Keep your power and stand firm
It may seem easier to acquiesce and give in instead of taking a different path. Some people are like marionettes with a controlling person pulling the strings. Others can be stuck in a pattern where their partner makes most of the decisions large and small.

This is a true-life example of not keeping your power. A customer in her fifties tried on many dresses for an outdoor wedding in Florida. A floral one was stunning and Susan was lovely in it. She also bought a blue linen one which had her looking like a princess. An hour later she returned both. “My husband said the floral one would clash with his Hawaiian shirt. He insisted that I take them back.”

Susan was told how lovely she looked in both and that they seemed comfortable, Susan answered how much she liked the dresses, but her husband said no and to return them. This is crazy for an adult to allow a spouse to mandate what clothes they can wear. Why did she want his permission? This adult does not need his approval for clothes purchases.

Controlling people want to be in the spotlight and not share it. They don’t want a wife who looks ravishing in her new dress to be the star. Others have an insecurity issue and deal with that be controlling others. They attempt to micromanage people around them in-order to feel powerful. By pushing someone down, they feel like they are on top.

Steps to take

When told what to do, treat it as a suggestion and not a command. Respond accordingly. “That’s a good idea, I’ll considerate it.” Or “I’ll get back to you and let you know.”