You might not be aware of the signs your boyfriend is controlling towards you. Or maybe you have noticed that he does seem rather dominant, but have decided that he's just a take-charge kind of guy. Controlling men tend to be very clever about how they work so that you're oblivious of what he's up to. Watch out for the following signs your boyfriend is controlling …
Snapshot Survey
Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Please subscribe for your personalized newsletter:
Successfully subscribed!
Thank you for subscribing! Check your inbox for personalized content.
1. Lost Friends
One of the major signs your boyfriend is controlling is that he distances you from family and friends. There are many ways that he may do this. Perhaps he persuades you to spend time with you, rather than with other people. He may even sulk if you make arrangements to meet friends. Or he may get you to move to another city well away from friends and family.
If your boyfriend needs to know your every move, tries to make all the decisions, or constantly checks up on you, these can be signs he's controlling. Trust your instincts; if it feels off, it probably is.
It's important to speak up and set boundaries. Let him know how you feel and what you need. Remember, a healthy relationship involves compromise and mutual respect.
Lack of trust often stems from his own insecurities, not something you did. It’s important to have an open conversation about trust and work on building a healthier dynamic.
No, it’s not normal. A relationship should be a partnership, not a dictatorship. Both partners should have equal say and freedom.
Start by talking to him about how his behavior makes you feel. If things don’t improve, seeking advice from friends, family, or a professional can help. Your well-being comes first.
2. He Dictates to You
A controlling man will often tell you outright what to do. He will say he doesn't want you going to college or going out with your friends. Or he may tell you that you're too stupid to get that promotion, so don't bother. If you find that your movements and actions are being dictated by a man, get away from him. It won't get any better.
If your boyfriend needs to know your every move, tries to make all the decisions, or constantly checks up on you, these can be signs he's controlling. Trust your instincts; if it feels off, it probably is.
It's important to speak up and set boundaries. Let him know how you feel and what you need. Remember, a healthy relationship involves compromise and mutual respect.
Lack of trust often stems from his own insecurities, not something you did. It’s important to have an open conversation about trust and work on building a healthier dynamic.
No, it’s not normal. A relationship should be a partnership, not a dictatorship. Both partners should have equal say and freedom.
Start by talking to him about how his behavior makes you feel. If things don’t improve, seeking advice from friends, family, or a professional can help. Your well-being comes first.
3. 'Nice' Face
Some controlling men are more subtle and put a 'nice' face on. They appear to have your interests at heart but are really steering what you do. Often, they are criticizing you when you really analyze what they are saying. For example, if he says that you shouldn't go for promotion because the job will be tiring, he may secretly resent the possibility that you could be earning more than him.
If your boyfriend needs to know your every move, tries to make all the decisions, or constantly checks up on you, these can be signs he's controlling. Trust your instincts; if it feels off, it probably is.
It's important to speak up and set boundaries. Let him know how you feel and what you need. Remember, a healthy relationship involves compromise and mutual respect.
Lack of trust often stems from his own insecurities, not something you did. It’s important to have an open conversation about trust and work on building a healthier dynamic.
No, it’s not normal. A relationship should be a partnership, not a dictatorship. Both partners should have equal say and freedom.
Start by talking to him about how his behavior makes you feel. If things don’t improve, seeking advice from friends, family, or a professional can help. Your well-being comes first.
4. Checks up on You
Does your boyfriend call to find out where you are? Does he ask when you'll be home, and want to know your every move? You might interpret this as meaning that he's worried about you, but there's a big difference between calling to ask when you'll be home and checking up on you.
***
Having a controlling boyfriend can be an extremely difficult and emotionally draining situation to be in. A controlling partner can make you feel like you’re constantly being watched and judged, and can leave you feeling like you have no freedom or independence.
One of the most common signs of a controlling boyfriend is that he checks up on you. This can include calling to find out where you are, asking when you'll be home, and wanting to know your every move. While this might initially be interpreted as him being worried about you, it is important to recognize the difference between calling to ask when you'll be home and checking up on you. Checking up on you can be a sign that your boyfriend is trying to control you and limit your freedom.
