So, you want to know about an overprotective boyfriend…
Don’t worry, you’re not alone.
Boys often get territorial with “their own”. The real problem starts when it restricts your freedom. If your story sounds similar, I’m so glad you’re ready to do something about it.
C’mon, let’s take charge of your life once again…
Overprotective boyfriend meaning
Summary
An overprotective boyfriend is someone who tries to take control of your life and denies you the freedom that you deserve.
If your boyfriend tries to control your life, decides in your stead, or disregards your opinion about your life regularly, he’s overprotective.
He might be clingy or abusive out of jealousy. He’ll suspect you’re flirting with anyone around and only want to cheat on him.
But that’s not all, so let’s know it in detail here…
Signs of an overprotective boyfriend
Initially, nobody can identify overprotective signs in their partner… unless they’ve experienced something similar in the past.
So, if you feel your boyfriend hardly allows you time and space, it’s time to be mindful of these signs and know if something is seriously wrong…
1. He suffocates you in the relationship
If you feel uncomfortable in your relationship or want more space from your partner but don’t get it, that’s the first sign of having an overprotective man.
Nobody randomly compares their boyfriend’s behavior with a checklist… it’s only when you start feeling claustrophobic. And even when you seek space and time to calm yourself, you don’t get that.
This is when most women break down from overwhelming situations.
2. Nothing can please him
Whether you learn to make his favorite sandwich or get promoted to a respectable post, if he always criticizes you for your shortcomings, that’s a glaring sign of an overprotective boyfriend.
When you have every reason to feel proud of yourself, but he still makes you feel less than, he’s probably jealous or insecure about not catching up to you. Consider why you’ll stay with someone like him.
3. He’s such an attention seeker
Men need attention too and there’s nothing wrong with that.
However, if he hardly pays attention to you but always wants it from you… to the point that you can’t focus on your life… I bet you get annoyed by it.
This constant desire of attention is one of the solid signs of his overprotective nature.
4. There’s no end to his snooping
If he invaded your privacy more than once, you know it’s a habit. He’ll go through your phone without your permission because he feels entitled. He’ll check your phone and say “babe I only want the best for you”.
He clearly has trust issues when he needs to check your phone instead of asking you. Initially, you might let him off because you’re not cheating, but it’s a huge warning sign.
5. He’s a born manipulator
One of the glaring warning signs of overprotective men is their A+ manipulation skills. He’ll make you feel guilty even when you aren’t the wrong one.
He knows his way with words and exactly how to make you think it’s all because he cares a lot for you. You might give in to things you dislike believing that’s the best for you.
Think deeply and if you ever feel something similar happened in the past, that’s your answer.
6. His insecurity is more than normal
If your boyfriend is overprotective, he will naturally be insecure. For instance, he might dislike your more “boy” friends. Or, he might try to convince you to refuse a promotion for “the relationship’s welfare”.
He might even refuse to meet your family members because he’s not ready. Even though you accept him wholeheartedly, he rejects himself and puts himself down.
7. He forces his opinion on you
If your man pushes you around, hardly cares about your decisions, and always forces you to prioritize his choices, he’s selfish and overprotective.
In your love life, if he treats you like one of his possessions and gets upset if you don’t follow his whims, that’s an immature trait.
In a healthy relationship, nobody will treat you like this. You won’t need to fight for your choices or get forced into anything.
8. His ears perk up when you get phone calls
Whenever your phone buzzes with a call or a message, if he leaves everything to eavesdrop on your conversation or check the name of the message sender, that’s a pretty obvious sign of overprotective behavior.
But, if he asks you directly about your conversation, the other person, their business with you, and the likes, you might think he’s straightforward… but if he regularly behaves like this, he’s not any better.
9. He hardly has friends and hopes you won’t either
An overprotective boyfriend might also treat his friends poorly. He might even sow the seeds of distrust, jealousy, and insecurity in others’ love lives. As a result, most of his friends will desert him.
Further, he won’t feel sad about it. Rather, he’ll ask you to follow the same and get rid of your friends. He’ll make you feel suspicious about your friends’ intentions… all so that he can monopolize you.
10. He doubts all of your guy friends
If you have a male friend, an overprotective boyfriend won’t stand that. He’ll say demeaning things like “Why do you need another man when you have a boyfriend?”
