That dangerous "L" word....

There's a word that sometimes spring up into a relationship. Usually, it comes around after a couple has been around for awhile.

The odd thing is it doesn't come out to each other, but to friends, family and associates of the relationship. It's very dangerous and could foreshadow things to come in your relationship.

That word is "let."

Friends and family may be familiar with the word. To guys, it often comes out as "she won't LET me hang out with the guys tonight." But girls are on the receiving end as well. One phrase I've heard is "he doesn't LET me wear things like that." And no, the girl wasn't talking about her father.

However, the word "let" doesn't even have to be used. It could come out as "she doesn't want me to speak to my female friends" or "he doesn't want me to hang out after midnight."

It could even be implied, like when a person in a relationship goes out and gets 10 angry calls from their significant other every time they go out.

Concern shows affection. Permission displays control. Too much control is unhealthy.

Have you ever found yourself using this word? If so, were you O.K. with it? If not, what did you do about it? Have you ever had a friend who used the word and how did it make you feel?