| Have you ever noticed how it is that some people | | | | in, because it simply doesn't matter. Remember your |
| believe they own the right to make decisions that | | | | relationship world revolves around your controlling |
| affect both of you? And when you learn a decision | | | | partner. You are just there for the ride. |
| has been made without your input, and in some | | | | 4) The manipulations and covert coercions are the |
| cases without your knowledge, you feel violated. | | | | means to run your abuser's agenda through to the |
| It's common knowledge that abuse is about control. | | | | final decision phase...which you learn about after the |
| One party bulldozing through choices and decisions is | | | | fact, if at all. |
| simply another part of this control dynamic. | | | | 5) The punishment and reward system along the |
| Here are some key elements that you will want to | | | | way are the mechanisms for carrying out the |
| recognize about controlling unilateral decision-making | | | | manipulations. It's how you are groomed to go along |
| characteristic of abusive relationships. | | | | with what you haven't even had the opportunity to |
| 1) Your partner genuinely believes that he/she | | | | be aware of, understand nor consider. |
| possess the "right" to make decisions that affect | | | | The long and the short is the controlling partner |
| both of you. | | | | makes decisions that affect both of you. And you |
| 2) Your partner owns this right because it comes | | | | are expected to willfully accept any and all |
| with the throne he/she operates from-the | | | | consequences and implications of his/her unilateral |
| entitlement vested upon him/her. | | | | decision. |
| 3) Your input is not sought after, much less factored | | | | |