He’ll try to keep you away from them and blame you for enticing other men.
If you introduce him to your male friends, he’ll show disrespectful body language as if he’s better than your friends. His jealousy and rage will instantly put you off.
11. He decides how much skin you can show
If you’re an adult, nobody has the right to police you for your dressing sense. If you’re underage, your parents might correct you.
But, when your boyfriend orders you to wear pretty dresses when you hang out with him and covers you up from head to toe when you hang out with your friends and family, feel free to walk away from this overprotective guy.
12. He’s a control freak
Sometimes, women find men that try to be in charge of the relationship “manly” or “cute”. They assume it’s harmless because the man “only wants to show off as a provider”.
However, if he controls your life, that’s an alarming sign of an overprotective boyfriend. He’ll never allow you to make your own decisions.
You might think that he looks out for you right now, but if this goes on, you might regret not steering your own life.
13. He always throws a fit when you go out with friends
When you go out with your friends or family, if he becomes upset or asks you to avoid drinking or eating certain foods, that’s a toxic sign. He’s definitely overprotective if he also decides who you can or cannot meet.
You might feel he’s being romantic because he wants you all to yourself… but he has a twisted mind and you must soon get away from him.
14. He checks your personal things
An overprotective boyfriend is so insecure that he won’t mind checking your belongings. If your man rummages through your things because “you’re hiding something about a different man from him”, time to let go of him!
Even if you’re in a long-term relationship, he doesn’t have the right to comb through your stuff without your consent. He literally has zero respect for your privacy and thinks you’re his slave.
If he refuses to stop this, you better get away from him.
15. There’s no end to his arguments
Whenever your perceptions don’t match, if he always throws a fit and claims that your choice is wrong, that’s another red flag. If your choice is really incorrect, he can explain it respectfully.
Instead, if he doesn’t even consider your point of view, you’re wasting your time. This overprotective dude only cares about being right and having his way in the relationship.
If he never resolves any difference amicably, you’re better without him.
16. He uses your vulnerabilities against you
Everyone has some part of them they wish to hide. But we expect our lover to be more understanding and accept us with our flaws. We confess our past to them and hope they’ll protect our vulnerable sides.
However, if he instead judges and hurts you using your weakness and makes you regret sharing it, he’s not just overprotective… he’s not the one for you. You deserve far better than him.
17. He threatens you of break-up
If he threatens you to follow his wishes or he’ll break up with you, you’ll be happier away from this overprotective guy. He knows that you’re emotionally dependent on him and takes advantage of your situation.
Further, if he threatens you to do something otherwise he’ll get violent, call 911 for help. Don’t let him raise his hands on you. Dump him ASAP because you’re worth so much better.
18. He always looks out for your backup man
Suppose you helped a stranger with directions or smiled at the male server, if he always doubts your kindness and thinks you gave them special treatment because you have a thing for them, he’s overprotective and paranoid.
Or, he might even randomly pay you visits because he feels something is up behind his back. Even if you return home after a family gathering, he’ll suspect you for smelling like your brother’s musky perfume.
19. He’s anxious 24/7
If your boyfriend always stresses that you’ll leave him for a better man to the point of not functioning properly in their daily life even after you reassure them repeatedly, their psychological issue leads them to be overprotective.
Communicate to him about seeking a professional. If he isn’t ready or refuses it, don’t silently suffer because of him. His anxiety also impacts you mentally, so protect your health if he won’t protect himself.
20. You get accused of things you never thought of doing
If he calls you a cheater for minor issues like not responding to their texts or calls because you were busy or not ignoring a male friend, he’s definitely overprotective.
Don’t stand such baseless accusations and step away before you hurt your mental and emotional health irreversibly. In a romantic relationship, if you must ask someone to respect you, move on!
21. He won’t listen even if you say the truth
Suppose, he suspects you about something and you try to explain the situation. You tell him that it was impossible to rudely brush away an acquaintance. Or explain that you can’t make an important client wait for personal issues… especially when you’re on the clock.
Even after respectfully and calmly telling the truth, if he doesn’t trust you, he definitely has trust issues and you must reassess your relationship.
