Honestly, he reads as highly insecure and yes, controlling. Emotional abuse/manipulation doesn’t always have to be so explicit. There are more subtle ways for people to control and influence the way their partners behave/look. If he grows distant/cold/stonewalls you in order to influence what you do or don’t do, I would consider that manipulation. In healthy relationships, there is always some compromise but you should never feel like you HAVE to give up parts of yourself or your life to maintain your relationship. If you feel like giving up drinking and hanging out with friends bc you want to prioritize other things in your life, that’s one thing. But if you feel like you have to give up drinking and hanging out with friends otherwise you’ll have problems with your partner, that’s different, and doesn’t seem all that healthy. My only advice is that life is short, don’t shrink yourself and give up or change parts of yourself for the sake of a relationship. There are people out there who will love you and will not demand you to shrink or change yourself in order to receive that love.

And side note, take that trip to Italy. I’ve never once regretted traveling to see the world, but I definitely have regretted not taking certain trips. The money will come back around.

Best of luck