The prompt answer to this question is obviously a Big Fat “NO”. But it needs a little more introspection I think. No one likes to admit they’re a control freak because it means admitting to imperfection and let’s face it – we all like to believe we’re perfect (even if we’re not really so)!

Take The Dating Quiz About Being In Control

Being in control isn’t a disease as many would like to believe but when you start going overboard – that’s when you cross over to the dark side and become a “freak”. This behavior can affect various aspects of your life, especially romantic relationships.

Let’s start with a short quiz:

1. I prefer to do everything myself because others don’t do it the right way.
2. In a relationship, I like knowing where my significant other is, at all times.
3. I hate being in a car when I’m not driving it.
4. I don’t take criticism very well because I don’t think I’m ever wrong.
5. I don’t like being told what to do.
6. I don’t like others touching my stuff.
7. When telling someone what to do, I also tell them how to do it.
8. I get annoyed when others don’t take my advice.
9. I like making lists for everything possible.
10. My life is in control when I am in control of everything and everyone in it.

Answer them honestly and objectively. If you agreed with most of these statements, your control itch might be getting a little out of control. These are the reasons why a guy might find it hard to be in a relationship with you.

Nag Nag Nag
While women are genetically programmed to nag more than men, if you’re a control freak you probably do it a lot more. If you’re always badgering the other person to do things, especially insignificant things and to do them your way – are you still wondering why they’re running away?

Withdrawing Affection
When your nagging doesn’t work, do you make threats of withdrawing affection or attention? Do you say things like “If you don’t do this, I won’t talk to you” or “No sex for you until you do that”? Constantly making withdrawal threats can be draining on your partner.

Intimidating Tactics
This is the next step to withdrawal where you intimidate your other half by threatening to lose your temper. Sometimes you don’t even make threats and simply rage at them every time they don’t do something you want them to do.

Guilt Trip
This is a manipulative way of getting them to do what you want. You will guilt them into believing that they are wrong in not listening to you/doing what you asked etc.

Confidence Crusher
In order to convince someone to do something your way, you first convince them what they’re doing is completely wrong. So you keep telling them they’re wrong and slowly chip away at their confidence. Once they don’t know what to do without you, they’re bound to ask you what to do all the time.

Some or all of these characteristics are usually part of a control freak’s personality. So even if you aren’t a control freak, it can help you identify one.

Most control freaks will not be ready to admit this applies to them. But if you’ve had people tell you you’re too controlling and you can (honestly) identify with a lot of these signs – you need to start making some changes. Everyone has a mind of their own and their own way of doing things. It isn’t your responsibility to “fix” all those who come your way.

There is no magical cure except to control your urge to control.