Other signs of a controlling boyfriend can include making decisions for you without consulting you, trying to control who you spend time with, and being overly jealous. He might also try to limit your access to money or other resources, or even try to control your appearance. It is important to recognize the signs of a controlling relationship, and to take steps to address the issue if it is happening to you.
If your boyfriend needs to know your every move, tries to make all the decisions, or constantly checks up on you, these can be signs he's controlling. Trust your instincts; if it feels off, it probably is.
It's important to speak up and set boundaries. Let him know how you feel and what you need. Remember, a healthy relationship involves compromise and mutual respect.
Lack of trust often stems from his own insecurities, not something you did. It’s important to have an open conversation about trust and work on building a healthier dynamic.
No, it’s not normal. A relationship should be a partnership, not a dictatorship. Both partners should have equal say and freedom.
Start by talking to him about how his behavior makes you feel. If things don’t improve, seeking advice from friends, family, or a professional can help. Your well-being comes first.
If you're looking to engage your partner in intriguing conversations, why not try some hypothetical questions for couples? These fun queries will not only keep the conversation lively but also stimulate deep thoughts and potentially reveal insights about each other's personality and thought processes.
5. Makes You Feel Guilty
Controlling men often try to make you feel guilty because you have other interests. They may imply it, rather than say it outright. Let's say you want to go away with friends and your boyfriend doesn't like it. He may pretend that he's not feeling well, but tell you not to worry, go anyway, he'll cope … So you cancel your plans, and he's got his way without appearing to have told you what to do.
If your boyfriend needs to know your every move, tries to make all the decisions, or constantly checks up on you, these can be signs he's controlling. Trust your instincts; if it feels off, it probably is.
It's important to speak up and set boundaries. Let him know how you feel and what you need. Remember, a healthy relationship involves compromise and mutual respect.
Lack of trust often stems from his own insecurities, not something you did. It’s important to have an open conversation about trust and work on building a healthier dynamic.
No, it’s not normal. A relationship should be a partnership, not a dictatorship. Both partners should have equal say and freedom.
Start by talking to him about how his behavior makes you feel. If things don’t improve, seeking advice from friends, family, or a professional can help. Your well-being comes first.
Gallery Spotlight
Save and share the images that inspire you. Tag @allwomenstalk to get featured.
Save
6. You've Given Things up
Relationships often involve compromises, but these should be made on both sides. Be wary if you have given up everything for your boyfriend. Controlling men often persuade you to give up your studies, hobbies and job to move to a new city, where you are at a distance from family and friends. Making a change or a new start can be good for you, but not if you've deliberately been isolated.
If your boyfriend needs to know your every move, tries to make all the decisions, or constantly checks up on you, these can be signs he's controlling. Trust your instincts; if it feels off, it probably is.
It's important to speak up and set boundaries. Let him know how you feel and what you need. Remember, a healthy relationship involves compromise and mutual respect.
Lack of trust often stems from his own insecurities, not something you did. It’s important to have an open conversation about trust and work on building a healthier dynamic.
No, it’s not normal. A relationship should be a partnership, not a dictatorship. Both partners should have equal say and freedom.
Start by talking to him about how his behavior makes you feel. If things don’t improve, seeking advice from friends, family, or a professional can help. Your well-being comes first.
7. Makes You Dependent
A controlling man likes to feel that you are dependent on him. This may be economic (you've moved to be with him and can't find a job), or emotional. He wants to be the only important thing in your world. Even if you do think about leaving, he's made you so dependent on him that you can't imagine how you'd cope.
If your boyfriend needs to know your every move, tries to make all the decisions, or constantly checks up on you, these can be signs he's controlling. Trust your instincts; if it feels off, it probably is.
It's important to speak up and set boundaries. Let him know how you feel and what you need. Remember, a healthy relationship involves compromise and mutual respect.
Lack of trust often stems from his own insecurities, not something you did. It’s important to have an open conversation about trust and work on building a healthier dynamic.
No, it’s not normal. A relationship should be a partnership, not a dictatorship. Both partners should have equal say and freedom.
Start by talking to him about how his behavior makes you feel. If things don’t improve, seeking advice from friends, family, or a professional can help. Your well-being comes first.
