Unable to delegate or accept mistakes
Due to the perfectionist and rigid nature of the control freak, it is very difficult for him or her to trust that anyone but they will get anything done right. Even though their work is piling up, they refuse to delegate. Controlling people will even berate themselves for what they perceive to be "stupid" mistakes, like letting the gas tank get below half full.

No boundaries
We often think of over-bearing in-laws or nitpicking grandparents as having no boundaries. Unable to respect anyone's privacy, a control freak will be invasive, asking personal and probing questions without thinking. They also can't resist commenting on someone's life, relationships, and even their outfit.

Unattractive personality
A true control freak is no picnic to be around. They can be extremely demanding, irritable and hurtful. In order to get their way they yell, and when anything goes wrong, they sulk. Many make harmful remarks without realizing it, and are unable to censor themselves.

If you are beginning to realize that the control freak in your life is you, here are a few steps towards letting go.

• Very simply - slow down, take a deep breath and relax. Life is not a race that you have to win.
• There is a strong connection between anxiety and a controlling personality. Many people who suffer from this trait are trying to prevent losing something, like a relationship. Whether you try yoga, meditation or prayer, try to let the anxiety go and have faith that everything will be okay.
• Force yourself to delegate. Give up those things that don't need to be completed perfectly. Resist the temptation to correct, re-do or improve anyone's work.

Use this quiz to discover if you're holding onto the reigns a little too tightly.