22. He loves to put you down
Whenever you share about a new achievement, despite how big or small it is, if he congratulates and encourages you, you have nothing to worry about.
However, if he makes your accomplishment look smaller than his or makes fun of you for celebrating a “small” matter, get away from that overprotective a$$#01e.
If he enjoys belittling your efforts and breaking down your confidence, he’s toxic so just run for the hills.
23. Passive-aggressive is his first nature
It’s normal to have some misunderstandings and conflicts in your relationship. So, open and honest communication can help you through such relationship issues.
However, if he can’t express his feelings directly, always keeps you guessing or lets you know much later when the situation is out of hand, his communication issues are to be blamed for his overprotective nature.
Try to find a solution for communication issues to save the relationship.
24. His demands keep growing
In a relationship, he might ask you to carry pepper spray, that’s a sign of a protective boyfriend. He might ask you to stay alert in social situations or walk you home safely.
However, if he demands the impossible like breaking contact with your close ones, changing your lifestyle, ignoring your own wishes, that’s being overprotective.
If he won’t let you live freely and imprison you or your wishes, is that even love?
25. His all-time excuse is “I am just being protective”
Whenever you address his overprotective nature or mention the signs, he’ll never admit it if it’s true. In fact, he’ll make you believe he does everything out of love. He’ll convince you that love makes him go crazy for your safety and violate your personal space.
Initially, you might trust him… and only when such things happen repeatedly that you notice the toxic dynamic.
26. You feel confused by his behavior
An overprotective boyfriend’s actions will also seem confusing. For instance, he’ll ask you to stay away from your male friends because they have ill intentions. However, when it’s about his friends, they’re all saints.
He might ask you to refrain from wearing shorts in the summer, but it’s alright if his sister wears them. His double standards leave you baffled and fuming. Even if you ask him about it, he never answers properly.
27. You fear committing mistakes
If you need to tiptoe around your relationship or feel scared of your boyfriend’s reaction regarding small mistakes, he’s overprotective and toxic.
It’s probably because you feel intimidated by him because of a past experience. If you fear being yourself, something is definitely wrong here. Try to walk away from this unhealthy relationship.
He has the right to scold you when you make mistakes but being afraid of his reaction just shows the amount of toxicity in the dynamics.
28. Abuse is present in the dynamics
If he verbally or emotionally abuses you to control your decisions, take the hint and leave. Never tolerate abuse… whether there are physical scars or not.
He might try to resist a breakup and promise to change, but don’t change your mind unless this overprotective guy agrees to try couples counseling.
However, if they hurt you physically, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1.800.799.7233 or 1.800.787.3224.
29. He never respects your boundaries
Suppose, you want to peacefully spend time with your friends and tell him to not call you, but your partner blows your phone to know who you’re with.
Or, you told him to not touch your devices without your consent, but he doesn’t listen.
If he violates established boundaries, that’s a surefire signal he’s overprotective. He’ll make you feel guilty about even having boundaries and convince you that you have them because you’re hiding something.
30. He expects too much from you
If he expects you to do something unreasonable or sets standards so high that even he can’t reach them… another red flag of an overprotective boyfriend.
Even if you try to talk it out reasonably, you won’t reach any solution. If your partner can’t understand your issues and only selfishly claims what his heart desires, do you think you’ll be happy with him? You probably know the answer better than me.
31. He never owns his mistakes
Whenever he does something wrong, if he always turns the tables on you and holds you responsible for all the issues, it shows he’s blinded by his overprotective nature. He feels that he can’t be wrong in the relationship at all.
If he needs to use you as a scapegoat, he’s ready for it. He can’t even notice that his blaming attitude only hurts you more. He’s too fixated on being the right one in the relationship.
32. He gets emotional when you speak
If you ever tell him that his actions hurt you or that you feel vulnerable instead of feeling protected, he’ll show off his drama skills. He might shed a few tears to prove he never intended to hurt you.
He’ll even say that he’s this way because he feels he isn’t enough. Or that it’s all for your safety. Remember that a protective man won’t hurt you… it’s only the overprotective ones.
33. You’re always worried about his temper
Overprotective and overbearing men have short temper. So, if you always think twice before striking up an uncomfortable conversation… or, if you avoid communicating completely because you’re scared of his anger issues, that says a lot about your boyfriend.