8. He Puts You down
If your boyfriend starts to put you down when you do something by yourself and makes it look like you can’t do anything without his help, beware! When a guy starts picking on your flaws and telling you you're not good enough, this is a manipulating tactic. This will eventually make you lose your own confidence, and wait for his reassurance and help each time you try something new.
If your boyfriend needs to know your every move, tries to make all the decisions, or constantly checks up on you, these can be signs he's controlling. Trust your instincts; if it feels off, it probably is.
It's important to speak up and set boundaries. Let him know how you feel and what you need. Remember, a healthy relationship involves compromise and mutual respect.
Lack of trust often stems from his own insecurities, not something you did. It’s important to have an open conversation about trust and work on building a healthier dynamic.
No, it’s not normal. A relationship should be a partnership, not a dictatorship. Both partners should have equal say and freedom.
Start by talking to him about how his behavior makes you feel. If things don’t improve, seeking advice from friends, family, or a professional can help. Your well-being comes first.
9. He Makes Decisions for You
It may seem great when you're really indecisive and your boyfriend helps you make simple choices, but what happens when he does it without you asking? If he starts to pick what you're wearing, eating and where you're going, you need to start to notice these things. If he disagrees with every decision you try and make for yourself, I hope you start to realize what's wrong in the situation.
If your boyfriend needs to know your every move, tries to make all the decisions, or constantly checks up on you, these can be signs he's controlling. Trust your instincts; if it feels off, it probably is.
It's important to speak up and set boundaries. Let him know how you feel and what you need. Remember, a healthy relationship involves compromise and mutual respect.
Lack of trust often stems from his own insecurities, not something you did. It’s important to have an open conversation about trust and work on building a healthier dynamic.
No, it’s not normal. A relationship should be a partnership, not a dictatorship. Both partners should have equal say and freedom.
Start by talking to him about how his behavior makes you feel. If things don’t improve, seeking advice from friends, family, or a professional can help. Your well-being comes first.
10. He Freaks out when You Stand up to Him
When you finally stand up to someone that has been trying to control you, there are a few things that could happen. He could either break down and say you can't leave him, he loves you and he never meant to make you feel this way. He could test you and push you to see if you'll actually break up with him. Worst of all, he could get violent. If any of these things happen when you stand up for yourself - get out.
If your boyfriend needs to know your every move, tries to make all the decisions, or constantly checks up on you, these can be signs he's controlling. Trust your instincts; if it feels off, it probably is.
It's important to speak up and set boundaries. Let him know how you feel and what you need. Remember, a healthy relationship involves compromise and mutual respect.
Lack of trust often stems from his own insecurities, not something you did. It’s important to have an open conversation about trust and work on building a healthier dynamic.
No, it’s not normal. A relationship should be a partnership, not a dictatorship. Both partners should have equal say and freedom.
Start by talking to him about how his behavior makes you feel. If things don’t improve, seeking advice from friends, family, or a professional can help. Your well-being comes first.
11. You Feel Crazy
If you start to freak out and think that he's hiding something from you or that you're doing something wrong, this isn't OK.
A controlling boyfriend can sometimes make you feel like you're the crazy one in the relationship. This is their way to manipulate you into staying with them and telling them things they want to know.
If your boyfriend needs to know your every move, tries to make all the decisions, or constantly checks up on you, these can be signs he's controlling. Trust your instincts; if it feels off, it probably is.
It's important to speak up and set boundaries. Let him know how you feel and what you need. Remember, a healthy relationship involves compromise and mutual respect.
Lack of trust often stems from his own insecurities, not something you did. It’s important to have an open conversation about trust and work on building a healthier dynamic.
No, it’s not normal. A relationship should be a partnership, not a dictatorship. Both partners should have equal say and freedom.
Start by talking to him about how his behavior makes you feel. If things don’t improve, seeking advice from friends, family, or a professional can help. Your well-being comes first.
12. Excuses
Do you ever start to complain about, but then jump to his defense minutes later? Once a friend suggests maybe you should split up, do you all of a sudden start to say “Oh you just don’t know him like I do. He’s actually really sweet" or anything like that? If so, that's a bad sign. It probably feels more like you’re trying to convince yourself, rather than who you’re defending him to.
