overprotective partners: what do i need to be aware of?

overprotective partners: AM I one or do i have one?

Photo by Rene Asmussen: https://www.pexels.com/photo/grayscale-photo-of-man-and-woman-629586/

If you constantly feel like you're never pleasing your partner and they are constantly accusing or doubting you, you may have an overprotective partner.

What is an overprotective partner?

An overprotective partner can be someone who tries to take control of your life and restrict you from your freedom.

When a person finds themselves in love with an overprotective partner, they can feel unhappy and suffocated in their relationship. If you find yourself in this situation and feel that it's impairing your relationship, you may want to address this early on so it doesn't affect your relationship long-term.

Here are a few ways to address your partner's overprotective behavior:

1. Having an honest conversation
Being honest with your partner about your concerns while also encouraging them to open up about their fears without being judgmental can help you understand your partner better.

2. Setting boundaries
Setting boundaries with your partner may be a good next step to prevent overprotective behavior. It's important to be assertive in your boundaries, and how you will address them should they not be respected.

3. Compromise is important
Make notes on what you're willing and unwilling to compromise on in a relationship. For example, telling your partner when you're hanging out with friends to keep them in the loop.

Healthy relationships can offer a sense of support, comfort, partnership, and many other benefits. That being said, they also require working collaboratively with your partner, and yourself in ways that can feel uncomfortable. Having an overprotective partner can often have the opposite effect on us, but it's important that we remind ourselves that we are in charge of our independence and are not obligated to do things we do not want to.


References: Kedia, S. (2022, September 22). Do you have an overprotective boyfriend? 40+ signs to identify. ThePleasantRelationship. Retrieved February 17, 2023, from https://thepleasantrelationship.com/overprotective-boyfriend/


Wright, L. (2021, February 22). Overprotective partner? here's what you can do. Marriage Advice - Expert Marriage Tips & Advice. Retrieved February 17, 2023, from https://www.marriage.com/advice/relationship/overprotective-partner/#:~:text=A%20person%20in%20love%20with,give%20up%20on%20the%20relationship.

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Author

​ariana hernandez

Ariana is a student counselor working on her masters in mental health counseling at Sul Ross State University. Ariana will be finishing in Fall of 2023 and looking forward to seeing what she does next. Ariana is supervised by Aimee Rhodes, LPC-S