Being a control freak
So, I have a confession. Ive come to the conclusion that I am a control freak. I have a husband whom I love very dearly but I really only have him and my immediate family as people I interact with. I dont have many friends anymore, maybe 1 and 4 other co workers. I was never a person to have many friends growing up either. Ive noticed in past friendships that when I would give advice to my friends and they wouldnt listen to me I would get very angry and literally stop being their friend, even after everything weve been through. An example, I had a best mate, and she had gotten around with another best mate of mines ex. It bothered me because I thought she was making a bad choice given the other friend and the exs history, so did the friend. This first best mate, ended up ignoring us both and it infuriated me to the point of where I told her to just leave me alone, I really only wanted the best for her. Given I knew the history between the ex and the other best mate, I didnt want her to hurt the way she did. I really was only trying to look out and guide her as I usually do. But now I just think I ruined a completely fine friendship over something so stupid! In other words, Im a control freak who doesnt like the word no! A few of my friendships have ended in similar ways! I dont know why I cant get over not being able to guide someone and them not take it! Its really bothersome to me!!! Now back to my relationship with my husband. Im the exact same! Weve got a bit of a situation where long story short were going through a visa process so we cant be getting into any trouble at all with the law. He likes to drink and go out but people for some reason always pick on him and treat him differently! I hate it! Hes the type of person who wont stand up for himself & I feel like its my place to stand up for him, which I do but I think he hates it when I do! He always calls me his mother, Im his wife, I just want the best for him! I want him to be safe and to have a good time when he goes out anywhere! But I feel like a control freak! He doesnt listen to what I say, it gets underneath my skin all the time but hes the only one Ive ever stuck with.
Anyway, so thats a bit of background knowledge. I just guess I want a little bit of advice on what you think about my attitude towards my friendships and relationships and any advice or what not, I hate being so controlling and not being able to handle the word no! It makes me so upset and angry! I really wish I wasnt like this at all!!!
@sociableBalsam9094
Fortunately, you can work to change your actions. A journal can be helpful. Consider writing down when you have controlling thoughts and those actions. At the end of the day, review the notes and think about how you would like to think and behave differently and write that down. After you do this over a period of time, patterns will emerge and you can see where you can commonly do something different to change the controlling behavior. I hope that's helpful. I think some people are naturally controlling, so it's not like it's abnormal.