This page is a permanent link to the reply below and its nested replies. See all post replies »
Start by listening.
Keep listening until he stops talking of his own accord.
Then try to reflect back to him what he said, and check with him whether you've understood it correctly.
See if you can figure out if he has a particular underlying need.
Now check in with yourself. Are you able to meet his needs?
And if so, is it something you can do without inconvenience to yourself? Is is something you would like to do?
If you can't, tell him so, and tell him why.
And then look for alternatives that will meet his needs without compromising yours.
(P.S. maybe double check whether he's showing signs of being a control freak. If he is, that "fussiness" is a sign to get out now before things get worse.)
Keep listening until he stops talking of his own accord.
Then try to reflect back to him what he said, and check with him whether you've understood it correctly.
See if you can figure out if he has a particular underlying need.
Now check in with yourself. Are you able to meet his needs?
And if so, is it something you can do without inconvenience to yourself? Is is something you would like to do?
If you can't, tell him so, and tell him why.
And then look for alternatives that will meet his needs without compromising yours.
(P.S. maybe double check whether he's showing signs of being a control freak. If he is, that "fussiness" is a sign to get out now before things get worse.)