Partner is too controlling

yourself and I would stop supporting him immediately. I can’t tell from your letter whether you are afraid of him, but the simple DEAR NATALIE: I truth is that you have have been in a relationship the financial power here. for years with a man who Own that power. Take baby does not want to work. I steps by just looking at work two jobs, support our apartments or homes without household, help him in any him. Imagine what it way that he needs, and yet would be like to live in a he is never satisfied. I have space with no one belittling secretly wanted to open my you or taking from you. own checking account for a Sometimes, when we are long time now, but I am in bad relationships for a afraid he won’t sign off on long time, we forget that it. What do I do? Do you there is a big world outside think he will ever change? of them because we feel as I’m miserable. —though we are drowning WORKING WOMAN and can’t find the surface.

DEAR WORKING As for him changing, it’s WOMAN: If this was your hard to teach an old dog sister, daughter or best new tricks, and if this has friend asking you this question, been the dynamic for a long what would you say to time, don’t expect miracles. them? This guy has it made, The only thing you can do is and you’re the one doing all change your reaction to the heavy lifting. What do him, and that might mean you mean he “doesn’t want forging a new path alone. to work”? If I were you, I It’s scary, and I don’t know would open that account for if he is abusive in other ways, but there are resources out there that can help you recognize that you have had the power all along, my dear.

Natalie’s Networking Tip of the Week: When meeting people who seem uptight or aloof, give them the benefit of the doubt. Many people are just shy and uncomfortable in social settings and have a guard up. Instead, take it in stride and try to find a way to break the ice in a fun, relaxed manner, like asking an open-ended question to get the conversation flowing.