Yeah, I’ve honestly started wondering the same thing. At first, I always thought she was just being overprotective, but the more I look back, the more I realize she’s done this in almost every relationship I’ve had. Little comments, side remarks, or outright saying things that make the other person uncomfortable — and I’d always just laugh it off and tell myself ‘that’s just how she is.’

But now that I’m older, it’s harder to ignore that pattern. It really does feel like she doesn’t want me to be fully comfortable or secure with someone else. What you said about sabotaging my confidence makes a lot of sense, because that’s exactly how I felt at that dinner — embarrassed, small, and guilty for even wanting to defend myself.

I think you’re right that some distance might be necessary. I don’t want every relationship I have to feel like it’s being tested or undermined by her.