How to Deal With a Control Freak

Being around a control freak is never easy or pleasant, whether you're dealing with a bossy best friend, a micromanaging boss, or an older sister who wants everything done her way. However, there are some times when you can't just escape the person and need to learn how to cope with his or her behavior so you don't end up pulling all of your hair out. When it comes to dealing with a control freak, it's all about staying calm, understanding where the behavior is coming from, and avoiding the situation when you can. If you want to know how to deal with a control freak, then see Step 1 to get started.

Part 1
Part 1 of 4:

Understanding the Need for Control

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    Understand what makes a person be a control freak. People afflicted with this tendency have a need to control outcomes and often other people. They feel out of control and seek to control someone else. They are terrified of failure, particularly their own and of being unable to fathom the consequences when things go wrong. There is a core of fearfulness or anxiety about their own limitations (often unexplored), a worry about not being respected and a distrust in the ability of others to do what they ask of them.[1] [2]
    • People who control others often want their needs met before others.
    • The control freak cannot trust that anyone will do a better job than they will. And in an age when we are constantly told what to do without being fully told why (think of all the rules, regrets and warnings we live by daily), the control freak likes to step into the gap and appear as the sole authority figure around, whether or not they have a proper grasp on the facts (and sadly, they often do not).
    • Core qualities of a controlling or bossy person include a lack of trust in others, a need to criticize, a sense of superiority (arrogance) and a liking for power. They can also feel that they deserve things that other people might not deserve, and feel that they do not need to spend time with or show respect for others.[3]
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    See if the controlling person needs professional help. Sometimes, a person is just a control freak, but there are times when the need for control goes beyond being an annoying personality trait. Controlling or bossy people may suffer from a personality disorder (possibly Narcissistic Personality Disorder or Antisocial Personality Disorder) that stems from childhood/early adulthood experiences that they have not been able to resolve with any clarity. If the bossy person has a true personality disorder, then the best way to deal with it is for the person to get help.[4]
    • Getting professional help can help address control issues through therapy which often involves unraveling the source of the need for control.[5]
    • If you suspect that this is the case, then the exact disorder would need to be identified by a professional. However, you should be aware that getting someone who likes to be in control to accept that he or she needs such assessment will be difficult. Ultimately, this person has to realize their controlling tendencies and want to do something about them. Most people who are controlling and bossy prefer to blame other people for their issues.
    • Additionally, you may not always be in the position to suggest professional help to the bossy person. If the person, for example, is a boss or an older adult in your family, you may not be in the best position to suggest such a thing.
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    Understand how a controlling person affects others. Bossy or controlling people sound like a perennially uncompromising parent. They might use terms such as "Do it now!", "I am the boss, do what I say", or "Get on with it!", without asking nicely or using any other form of manners. If you always feel childlike around this person, it's a fair bet that this person is seeking to control you and/or the situation. This person may ignore your skills, experiences and rights, preferring to impress their abilities over yours. The controlling type tends to think that they are entitled to boss others around and to be in charge. This helps them to feel better about themselves.[6]
    • Even in situations where this person does have authority over you (such as a teacher, enforcement officer or boss), controlling tendencies are revealed through the manner of their use of power. If they are disrespectful, arrogant in tone, pushy and dictatorial, this is a good sign that the person is controlling rather than requesting, negotiating and respecting. People in positions of authority make good leaders or managers only if they respect others under their guidance. This includes directing by example or suggestion, trusting you and delegating responsibility to you.
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    Be aware that even "nice" people can be bossy or controlling. This is the personality type that "nags", insisting that "if you don't do X, the sky will fall down"; this may be said to you sweetly, with the expectation that you'll be grateful for the nagging reminders. They may present themselves as the voice of reason, letting you know that you are extremely unreasonable. If you find yourself at the receiving end of decisions being made without your input "for your own good" and you're expected to be pleased, then you may be at the receiving end of a benign dictator.[7]
    • Many a controlling person lacks empathy and is often rather unaware (or uncaring) about the impact of their bossy words and actions on others. This may be a result of insecurity (manifesting as superiority and power) and unhappiness. It could also signal outright arrogance.
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    Realize that your value is not derived from this person. You should always see yourself as an equal of the controlling person, even if his or her behavior suggests otherwise. This is crucial for your well-being. The control freak, especially if he or she is a family member, can really change your self-esteem for the worse. No matter how awful the person may make you feel at times, remind yourself that his or her controlling nature is his problem, not yours. If you let the control freak get inside your head, then he or she wins.[8]
    • Remember that you're the one who is rational and has reasonable expectations for what a person can and can't do. Don't let another person's unreasonable desires lead you to feel deficient in any way.
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Part 2
Part 2 of 4:

Responding to the Control Freak Constructively

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    Assert yourself. This will not be easy if you're not used to doing it but it's a skill you can practice and your bossy person is as good a practice target as any. It is important that the controlling person is aware that you won't tolerate being bossed about; the longer you let it slide, the more it becomes the established pattern and it's assumed you're accepting of it.[9]
    • Approach the controlling person in private to explain your concerns. Do not make a public affair out of this.
    • Keep the conversation focused on how the controlling behavior is affecting you; do not insult the person by calling him or her bossy. For example, if you felt your boss was always telling you what to do without acknowledging your skills, you might say something like: "I have worked in this capacity for five years and I am good at this job. However, when you tell me to give you the results so that you can rework everything, I feel as if my qualifications are being overlooked and that my input is not valued. Basically, I don't feel that I am trusted to come up with what I am well trained to do and that I am not respected. I would like to be spoken to and treated with respect."
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    Maintain your calm. It's important to behave calmly and patiently with a control freak, even if you feel like screaming on the inside. Getting angry just doesn't work. It can also be helpful to give the person a wide berth when it's clear that they are tired, stressed out or unwell. If you start to get aggravated, the bossy person's behavior will only become more intense. It's important to take deep breaths, avoid aggressive language, and to keep your voice steady and even.[10]
    • If you seem obviously aggravated or upset, then the person will see that he or she has really gotten to you, which will only fuel the behavior.
    • Getting upset or angry will also make the bossy person view you as weak and even more easy to control. You don't want to give off this impression, or it will make you even more of a target.
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    Avoid the person as much as you can. Sometimes, the best thing you can do is just to avoid the behavior. Though talking to the person about the behavior and how it's making you feel can help the person understand his behavior and to move towards a plan that will help you work together and get along more easily, sometimes you may feel that the only thing you have left to do is to remove yourself from the situation. Of course, it depends on the person you're trying to avoid, but here are some things to keep in mind:[11]
    • If it is someone in your family, just try to stay out of their way. Sometimes it may seem there is just no pleasing the control freak. This person will criticize you on everything and it is very hard not to take it personally. It can make you furious and may hurt your feelings. The worst thing you can do is fight with such a person because it just wastes your time. They will not, and cannot, change without help. Remind yourself that this controlling behavior is their coping mechanism and is not a devaluation of you––it their deep-seated problem, not yours.
    • If a personal relationship becomes abusive as a result of the person's controlling behavior, then you should get out and leave. Tell this person you need a break from him or her for now and move on in your life. People who resort to using violence or abusive tactics will not get better until they seek long term therapy.
    • If you're a teen, try to be agreeable and keep very busy all the time. You can stay away and get out of the house by doing sports or studying and getting really good grades. Tell them you would love to hang out or talk but you are busy with studying, playing, volunteering, etc. Make up good excuses. Then go out and find really nice people who make you feel good about yourself. Set high but realistic goals and achieve them just for you.
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    Monitor the anxiety levels of the controlling person. A control freak has no coping skills when he or she is stressed and that is when they run over people.[12] They believe that no one can do as good of a job at something as they will. They will get bogged down because they have taken too much on for themselves and then they strike out. Try to be alert to the mood change and be on your toes. If you're aware of the bossy person's anxiety levels rising, then you'll know that he or she will be more likely to be controlling.[13]
    • Talk about anxiety. Rather than getting caught up in how ridiculous or controlling their behaviors are, ask instead about what they’re worried about.[14]
    • Actively noticing that this person seems to be spiraling out of control and offering to help take something off their plate may be enough to quell bossiness. For example, you might notice that when your boyfriend is stressed, he gets very snappy and controlling. On a day when he seems stressed to the max about an upcoming work presentation, try giving him a morale boost by acknowledging how tired or stressed he seems and reassure him that he'll do a great job. Don't overplay it and be aware that he may still snap, but do be aware that this small reassurance can help to relieve some of the anxiety pressure.
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    Look for the positives. This may seem impossible but it can be a very useful way for you to regain control, especially where you have no choice but to keep dealing with this person daily. You might think, "My boss is really controlling and demanding but on the plus side, she is charming with clients and brings in a lot of business. She is also very capable at X, just so long as we manage to keep her away from Y." Look for ways to manage around the negative aspects, as well as finding ways that you can get done what you need to do.[15]
    • Looking on the bright side may require creativity but you'll find that a bossy person who understands you have got their measure and keep trumpeting their positive attributes will cease to see you as a threat in their anxiety-driven mind.
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    Praise the controlling person when it's deserved. Notice when the controlling person shows displays of trust. If the bossy person shows you trust, respect or gives away a little responsibility, pounce on it and praise it. By noticing the good and acknowledging it openly, your controlling nemesis may just feel good enough inside to want to do it again.[16]
    • For example, say something like: "Thanks for trusting me with that task." This will make the controlling person feel good and may help him or her ease up on the reigns a bit.
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    Understand that your voice may not be heard. If you are an ideas person, a creative person or a solver, working with a controlling person can grind you down. It may seem that you suggest ideas, solutions or warn of possible consequences, only to be openly ignored or even put down. Then lo and behold, your idea or solution is presented as "his or her" achievement, weeks or months later. Somehow, what you said did filter in; you just weren't acknowledged. This frustrating behavior is sadly all too common when it comes to control freaks. If this happens to you, here are some ways to cope:[17]
    • Recognize this for what it is. Sometimes it is better to float the idea or solution than to not have it happen at all. In this case, grin and bear it for the good of your group, organization or company. Be supportive of the outcome and don't take it personally.
    • Call the person out on it. This can be risky and will depend on the context, the group dynamics and the person involved. If it is very important for you to clarify that you thought of it first, you should try to use hard facts, such as "Oh, that was the idea we discussed back in May 2012 and I still have the prototype drawings on file. My understanding was that our team would be involved in its development and I am pretty sure we noted that. I'm a little disappointed that the first we hear of it is when it's already in the testing phase. But, that said, since it's already here, we're free to help test it."
    • Keep very good records. If you really do need to prove that you came up with the idea first, keep sound records that could be used in your defense if it ever comes to that.
    • Stop suggesting new ideas in the workplace if your input continues to be ignored or taken away from you. Just keep agreeing, so as to keep the peace, and try to keep the control freak from getting worried about your end. You may need to reassure them constantly that they are the "boss" and that you value your job. If possible, start looking for a new job.
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Part 3
Part 3 of 4:

Checking Your Own Tendencies

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    Consider your own role in the bossiness. Sometimes you may be at the receiving end of bossing or nagging due to things you've done. This isn't to excuse any manipulatively controlling behavior. Rather, it's about keeping things in perspective and acknowledging that there may be times when you have exasperated someone! Be honest in your self-assessment if you really want to get to the heart of the bossing. Here are some things to consider:[18]
    • Have you done anything (or failed to do something) that may have provoked the controlling attitude? For example, if you fail to meet deadlines regularly or you never clean up your room, you shouldn't be surprised if someone responsible either for your upbringing or your pay-check gets a little bossy with you.
    • Bossy people can often ramp up their bossiness in face of what they perceive as unhelpful. In particular, bossy people find passive-aggressive behavior similar to a red rag to a bull — it simply causes them to become even more controlling because they're frustrated at the underhanded response. It is better to be open with your discontent and to assert yourself than to seek the undermine the bossy person.
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    Notice your own bossy tendencies. Nobody is a saint when it comes to being bossy — each of us has a tendency to boss others around at different times in life. It may be when you know something in great detail, it may be because you're in a position of authority, or you may just feel a little pushier than usual due to anxiety or pressure, but there will be times in your life when you get bossy. Use your memory of this experience to help you understand the constantly bossy person a little better and perhaps see the reason behind their behavior.[19]
    • Try to be more sensitive to other people when you feel the bossy trigger — notice their reactions. In doing so, you learn a lot about handling the emotions controlling people feel a lot of the time.
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    Learn how to honestly assess your own strengths and failures. You can possibly do this by discussing the matter (privately) with a third, uninvolved party. Be sure to choose someone who can be trusted with the information, who understands how to deal with similar situations, and who knows you well enough to give you accurate feedback. No one is all-good or all-bad; everyone has their strengths and weaknesses. When you know the truth about yourself (good or bad), you won't be fooled by the control freak's emotional whims and tactics.[20]
    • Having a better sense of how you come off, whether it's in the workplace or in a relationship, can give you a better sense of how reasonable the bossy person's expectations really are. If you have another person back you up, then you'll see that you have nothing to be paranoid about and that the controlling person is really being unreasonable.
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Part 4
Part 4 of 4:

