A demanding mother will not be content unless you do things her way. If you recall being chastised for the things you wore or the way you spoke, your mother was attempting to exert control over you. Many elderly people may claim that they only wanted the best for their children when, in reality, they were attempting to control every aspect of their life. Some dominated or controlled spouses have had enough and chose not to put up with it any longer. They took a position and said unequivocally that if things did not change, the marriage will end shortly. Others developed an emotional attachment to someone who treated them with decency and respect.