If you are in a relationship with a partner who is possessive, it can be difficult to cope. It’s important to remember that the person you’re dealing with is already emotionally invested in the relationship, so they may not see their actions as an attack or a threat.
They may not mean to do what they’re doing, nor to lose you or the relationship, but they cannot help but hurt you and control you.
Possessive partners can be difficult to deal with. They can be controlling, jealous, and obsessive. This type of relationship is not healthy for the person or the partner. That’s why we present you few ways to deal with a possessive partner.
What is a possessive partner?
A possessive partner is someone who has difficulty letting go of their partner and wants to control them and their actions. They may be jealous, controlling, or overly sensitive about what their partner does or who they spend time with.
They may feel like they are entitled to know where their significant other is, what they are doing, and what they are thinking. These behaviours can be seen as controlling or abusive and can make it difficult for your relationship to grow and develop in healthy ways.
How to deal with a possessive partner?
Possessiveness can manifest in different ways, including controlling behaviour, excessive jealousy, and physical violence. It can also lead to feelings of insecurity and anxiety.
The best way to deal with possessiveness is to confront it head-on by asking your partner how they feel about you, and then taking steps to make sure they are happy with the relationship.
1- Remove yourself from their life:
One way to deal with a possessive partner is to remove yourself from their life once and for all. You can do this by cutting off contact with them and blocking them on social media; after you make it clear to them that you’re done with their possessiveness.
This option is clearly the most extreme one; if you feel you have tried all but that person doesn’t understand that they don’t own you nor get to decide for you then they must go. A breakup is due, if you find yourself very frustrated by their behaviour, devastated, trapped and on the edge of losing your sanity.
And not just any type of break-up but one that involves whatever it take and even if it’s your local authorities or police to separate you two and give you safety and the freedom to do what you please with the rest of your life and body.
2- Create boundaries in the relationship:
If you just want to try and “fix” someone who’s possessive, rather than fully get away from them and their hold and grip then try setting boundaries. If you’re not done with them, love them or cannot let go then another option is to create boundaries in the relationship.
For example, you might tell your partner that you will not accept for them to decide about what you can do and what you shouldn’t do. You can state clearly what you expect from the relationship, what you will accept and what you will not.
3- Avoid triggering them more:
To avoid triggering someone doesn’t mean that we should submit to them and live under their mercy. However, we can avoid triggering them by not getting extremely angry or reacting badly to their expected possessive behaviour anymore, while we try to help them change.
If you know already that your partner has this problem; then you probably already know what to expect from them. That’s why when they yet again: exhibit possessive behaviour or make possessive comments, try not to react aggressively but calmly remind them yet again that you two agreed that they’d abstain from doing just that.
You should avoid reacting in anger when they question your behaviour or try to control you. Instead, calmly discuss with them and find a common ground. Arguing with them and turning every sign of possessiveness they show into a big argument or fight can only lead to a power struggle and cause more problems than it solves.
We have written articles to help control your anger in an argument, if you have a similar problem. Keep in mind that having a possessive partner and one with anger issues in a relationship can be a recipe for disaster!
Bottom line:
Possessive partners can be a real pain to deal with. If your partner is possessive, you might find yourself stuck in a relationship that you are not happy with.
There are times when you feel like your partner is not letting you have your own space. This can be frustrating and can lead to arguments. It is important to know how to deal with these situations and make sure that the relationship stays healthy.