Deciding to Disentangle Yourself

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    Realize that your life is important. There are always other jobs and other people to have healthy relationships with. If the situation is intolerable, don't torture yourself; instead, find a way out. No one should be given the power to "control" your life. It is your life. Don't forget it. Even if you think you'll never be able to find another job, if you're in a toxic work environment, then it's better to leave for your own mental health.[21]
    • For teens who have to wait until they are old enough to get away, seek volunteer work, sports activities, a job or other things that get you out of the home environment. Ask your parents to pay for college if they have the money, then apply to colleges that are out of state. If they argue about it, explain that the college you want to go to is the only one offering "X" (find something realistic and reasonable).
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    Choose to forgive. Control freaks are riddled with fears and insecurities that leave them always unsatisfied and unhappy. They demand perfection from themselves, something both difficult and often impossible to achieve. Their inability to understand that failure is part of the cycle of life harms their ability to grow into fully competent human beings and stunts them emotionally; that's a fairly sad state to get stuck in. Whatever your own situation, you can leave and find happiness for yourself but unless they make a choice to change their thinking habits, they may never find peace in their lives.[22]
    • Finding happiness does not always mean leaving. You could take up a time-consuming hobby, you could even find religion, to spend less time with the control freak. Remember that their opinion of you does not need to lower your self-esteem. Focus on you and remember that you are not responsible for the controlling person's transformation.
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    Start to build back your confidence. It has most likely taken a hit. Be kind to yourself. If you are under the thumb of a control freak, he or she might have convinced you that you are worthless; he or she does this as a way to stop you from moving on and leaving him or her. Don't believe this devaluing talk for one minute. Control freaks like to make people feel insecure about themselves. Don't fall for their tricks. Start to distance yourself slowly. Believe in your worth; it is within you.[23]
    • You can go a long way in building back your confidence just by spending time with people who make you feel good about yourself and who don't feel the need to control you.
    • Do things that make you feel valued and capable. It's likely that the control freak made you feel like you couldn't do anything right. Make time to do tasks you're confident doing, whether you're doing yoga or writing an annual report.
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    Decide what to do next. In this case, design a plan to either stay and continue the work/romantic relationship or leave but set a time limit so you will feel you have some control over the matter. If you are living with a control freak, try to resolve things strategically and carefully. Do not fuel arguments; share what you feel effectively and calmly. You do not have to be under control; remember that you have a right to do as you please.
    • Ultimately, sometimes leaving is all that you can do, especially when trying to assert yourself and cope does not result in things being better for you.
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Warnings

  • Don't assume a control freak is someone you can't deal with, especially in work and social contexts. Yes, there are violently disposed people out there and yes, there are more intimate entanglements with some people that are impossible to fix without leaving them for good, but on the whole, aim to try to get along with people of all kinds in your life. Minimizing contact can be a healthier response than creating more drama. Keep their behavior in perspective while addressing any shortcomings you feel you have with respect to creating boundaries with other people, such as learning to assert yourself or to communicate more clearly.
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  • Record any possible threats this type of person makes to you if they won't let you get out of a relationship. Then go to the police and get a restraining order. Make sure the person is aware of this and keep the police details on speed dial on your phones. Ask neighbors to keep an eye on you. If you feel really scared, move out of town or into a shelter if you feel you are in danger and have no close friends to stay with you. If you do have close friends or family to stay with, it would be wise to make sure that they are able to protect both you and themselves. Ask someone who you feel safe with, and who is willing to stand up to the control freak, and ideally someone who the control freak wouldn't want to get into a confrontation with (namely, someone they feel they can't control).
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  • Certain types of control freaks can be difficult and sometimes even dangerous when they are rejected in a personal relationship. If you're aware that this person tends to fly off the handle and has fragile feelings, take care when breaking it off. If possible, give them reason to break up with you, such as being slack about communications, spending too much money or anything else that suggests you're hard to control; that way it is their idea and will sit better with them. If this is too hard, break up in a way that leaves you feeling safe, such as by phone or with friends standing behind you. It can help to show that you have a supportive network of friends and family before this person seeks to threaten you in any way.
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References

