Controlling people want to have control or assert power over another person. They can be intimidating, overbearing, and domineering in their efforts to get their way by manipulating others. Controlling behavior in someone else can make you feel angry or embarrassed or even create feelings of inferiority and despair.
Controlling people often insist everyone do things their way, even when it comes to small issues that are a matter of personal choice. Your partner might insist you change clothes if you're wearing something they don't like. They may refuse to back down even after you make it clear you disagree with them.
These people are constrained in their emotions, thoughts, and actions. They hold back, curb, and even bottle up themselves, muffling opinions, actions, and responses to other people. Sometimes they are shy and appear mousy or inhibited.
A person with a “controlling personality” is driven by high levels of anxiety to feel safe. Though the need for control might be an unconscious feeling, the anxiety can create a strong desire to control surroundings and other people to keep a sense of order.
Controlling behavior and manipulation are toxic and don't align with what open and honest communication is all about—which is necessary for a healthy relationship. If you ever feel unsafe due to someone else's behavior, trust your gut and remove yourself from the situation as quickly as possible.
Type C personalities tend to be quite controlling, both of themselves and others. They don't like things to get out of hand and may appear stoic because they don't really want themselves to display a lot of emotion.
If someone tries to control situations or other people to an unhealthy extent, others may describe them as a controlling person. They may try to control a situation by taking charge and doing everything themselves or control others through manipulation, coercion, threats, and intimidation.
Control is typically a reaction to the fear of losing control. People who struggle with the need to be in control often fear being at the mercy of others, and this fear may stem from traumatic events that left them feeling helpless and vulnerable.
While having a controlling personality is not a personality disorder in itself, many personality disorders are characterized by controlling tendencies.
Control issues can be related to:
An individual's beliefs, values, and faith. Perfectionism and a general fear of failure. Traumatic or abuse life experiences. Low or impaired self-esteem.
(1) Controlling is a Fundamental Management Function. (2) Essential Function of Every Manager. (3) Controlling is a Continuous Activity. (4) Controlling is Both the Beginning and the End of the Process of Management.
Students with emotional control difficulties may: have a low tolerance for frustration or criticism; appear to overreact, or react more strongly than their peers; be prone to fight/flight/freeze responses such as outbursts, meltdowns, or shutting down.
A controlling partner might undermine your confidence and make you feel insecure, putting you down in private and/or public. For example, they might criticise the way you dress or how you spend your time, exaggerate your 'flaws', or make fun of you in front of others but pass it off as 'just a joke'.
Controlling people aren't always self-centered, but they're not too empathetic either. Empathy for them tends to appear in the form of strategic concessions they use as a means to get what they want.
domineering. adjective. trying to control other people and make them obey you.
One thing to know about ENTJs is they're extremely self-confident, sometimes bordering on arrogant. This means they often have problems with authority. They dislike being told what to do and quickly get irritated if they feel like someone is dictating their actions.
ESTPs and ENTJs have the potential to be the most toxic personality types. They have a tendency to be egotistical, competitive, and controlling. This does not mean everyone with these personality types is toxic. But it is important to be aware of these tendencies that can lead to unhealthy behavior.
Borderline personality disorder (BPD), also known as emotionally unstable personality disorder (EUPD), is a personality disorder characterized by a long-term pattern of intense and unstable interpersonal relationships, distorted sense of self, and strong emotional reactions.
Control freaks can get angry if they feel things are not going according to their expectations. They can also become frustrated if they are unable to control a situation or if others do not follow their orders. It is common for control freaks to react with anger when their need for control is challenged or threatened.
In terms of personality-type theory, control freaks are very much the Type A personality, driven by the need to dominate and control. An obsessive need to control others is also associated with antisocial personality disorder.
Summary. Manipulative behavior occurs when a person uses controlling and harmful behaviors to avoid responsibility, conceal their true intentions, or cause doubt and confusion. Manipulation tactics, such as gaslighting, lying, blaming, criticizing, and shaming, can damage a person's psychological well-being.