Some people are more passive, while others are more proactive. Some people are inclined to take more control of a situation, and other people are quite happy to follow. There is nothing wrong with either disposition. However, there are limits to this – and those are as important as anything could possibly be. When aggression is involved, it is a big no-no.

What does aggression mean? When your needs and wishes are being trampled upon. When you are expected to fall into line even when you don’t want to and doing so is not in your best interest.

If the person you are dating shows signs of thinking they have a right to dictate what you wear, where you will work, or how much contact you may have with your own family – take notice, as it could be the sign of something worrying.

People with an extreme controlling tendency will often get stubborn and/or angry when things don’t go their way.

While it may feel good to have someone take care of everything for you, it will soon become less attractive if that means you are being crushed.

Don’t ignore signs of overly controlling behavior, as its impact on marital stability is enormous. (see article for red flags of controlling behavior).