  1. ↑ https://www.goodtherapy.org/learn-about-therapy/issues/control-issues
  2. ↑ https://psychcentral.com/blog/why-anyone-would-want-to-control-you/
  3. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/what-mentally-strong-people-dont-do/201705/7-signs-control-freak
  4. ↑ https://thriveworks.com/blog/control-freak-personality-disorder/
  5. ↑ https://www.goodtherapy.org/learn-about-therapy/issues/control-issues
  6. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/insight-is-2020/201604/5-signs-you-are-dealing-control-freak
  7. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/spycatcher/201709/inside-the-mind-narcissist
  8. ↑ https://www.apa.org/monitor/dec02/selfesteem.aspx
  9. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/assertive/art-20044644
  1. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-creativity-cure/201402/how-be-calm-person
  2. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/tech-support/201612/8-strategies-dealing-the-toxic-people-in-your-life
  3. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/fixing-families/201504/6-tips-managing-life-control-freak
  4. ↑ https://www.healthcentral.com/article/is-your-anxiety-turning-you-into-a-control-freak
  5. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/fixing-families/201504/6-tips-managing-life-control-freak
  6. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/your-wise-brain/201205/see-the-good-in-others
  7. ↑ http://www.psy.gla.ac.uk/~steve/courses/archive/Pos11-12-safari-archive/1/webarchive-index.html
  8. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/emotional-freedom/201010/how-deal-control-freak
  9. ↑ https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/health-fitness/mental-health/5-ways-to-stop-being-a-control-freak
  10. ↑ https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/how_to_stop_being_a_control_freak
  11. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-power-prime/201201/personal-growth-know-thyself-is-the-first-step-life-change
  12. ↑ https://www.verywellmind.com/how-a-toxic-work-environment-may-affect-mental-health-4165338
  13. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-addiction-connection/201409/the-psychology-forgiveness
  14. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/hide-and-seek/201205/building-confidence-and-self-esteem
  15. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/friendship-20/201506/20-signs-your-partner-is-controlling

About This Article

Rebecca Tenzer, MAT, MA, LCSW, CCTP, CGCS, CCATP, CCFP
Co-authored by:
Rebecca Tenzer, MAT, MA, LCSW, CCTP, CGCS, CCATP, CCFP
Clinical Therapist & Adjunct Professor
This article was co-authored by Rebecca Tenzer, MAT, MA, LCSW, CCTP, CGCS, CCATP, CCFP. Rebecca Tenzer is the owner and head clinician at Astute Counseling Services, a private counseling practice in Chicago, Illinois. With over 18 years of clinical and educational experience in the field of mental health, Rebecca specializes in the treatment of depression, anxiety, panic, trauma, grief, interpersonal relationships using a combination of Cognitive Behavioral therapy, Psychodynamic therapy, and other evidence-based practices. Rebecca holds a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Sociology and Anthropology from DePauw University, a Master in Teaching (MAT) from Dominican University, and a Master of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Chicago. Rebecca has served as a member of the AmeriCorps and is also a Professor of Psychology at the collegiate level. Rebecca is trained as a Cognitive Behavioral Therapist (CBT), a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP), a Certified Grief Counseling Specialist (CGCS), a Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional (CCATP), and a Certified Compassion Fatigue Professional (CCFP). Rebecca is also a member of the Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Society of America and The National Association of Social Workers. This article has been viewed 757,444 times.
9 votes - 76%
Co-authors: 47
Updated: August 8, 2022
Views: 757,444
Categories: Featured Articles | Social Nuisances
Article SummaryX

It can be frustrating to be around someone that likes to control everything, however, remaining calm and avoiding the person if necessary can help you to manage the situation constructively. Try and remain assertive whenever you deal with this person. Speak using an even tone and let them know gently that you won’t tolerate being bossed around all of the time. Always be as calm as possible whenever you interact with the control freak. Take some deep breaths if things get hard and be as patient as you can, as getting upset or angry will only fuel their behavior. If the person gets especially hard to deal with, simply try to avoid them and stay out of their way. This is better than losing your cool and it gives you both time to calm down. For more ideas on how to deal with a control freak, like how to reflect on your own tendencies, read on.

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