Perhaps, you feel resentful because of the multiple unresolved issues in the relationship. Think again before you drag this painful relationship.
34. He wants you to be a supermodel
If he often asks you to work out, stay thin, wear *fashionable* clothes, apply makeup, wear high heels, or anything else when you clearly don’t want that, you’re with an overprotective guy.
He wants to date the “perfect girl”, but he won’t try to be perfect himself. If he won’t love you the real you and force you to change against your wishes, he’s not the one, sis!
35. He needs your location ASAP
When you’re out with friends without his knowledge and he suddenly gets to know about it, notice his reaction. If he calls you immediately and asks for your location, he’s an overprotective boyfriend with trust issues.
Further, if he uses a tracker on your phone or car, that’s completely unforgivable. Being your boyfriend doesn’t give him the permit to stalk you.
36. He treats you like a kid
Whether it’s about your life choices or the food you want if he insists on choosing on behalf of you, OVERPROTECTIVE alert!
Many women like to be treated like a baby and feel their partner is being sweet with such actions. However, if he thinks you’re a kid that doesn’t know any better about life, that’s disrespectful.
He can’t boss your decisions and disregard your opinion about your life. If he still insists, just walk out.
37. He expects you to be available when you’re not
Suppose, you’re in another city for work or on a vacation with your friends and you need more than one day to return to your place.
If he calls you every minute of the day, asks for updates every hour, or even seeks attention or expects you to leave your friends behind and spend time with him… none of it is normal.
These are severe signs of being overprotective and it might become more intense when you have male companions.
38. He gaslights you
When someone puzzles your mind to the point where you question your rationality and reasoning, that’s gaslighting.
If you call him out about a certain issue and he somehow convinces you that you misunderstood the situation, everything is fine, and perhaps you hallucinated something, that’s toxic overprotectiveness.
If you stay with a gaslighter for too long, you might even question your mental health.
If he uses your social handles as he pleases, and removes people from your connection list like it’s his account, it’s a sure-shot sign of overprotective nature.
Or, he might judge each of your posts with suspicions. He might stalk the people that comment on your posts.
He might even ask you to stop posting or tagging particular friends on your post… or you might deactivate your account to stop the baseless regular fights.
40. You can’t even compliment others
When you tell him how a kind person helped you in a tough situation, say “thank you” to another man in front of him, or when you like or complement a male friend on social media and hell breaks loose, that’s your overprotective boyfriend right there.
If he won’t even let you appreciate others, it’s time to review your relationship. Perhaps, he isn’t your prince charming.
If your boyfriend matched even one of the signs, he’s overprotective! Wondering what to do next? Let’s check here…
What to do if you have an overprotective boyfriend?
An overprotective man can’t change himself instantly, so the endpoint is always a breakup.
However, if you want to work on your relationship and believe he’s not a bad person, get ready to give him one last chance here…
1. Admit your situation honestly
Most people can’t accept that they have an overprotective boyfriend because they initially like their traits. With time things deteriorated and you feel ashamed and guilty because you let the situation reach this point.
For a better life, you must first own your responsibility for your current situation. Admit that you’re not happy with the dynamics and his overprotective nature won’t improve your life.
2. Remember, you’re perfect
By the time you realize something is wrong with your boyfriend, you probably experienced too many emotional breakdowns.
A small part of you might believe that you’re not worthy of love or that you must change yourself. You might blame yourself for being the troublemaker… just as your boyfriend convinced you.
But that’s not the truth… you’re the best, so you don’t need to change for someone like him.
3. Seek a support group
Reach out to your loved ones or an online support group for relationship advice. They might have a better idea to deal with the situation. They don’t want you to suffer… even if they were against your relationship, they’ll support you.
4. Communicate your feelings to him
If you wanna give your relationship another chance, try to communicate with a clear mind. Note down how you’ll begin the conversation and plan the entire content.
Explain how you feel about your situation honestly without any attacks or blaming. However, if he’s blinded by his desire to control you, he won’t listen to you. It might eventually lead to a breakup, but it doesn’t hurt to try.
5. Never let him get the upper hand
During the conversation, he might even threaten to hurt you if you bring up such a conversation. Of course, you might want to give in out of fear.
