02/27/2026
👉 Controllers do lots of damage to others, but they also have boundary problems.
Controllers are undisciplined people. They have little ability to curb their impulses or desires. While it appears that they “get what they want in life,” they are still slaves to their appetites. Delaying gratification is difficult for them. That’s why they hate the word “no” from others. They desperately need to learn to listen to the boundaries of others to help them observe their own.
Controllers also are limited in their ability to take responsibility for owning their lives. Having relied on bullying or indirectness, they can’t function on their own in the world. The only remedy is to let controllers experience the consequences of their irresponsibility.
Finally, controllers are isolated. People stay with them out of fear, guilt, or dependency. If they’re honest, controllers rarely feel loved. Why? Because in their heart of hearts, they know that the only reason people spend time with them is because they are pulling the strings. If they stopped threatening or manipulating, they would be abandoned.
NOTE: Content posted here is from the books written by the Boundaries authors and is for informational purposes only; it should not be taken as professional advice. Although great care is taken to provide adequate context, all posts should be understood within the context of the substantial body of work by the authors.