I don't know how much of that sort of manipulation is conscious, but I think that men are more often naturally predatory and that men more often try to isolate their partners from their friends and family than women do. I wonder if these sorts of relationships would usually become codependent relationships?
I think it goes both ways. And sickens me.
I demanded my freedom, and felt that to
avoid being a hypocrite, I'd have to give the
same. Had many males shocked at the things
I'd 'let' my wife do. Had my friends report shit
to my wife, because they thought that such shouldn't
be happening in THEIR idea of a relationship. If you
can't trust (or at least make an effort) someone, you
don't belong with them.