Dear Dr. Romance:
I've been with my boyfriend for almost 10 months now. We have a really close relationship and have already made promises about moving in with each other next year, getting married and having children. The problem is that sometimes i feel like i couldn't be with him for the rest of my life. He's extremely jealous, has a really short temper, If I don't spend enough time in a day with him he gets extremely upset and if I go out he gets angry because he's also extremely insecure. When he acts like this I don't call him for a couple of hours and eventually he calls me and acts like I did something wrong. Then finally he acts like it never happened. I really love him I really do I just want to know if this love is worth dealing with these behaviors forever.
Dear Reader:
You're right to worry. Your boyfriend is emotionally immature, and cannot control his anger and jealousy. This is the pattern of a stalker, and possibly even a violent man, if he doesn't get help to get his anger under control.
These are the signs of emotional blackmail:
1. A demand. He won’t take “no” for an answer, and requests are really demands.
2. Resistance. When every discussion turns into an argument.
3. Pressure. He pressures you to go along.
4. Threats. He uses threatening or coercing tactics: threatening to end the relationship, tears, rage, badgering.
He's trying to control you with temper tantrums. The more control he gets (for example, when you live together, get married, and have children,) the worse his tantrums will get. He's not doing it on purpose, he's out of control -- which is far more dangerous. Talking to him won't persuade him to change. You're in grave danger of being abused, and so will your children be. You need to insist that he get himself into an anger management program BEFORE you move in with him, marry him, or have children with him. Otherwise, you'll be a prisoner in your own house. You've seen all the stories on the news about men who are charming and sweet in public, or when they want something, and then rageful and abusive when you're alone with them. Don't fall for his charming side -- make sure he gets help.
You cannot help him. Go to the National Domestic Violence Hotline Website and read the information. You can find help for yourself and for him there.
I'm so glad you're thinking about this -- please don't fall into this trap. Read "How to Keep Yourself Out of a Violent Relationship" "Setting Boundaries and Saying No" and "Guidelines for Finding and Using Therapy Wisely" Get help for yourself, whether your boyfriend wants to go or not. How to Be a Couple and Still Be Free 4th Ed will teach you how to create a safe and fulfilling relationship with a more caring person.
For low-cost phone counseling, email me at [email protected]
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