In fact, I’ll suggest verbally agreeing to protect yourself at the moment. Later plan to leave him for good without his knowledge.
However, if there’s no life-threatening situation, flat-out reject him without any compromise. If he loves you even a bit, he’ll understand.
6. Prepare to be heartbroken
Even if he promises you to change and you guys decide to give it another shot, don’t expect a noticeable change immediately. He might try and fail to change… you can take your time if you feel like it.
However, you might also get to know that he can’t change… and you can’t stay with this person. So, brace yourself for the worst.
7. Take charge of your independence
While you give him a chance, never let him dictate you. Do things that you want to do no matter how much he insists. You don’t owe him anything and you can decide the best for yourself.
During this period, if he forces you to listen to him with any abusive tactics, call 911 for instant help. Step out of the relationship ASAP.
8. Protect yourself from manipulation
If he tries to gaslight you or withdraws affection to make you behave favorably, try to ignore him. Instead, read about various manipulation tactics to save yourself from crazy tricks.
He’ll try a lot of things to make you feel he’s right and you’re wrong. If you start agreeing with him, take space from him. You can’t let him control you repeatedly.
9. Consider getting professional relationship advice
If you want to work on the relationship or invest more effort to improve it, it’s better to seek a professional.
Go for couples counseling to a therapist or book an appointment with a relationship expert. They can help you work with your issues, but don’t be too hopeful. It completely depends on your and your boyfriend’s willpower to sustain till the end.
10. Think of breaking up
If nothing works out, you only have one option left. Call it quits for good and restart your life.
Wondering how to step forward? Let’s take a look here…
How to break up with an overprotective boyfriend?
Since an overprotective boyfriend believes you’re his property, he won’t easily let you get away from him. Furthermore, if he’s the violent type, breaking up is risky. But don’t worry, let’s seek a fresh start here…
1. Consult your loved ones
If your boyfriend is abusive, he might hurt you. Speak to your trusted friends and family members and whip up a good plan to calmly get away. They might have better ideas, so don’t hide them.
2. Write down what you’ll say
Whatever they suggest, write down everything. Don’t depend on your memory as you’re already agitated. Use more “I” statements to express your change of heart to avoid provoking his abusive traits.
3. Seek a new place
If you live with him or if he has the key to your place, ask around your friends, family, or even safe houses for shelter. He might try to hurt you if he’s abusive.
4. Choose the way of a breakup
If there’s a chance of being assaulted, break up with him over the phone. Do it face-to-face and publicly if you feel safe, but make sure, another male accompanies you.
5. Seek legal steps if you feel unsafe
If he threatens to hurt you or your loved ones after breaking up, file a report to the police and try to get a restraining order.
Dealing with an overprotective partner isn’t easy. So, if you have more queries, scroll down further…
FAQs
Some people can’t tell the difference between protective and overprotective… others want to identify overprotective traits before dating a guy.
C’mon, let’s find all the answers to your questions here…
It’s never a good idea to stay with an overprotective man because he’ll always try to control you.
Despite how many chances you give him, he won’t change easily. If he seeks therapy and tries to change himself, you might wait longer before breaking up.
Break up with your overprotective boyfriend if you feel suffocated and unsafe and can’t picture a healthy future with him.
Furthermore, if he disrespects you, doesn’t let you meet you with loved ones, and is jealous and toxic… don’t wait to walk away.
If you’re an overprotective boyfriend and want to change, trust your partner, communicate your insecurity, seek couples therapy, and try really hard to change yourself.
A protective man will always do things that will truly protect you from serious harm. He won’t hurt you in the process.
But an overprotective guy will have zero consideration for your feelings and want things to be his way without any explanations.
Such men will try their best to not let you notice their issues before you commit to them.
However, you might notice subtle signs like insecurity, trust issues, perfectionism, and controlling nature. He might also treat you like you’re his steady partner when you’re just dating.
A word from ThePleasantRelationship
Protection doesn’t hurt you physically, emotionally, or mentally. But if someone tries to possess and imprison you… not just your heart, it’s time to look out for your wellbeing.
Remember, if he tries to crumble your confidence and pride, fight and break free. This is your life so try hard to be happy and safe.
Are you interested to know more about ‘Bad Boyfriend’ then click here?
