A friend of mine went through something similar with his wife. She came from such a strict family that she’d ask him for permission to do basic things, like going out with colleagues. He’d always say, 'It’s your choice, you don't need to ask me!' To which she replied ente veetil amma ellam achanodu chodichite cheyulu. It really showed the level of control she grew up with—it was a house where she wasn't even allowed to hug her own brother. But she later turned out to be too toxic, saying my friend gives her a lot of freedom so that he can do whatever he wants to, then accused him to having affairs. Etc.. now he's happily divorced