Being overly possessive can make your relationship toxic, and being with a possessive partner for too long can damage your psyche. A little possessiveness is acceptable in every relationship, but if you’re with someone who’s not healthy and they’re always possessive of you, that’s a big red flag.
Do you find yourself on the receiving end of pointless interrogations? Does your partner have a habit of checking your phone?
Do you have to explain your place over and over again? If the answer to all of this is yes, then you are probably stuck with a possessive partner.
Everyone craves to be loved, protected and cared for in relationships, but sometimes these perfectly healthy traits tend to reach a level where they can be a little gross.
Possessiveness if not dealt with 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 spoil your relationship.
Here are 5 ways to deal with a plump partner
- Talk about it.
Understanding why someone behaves in a certain way helps to deal with the person better. Think about it – what makes your partner possessive and overbearing?
Is it his past relationships, his difficult childhood, or just a very poor sense of his self-worth?
Talk to him about his fears and insecurities and understand the root cause. While it’s a difficult conversation, delaying it will only make things worse.
Being the most stable and secure partner, you need to help him/her overcome these insecurities and make them understand that there is nothing to worry about – only then will you be able to enjoy a healthy relationship.
Related: Why It Cannot Work With The Narcissist: 5 Reasons
- Express your love.
We don’t realize how a simple hug, saying “I love you” or a compliment can do wonders for our relationship – especially when you’re dealing with an insecure partner.
If you love your partner, feel free to express your love both verbally and physically. Give your partner that much-needed reassurance and let them know that you are truly committed to the relationship the way it is.
You never know, being expressive might just help them overcome their fears and make them start to have more faith in the relationship.
- Involve your partner.
Next time you go out with your group of friends, ask your partner to come with you, too. Involve them in your plans and let them see what your world is like.
The more you involve them, the more secure your partner will feel in the relationship.
If your boyfriend has a problem with your male friends, get him to meet them. Let him see for himself that you share a purely platonic relationship with him and nothing else. However, it’s best to keep directors out of these gatherings because it never goes over well.
Related: Have You Been the Victim of Narcissistic Triangulation?
- Transfer your annoyance.
We talked about expressing your love but it is also necessary to express your discomfort when your partner becomes overly arrogant.
Your partner should be aware of the impact his controlling nature is having on you and the relationship. Tell him or her why you don’t agree to check your phone, call picks on your clothes, or doubt you every time you meet up with friends.
Don’t expect yourself to bear the burden of their insecurities because, in your attempt to be more mature, the last thing you want is for them to take all of that into consideration and affect your mental health.
- Control your anger.
Dealing with a possessive partner can get challenging. While you’re trying hard to be mindful of your actions, it’s only natural to get upset at times.
However, if your partner snaps at you, try not to respond with anger. Such quarrels tend to only make matters worse.
The best way to deal with it is to stay calm and let the moment pass. Bring up the subject when your partner has calmed down – they’ll be in a better position to understand what you have to say.
There’s a difference between being likable and being in control of yourself – don’t let your bossy partner make you believe otherwise.
Related: 7 Signs Your Mother Is An Exhibitionist Narcissist
At the end of the day, everyone has a threshold, and if you feel like you did your best to make him feel safe and yet you don’t see any change in his behavior, it’s best to step back from the relationship.
It takes two people to make a relationship work, and if your partner is being unreasonable, you’d be better off staying away.