Title: Be Mine: Dealing With Possessiveness in a Relationship | Psychology Today
Headings: Be Mine: Dealing With Possessiveness in a Relationship
Lisa Firestone Ph.D.
Be Mine: Dealing With Possessiveness in a Relationship
Create a more equal and trusting relationship.

Content: Be Mine: Dealing With Possessiveness in a Relationship | Psychology Today
Lisa Firestone Ph.D.
Compassion Matters
Be Mine: Dealing With Possessiveness in a Relationship
Create a more equal and trusting relationship. Posted Feb 14, 2017 | Reviewed by Abigail Fagan
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The subject of having a possessive or controlling relationship partner may feel worlds away from the sweet sentiment behind asking someone to be your Valentine. However, many couples find there can be a slippery slope from desiring a lover to wanting to own them. When it comes to coping with feelings of jealousy or insecurity, couples can cross the line from love to possessiveness. They often intrude on each other’s boundaries and disrespect each other’s inherent independence. Think of all the secret searches through cell phones, the guilt trips when one partner goes out with friends, the outbursts when reassurance isn’t offered, or the interrogations over attractions to anyone else. There are many subtle and not-so-subtle ways people attempt to control relationship partners as a means to calm their own emotions. Yet feeling connected to someone doesn’t mean it's okay to act entitled or to exert power over them.