I wouldn't consider myself a control freak, but I've had…
““I wouldn't consider myself a control freak, but I've had my moments. I've seen trouble coming and fought, fumed, and frazzled myself trying to control circumstances and situations. One of the most impossible things to control is something walking around on two legs called a human being. I've manipulated and thrown temper tantrums trying to get another person to behave the way that seemed best to me. After all, doesn't someone need to control the bad behaviors of others? But after fifty-one years of life on this planet, including thirty years of marriage, I've concluded that the only thing I can control is my attitude. Everything else is fantasy. I've tried to control my kids. I've tried to control my churches. I've tried to control my dog, Gavin. I've even tried to control Tina (not a good idea). A sure sign of when I'm trying to control things, people, or circumstances is that I get frustrated, develop a bad attitude, and usually end up angry.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Attempting to control others leads to frustration; the only reliable control is over one's own attitude.
In simple terms: Control yourself, not others.
Key Takeaway
Focus on attitude, accept others' autonomy.
Themes
control
attitude
relationships
frustration
Mood
reflective
practical
Type
attitude:1
attitude quotes:0
bad attitude:1
bad behavior:0
control:1
control freak:0
control issues:0
controlling:0
power:0
relationship quotes:0
relationships:0
thirty years:0
time:0
walking around:0
years of marriage:0
control attitude:0
control things:0
control bad:0
trying control:0
When to use this quote
- marriage
- parenting
- spirituality
Key Concepts
personal growth
psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- What can you change about your response?
- How does letting go affect relationships?
A Different Perspective
Accepting limits can reduce anger.