A healthy relationship is one with balance, respect, and understanding of both the individuals involved. Controlling, while it cannot mean dominance and manipulation, will surely be secure, confident, and empowered about a relationship. Whatever your conflict-whether about communication, boundaries over emotions, or issues concerning decisions-made is balanced, therefore making both persons involved equal participants in the relationship.
In this blog, we’re going to dig into practical ways on how to be in control of your relationship and fostering mutual respect in your relationship.
Set up boundaries
Sometimes people in relationships don’t set up any boundaries because they want to keep their partner on his toes. The truth is that a relationship is not just about two people enjoying themselves, its about both people sharing their lives, feelings and dreams with each other. You need to set up boundaries so that you both can live your life freely and your partner wouldn’t feel suffocated.
“In all of your work, keep one eye on the future and the other eye on the past; then you will never fail.” ~Henry Ford
Set up different boundaries with your partner; you could have a list of what you are not willing to compromise on, and if you can stick to it, you will have successfully set up boundaries.
Making Sacrifices
Most people have to make sacrifices to be together, but there is a limit to how much you should have to give up. If you are the one who is always making sacrifices, turn the situation around and make him sacrifice something for once. If he complains, tell him that a relationship is about compromises, and it’s his turn to compromise.
Also Read: How to End an Emotionally Abusive Relationship
Just Say No
To be in control of your relationship, you need to learn to say no to your partner. If he makes unreasonable requests or demands, tell him ‘no’ and stand firm. He must respect your point of view and your ability to make decisions for both of you, so make a statement and don’t back down.
It can be a hard thing to do when you have control issues, and you are a person who likes to be in charge. But there are better ways to deal with control issues than to say no. The right way to deal with control issues is to say yes and learn to let go of control. Saying no when you actually do need to say no is much easier to deal with than dealing with an overbearing relationship.
Sharing the Power
These days, most couples share power and make decisions together; this way, both partners get to wear the trousers. Of course, it’s not always realistic to make joint decisions, but the trick is to be in control of your relationship without making him feel like he’s powerless.
Open up your heart and mind
Opening up to someone, especially if you’ve been in a relationship for a while, will help you understand how you think and how things generally work.
You must know where the person you see lives and what he or she is looking for. That way, you will open up to him or her and create a more intimate bond. You should see your relationship in a holistic approach and open your thoughts. What are you looking for in a partner? What lifestyle do you lead, and what do you wish to accomplish? If you cannot grasp these things, then you will never be able to tell if you and your partner are on the same page or not.
Make sure that you understand what your partner has been doing, what they expect from you, and what you expect from them. Even if you think you’re not on the same page as them, it might just be an internal issue. Once you get a closer look, it will all be a lot clearer.
