Relationship glossary

Gatekeeping

In a household discussion, controlling access to a responsibility or insisting on supervising how another person carries it out.

What it looks like at home

One person may hand over laundry but require approval for every harmless choice, leaving the other person with little real ownership.

The useful distinction

Separate essential standards from personal preferences. The term describes a pattern to discuss, not proof of intent or a label for a person.

Read the practical guide: one partner does more