Are You Afraid of Me? Digital Cartoon

This could be a husband. A boyfriend. A pastor. A boss. A sibling. A leader.

I've dealt with abusive spiritual leaders. So this is very familiar.
Narcissists.

If they ask you this, they're signalling to you that they know you are afraid of them.

They relish that kind of power over you.

They know you can't tell the truth.
So you won't because you're afraid of them.
And they think that makes you weak.
And that makes them feel strong.

I was confronted in this way by a few abusive spiritual leaders. I gathered my courage and told them (all men), yes, I found them very controlling.

I got the exact reaction I expected.

Outrage.

Intended to make me shrink back in fear.

If anyone asks you this question, that's a warning to start packing your bags if you want to be free from them.