1. Moodiness They sulk or throw a fit every time it feels as though they are not being paid enough attention. Happy birthday Chloe! Okay, I’m gonna bring out the cake. Andrew, can you help clear off the table please? Why? I’m already sitting down. Let’s all sing “Happy Birthday.” Ready? No, I’m not gonna sing. I have a sore throat anyways, remember? Remember that job I applied to? Well, they want me to come for a final interview to discuss my salary expectations! I’m super excited! Yeah, well that’s nice, but I had a terrible day. So I don’t really feel like celebrating, if you don’t mind. Oh, I’m sorry. What happened? You know what? I don’t want to talk about it. 2. Jealous They act like they own you and have the right to determine who you spend time with and how you interact with others. What’s the name of that guy who always hangs out with your friend Jasper? Oh, that’s probably his boyfriend, David. Why? I didn’t like the way he was looking at you the other night. Maybe you shouldn’t spend so much time with those two. Who is Becca?! You know about Becca! We were friends in middle school before I moved. Well, she just tagged you as her “best friend” on Facebook. What’s the big deal? We’re still really close. I thought we were best friends. What does it make us if Becca is now your best friend? 3. Short-tempered They have frequent temper outbursts whenever you disagree with them or don’t do exactly what they want. Hey, I’ve gotta run now, but I’ll do the dishes when I come back, okay? I can’t believe it! You always do this—leave all the dirty work to me. You’d rather be out partying with your friends than actually help out around the house. Have you happened to see my ring lying around? I can’t find it anywhere. What are you saying? Are you calling me a thief? Besides, I wouldn’t take your stupid ring even if I wanted to. Where do you want to go out to eat tonight? Why are you even asking? You know what I like to eat. How about Italian? No! I hate Italian food! I can’t believe you would even suggest that. 4. Demeaning and overly critical of you or other people. Controlling people often criticize others in order to appear superior and in control. Everyone in English 2 is so stupid. I hate having to sit there and listen to their so-called ideas and opinions. It’s such a waste of time for me—I’m only taking this class because I need the credits. Ugh, I was so frustrated at work today. I had to create a spreadsheet and it took me an hour to figure it out. I wouldn’t expect you to know how to do that. Not exactly your forte, is it? Could you help me open this jar? I think it’s stuck. This is so easy. How weak are you, that you can’t even open a jar? 5. Won’t accept “no” for an answer. They insist until they wear you down and make you feel guilty for refusing. Can you pick me up at 2:00 from Jason’s house? Sorry, I’m going to be at work then. Just leave a little early. I really can’t leave that early. Can you take the bus? Why would I take the bus if you have a car? I don’t understand why this is such an issue for you. Besides, I’ve given you rides many times. 7. Ignore your preferences. Controlling people attempt to define your reality. They expect you to change or give up your plans for their benefit. Guess what? I’ve just booked us two tickets for a romantic getaway in Paris! Wait, what? We never discussed this. I don’t know… Come on, you’ll love it. It’s just what we need. But I can’t leave the country that weekend! I have to be here for my sister’s wedding. She won’t mind. Just tell her that we’re going to be on vacation.