend to aggravate matters.
The best way to deal with is to remain calm and let the moment pass. Bring the topic up when your partner has cooled down – he/she will be in a better state to understand and absorb what you have to say.
