How do you respond when you feel that your friend, family member, or partner is trying to control you? Do you counter by trying to control them — giving yourself up, resisting, getting angry, blaming or withdrawing?
A Cry for Connection
How does the other person respond to this? Does he or she respond with more controlling behavior — indifference, resistance, defending, anger, blame, or compliance?
Do you end up feeling connected with each other?
Take a moment right now to tune inside and see what is really happening when you protect yourself with avoidant, controlling behavior.