Possessiveness is when you want something or someone just because you don’t want anyone else to have it. It’s about control and ownership. Protection, on the other hand, is about keeping something or someone safe from harm. It’s about care and concern.
The definition of possessiveness and protection
Possessiveness and protection are two closely related concepts. Possessiveness refers to a desire to own or control something, while protection refers to the act of guarding something or someone. Both possessiveness and protection can be motivated by a desire to keep something safe, but they can also be motivated by a desire to control someone or something.
Possessiveness is often seen as a negative trait because it can lead to jealousy and controlling behaviour. However, possessiveness can also be a positive trait, if it motivates someone to take care of what they have and protect it from harm.
Protection is generally seen as a positive trait because it is motivated by a desire to keep something or someone safe. However, protection can also be negative if it is motivated by a fear of losing something or someone, or if it leads to overly restrictive behaviour.
Both possessiveness and protection are normal human emotions and behaviours. It is only when they are taken to extremes that they become problematic.
How to know if you’re being too possessive
When it comes to the people and things we care about, it’s natural to want to protect them. But there’s a fine line between possessiveness and protection. So how can you tell if you’re being too possessive?
Here are some signs that you might be crossing the line:
-You get jealous easily and often.
-You try to control what your partner does, who they see, etc.
-You get angry or upset when your partner wants to spend time with someone else.
-You constantly check up on your partner or spy on them.
-You make all the decisions in the relationship without consulting your partner first.
If you’re exhibiting any of these behaviours, it’s important to try to reign it in. Possessiveness can quickly turn into jealousy, which can damage even the strongest of relationships. If you’re finding it difficult to let go of some of your possessive tendencies, it might be helpful to talk to a therapist or counsellor who can help you work through those issues.
How to protect someone without being possessive?
Possessiveness breeds resentment, mistrust, and insecurity, whereas protection fosters respect, trust, and confidence. When we’re possessive of someone or something, we’re trying to control them; when we’re being protective, we’re simply trying to keep them safe.
It’s important to be able to distinguish between these two impulses because they can have very different results. If you find yourself feeling jealous or afraid in your relationships, ask yourself if you’re really motivated by love or if you’re just trying to control the situation. Chances are, if you’re coming from a place of love, your actions will reflect that.
What does protection mean in a relationship?
When we talk about protection in a relationship, we are talking about the act of keeping our partner safe from harm. This can mean physical harm, such as protecting them from an abusive situation, or it can mean emotional harm, such as shielding them from hurtful words or actions.
We all want to feel safe and secure in our relationships, and protection is a way of ensuring that safety. It is an act of love and care, and it shows that we are willing to put our partner’s needs above our own.
How to overcome possessiveness?
Possessiveness is rooted in fear. It’s the fear of losing someone or something that you care about. This can manifest itself in controlling behaviour, jealousy, and insecurity. On the other hand, protection is about keeping those you care about safe from harm. It’s not motivated by fear, but by a genuine desire to keep the people you love safe and out of harm’s way.
So how can you overcome possessiveness? The first step is to become aware of your possessive tendencies. If you find yourself getting jealous or controlling, take a step back and ask yourself why. What are you afraid of? Once you know what’s driving your behaviour, you can start to work on overcoming it.
Talk to your partner about your fears and insecurities. Possessiveness can put a lot of strain on a relationship, so open communication is key. If possible, try to address the underlying issues head-on. If you’re feeling insecure, for example, talk about why that might be and brainstorm ways to build up your confidence together.
It’s also important to learn to trust your partner and give them some space. Just because you’re in a relationship doesn’t mean that your partner belongs to you 24/7.
Photo by Joseph Pérez on Unsplash
