10 Early Warning Signs of an Abusive Relationship

Extreme possessiveness

While the idea that your partner is yours and you are his can be charming and even sweet, when taken to extreme levels, it can be an extension of one partner not trusting the other. “The message of frequent jealous behavior is ‘I don’t trust you—and I don’t want you to talk to anyone I don’t approve of,'” explains Friedemann Schaub MD, PhD, author of The Fear and Anxiety Solution. In other words, the key sign of a possessiveness beyond the norm is isolating you from those you love—those who could possibly convince or talk you out of being with your partner. If you’re the one feeling jealous, here’s how to turn it around.