If your boyfriend needs to know your every move, tries to make all the decisions, or constantly checks up on you, these can be signs he's controlling. Trust your instincts; if it feels off, it probably is.
It's important to speak up and set boundaries. Let him know how you feel and what you need. Remember, a healthy relationship involves compromise and mutual respect.
Lack of trust often stems from his own insecurities, not something you did. It’s important to have an open conversation about trust and work on building a healthier dynamic.
No, it’s not normal. A relationship should be a partnership, not a dictatorship. Both partners should have equal say and freedom.
Start by talking to him about how his behavior makes you feel. If things don’t improve, seeking advice from friends, family, or a professional can help. Your well-being comes first.
13. He Needs to Know Everything
Does he ask you where you're going? Who you're going to be with? What you're going to be doing? These are all red flags. Of course, it's normal to tell your significant other where you're going and who you're hanging out with, but there is a line that shouldn't be crossed. It should be okay for you to go out without telling your partner where you're going or even if you're going out at all! If he demands knowing anything, you should take notice.
Some controlling men are outright bullies and tell you flat out what you should and shouldn't do. Others use psychological tricks to get their own way. These are not healthy relationships, and you might think that you'd never end up in one like it. But it's happened to many women who thought the same. So be aware of the tactics these men use. Have you ever been in a relationship with a man who told you what to do, and how did you realize what was happening?
This article was written in collaboration with editor Lydia Sheehan.
Snapshot Survey
Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Please subscribe for your personalized newsletter:
Successfully subscribed!
Thank you for subscribing! Check your inbox for personalized content.
Comments
Courtney: I married my controlling boyfriend-
Fallon: Everything in this article is so true, I've been in a controlling relationship since I was 16, I'm now 23 & I've finally gotten the courage to leave! I'm breaking free & this article just reassured me that I made the right choice...
Shannon: Question? If you and a guy you just met planned to meet for happy hour after work then the day if he says hey I want to hut the gym after work and we can meet at 7:45 and days will that work? Do you say yes or do you say lets do another day?
Lexuslilly: This isn't exclusive to boyfriends, women can be just as guilty of being controlling in the same manner as girlfriends or wives. Truthfully, not everything is a one way street.
Doxie: I just sold a property and he stole the money from me and applied it to the mortgage and I am not a listed on the mortgage. I told him not to do this I wanted my money and he did it anyway. This just destroyed all faith I had in him at all.
Jasmine: Well me and my boyfriend been dating for a couple months now and at first things were so perfect I mean as time progressed he did start to show little controlling signs .. he tries to make me order all these pills in stuff to gain weight he complains about how I dress down to my socks he makes sure he tells me wat to wear. It's been getting worst now he's been hitting me smh every time he says he's gonna stop it's the last time he does it again I've tryed to leave but then he just climbs up my fire escape he's made it to where I can't even lock my door anymore so he can have access whenever he beats me in front of my friends and even comes to there house to fight them if he catches me with them I'm so tired of getting hit for nothing that I just don't go anywhere anymore can't even work because ik if I do he'll find a reason to hit me he claims he's gonna get help n he's working on it I'm just hoping he does because I don't know how much more I can take
Serena:
Doxie: I have been with a very controlling man for 15 years. I hate my life I hate where we now live and I hate him. He retired two years ago and life has become the fifth dimension of hell since he has been home 24/7. My mother lives with us due to heath issues
:
Add allwomenstalk.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
EST 2005
Evolve. Empower. Elevate.
- Creators on the platform
- 3,000+
- Total social reach
- 12M+
- Features published
- 100K+
New Earn badges & level up while you read
Create your profile. Earn badges. Level up your reading.
Join Allwomenstalk to track your streaks, collect badges, and earn XP for the things you already do—reading, sharing, and taking quizzes.
- 🔥Daily streaks with gentle boosts for 3, 7, and 30 days.
- 🏅Collect badges like Reader I–III, Socialite, and Quiz Ace.
- ⚡️Earn XP for reads, deep reads, likes, comments, and shares.
It’s free. Takes 30 seconds. Already have an account? Sign in.
Feedback Junction
Where Thoughts and Opinions Converge