This is my third marriage and- third time lucky as the saying goes. I don't think I realised at the time how controlling my second husband was trying to be, mainly as he was away on business a lot. My D(third)H is just wonderful in many ways I'm happy to say. He wouldn't dream of trying to be controlling and supports and helps me with all sorts of things I do even if he isn't directly involved. He'll pick me up or drop me off anywhere at any time if I've decided not to take the car. He gets upset if it sounds like I'm asking permission to go somewhere even although I'm just checking he hasn't previously arranged to go somewhere with the car at the same time. He hates the thought of me ever thinking I need his permission for anything. We do a lot together and wouldn't normally go on holiday separately because we just prefer to go together. I have had friends and acquaintances whose husbands were controlling: financially; not allowing visits to friends or clubs on their own; having to have a meal prepared in advance by their wife if she was going to be out with friends for dinner etc. It is sad that this still goes on. We need to look out for any friends or relatives we have who are in that position as best we can.