Do you often feel like you’re being treated like a child by your partner?

You’re not alone.

It’s a common feeling amongst many of us, and it’s not always obvious. You might be thinking, “am I just overreacting?” or “is it all in my head?”

Truth is, it might not be. Your partner may be treating you like a child without even realizing it.

In this article, we are going to uncover those subtle signs that indicate that your partner might be infantilizing you.

My intention isn’t to scare you or make you paranoid about your relationship. It’s simply to make you aware of the signs that many of us often overlook.

So, shall we get started?

1) They make decisions for you

Does your partner often make decisions for you? And I’m not talking about deciding where to have dinner on Friday night. I’m talking about the big stuff, like where to live, what kind of car to buy, or even how to manage your finances.

I remember my friend Amy telling me about how her partner would always decide on everything, from what movie they should watch to how she should spend her money.

She said it felt like she was living her life on someone else’s terms.

In a healthy relationship, decisions are made together.

2) They correct you in public

Another sign is if your partner corrects you in public. Now, nobody’s perfect and we all make mistakes, but there’s a difference between correcting someone in a respectful manner and doing it in a condescending way.

I recall the time when my friend Jake was corrected by his partner about the story he was telling at a dinner party. His partner interrupted him mid-sentence and said, “No, that’s not how it happened!” in front of everyone. Jake was embarrassed and felt belittled.

If your partner often corrects you publicly, especially in a condescending manner, it’s another red flag.

It’s important to communicate with them about how their actions make you feel.

3) They don’t trust your judgment

One of the key aspects of a healthy relationship is trust, not just in terms of fidelity, but also in believing in your partner’s judgment. 

Did you know? If the decision-making power isn’t shared equally, it can lead to dissatisfaction and feelings of being undermined.

So, if your partner doesn’t trust your judgment and often dismisses your ideas, it’s time to have an honest conversation about it.

4) They take over your responsibilities

Sometimes, our partners may step in to help us out, and that’s a beautiful thing.

But there’s a fine line between helping and taking over. If your partner often takes over your responsibilities without asking, it might feel like you are not on equal footing.

Imagine coming home after a long day at work and finding that your partner has already done the task you were planning to do. It might initially seem sweet, but over time, it can make you feel incompetent and less capable.

In a relationship, it’s essential to respect each other’s roles and responsibilities. Overstepping can create feelings of resentment and inadequacy.

So, if this is happening in your relationship, it’s important to communicate your feelings and set boundaries.

5) They always need to be right

Now, this one hits close to home for me. I remember being in a relationship where my partner would always insist on being right. Whether it was about deciding the quickest route to the mall or discussing a news story, my opinion always seemed to fall short.

It wasn’t about the disagreements. Disagreements are normal. It was the constant need for him to prove that he knew better, that he was smarter. It felt like I didn’t know any better.

Remember, a relationship should be about mutual respect and understanding, not about winning arguments.

6) They are overly protective

While it’s natural for your partner to care about your safety and well-being, there’s a difference between being caring and being overly protective.

But when your partner is constantly worrying about you, checking in on you, or trying to shield you from every potential harm, the excessive hovering can be overwhelming.

Here’s the thing: you are an adult capable of making your own decisions and taking care of yourself. Overprotection can sometimes feel suffocating and infringe on your personal freedom.

7) They talk down to you

Ever felt like your partner talks to you as if you’re a little less mentally mature than them?

If yes, then this could be another sign. It can be subtle – using simpler words when talking to you, explaining things you already understand, or even adopting a tone that one would use while talking to a child.

It’s crucial to remember that communication in a relationship should be based on equality and mutual respect. If you feel talked down to, it’s important to express how you feel.

8) They disregard your feelings

This one is important. If your partner dismisses your feelings or emotions as ‘overreacting’ or ‘being dramatic’, it’s a clear sign. 

In a healthy relationship, both partners’ feelings should be acknowledged and respected, not belittled or dismissed.

A study found that emotional invalidation can lead to low self-esteem and increased stress. So, if your partner often dismisses your feelings, it’s time to address the issue.

9) They control your personal space

Finally, if your partner feels the need to control your personal space – who you hang out with, what you wear, where you go – it’s a clear sign of them treating you like a child. 

As adults, we have the autonomy to make those decisions ourselves.

In conclusion, it’s important to remember that every relationship is different, and what might seem like childlike treatment to one person might be a sign of care for another. 

However, if you constantly feel belittled or undermined, it’s essential to address these issues with your partner. 

Keep in mind, communication is key in any relationship.