A good relationship — dating, friendship, or an older friend — adds to your life.
Pay attention if someone starts:
- checking your phone
- deciding who you can see
- demanding your location
- calling jealousy love
- making you pay for time with other people
Watch what keeps happening, and what happens after a limit. You don't need a label for them.
Some differences can make it harder to speak up: a big age gap, someone in charge of you, an employer, or someone who controls your money, rides, or where you stay. A difference alone isn't proof of anything. Ask yourself:
Does this difference make it harder to disagree, leave, or ask for help?
A note about distance
If someone is controlling, threatening, or retaliatory, creating distance can sometimes increase risk. You do not have to announce your plan or leave alone. Bring in a safe adult or appropriate professional support.
Doors