Type 1: They are compelled to control everything (and everyone) externally. They have an internal standard that compels them to change their environment. You can’t just do what they want, you have to do it how they want it, and when they want it. They feel at peace when they feel in control.
Know someone like this?
What’s crazy is that these people are just as hurt (and potentially hurtful) as the less-famous second type.
Type 2: They are compelled to control everything inside of them. They are compelled to force-fit themselves into whatever is going on externally. They’ll do what you want, how you want it, and when you want it. They feel at peace when they feel approved.
Not typically what you think of when you think “control freak,” is it?
Which one are you? We all lean one way or another.
Here’s a great, raw testimony of a Type 2. She puts it well, “Outward control freaks boss others around in an effort to try to be safe. Inner control freaks boss themselves around.”
This compels me to extend more grace. To others, and to myself.