Karan highlighted how Tejasswi's possessiveness towards him is often taken the wrong way. (Source: Instagram/Karan Kundrra)Actor Karan Kundrra recently addressed misconceptions about his longtime girlfriend, Tejasswi Prakash, particularly regarding how people perceive her personality. While she has been accused of being disrespectful or overly possessive, Karan clarified that her behaviour is often misunderstood. Appearing on Bharti Singh and Haarsh Limbachiyaa’s podcast, he explained, “People think she doesn’t respect others, but it’s not like that. She doesn’t value how rich you are or your stature, she gets impressed by people’s work.” According to Karan, Tejasswi connects deeply with a select few, and once she forms a bond, she expresses herself openly — something that is sometimes misinterpreted.Talking about their dynamic, Karan highlighted how Tejasswi’s possessiveness towards him is often taken the wrong way. “Sometimes she just says some things, but that is because she knows what is her right in my life. But seeing her get possessive of me, people misunderstand her. She is like that with just me, so you have to be understanding to understand her.” He also described her as someone who cannot be dominated unless she finds logic in what is being said, adding, “You cannot dominate her. If I cannot explain to her the logic behind something, it won’t work. She is very street smart that way.”While Karan and Tejasswi’s relationship is stronger than ever, why do some people express possessiveness in close relationships?Sonakshi Bhargava, psychologist and founder at Mental Health with Sonakshi, tells indianexpress.com, “Feeling possessive in a relationship is natural—it often stems from love, deep care, and a fear of loss. However, when it turns into excessive jealousy or restricts a partner’s freedom, it can create tension. The key difference between possessiveness and control is intent—possessiveness seeks closeness, while control imposes restrictions. While possessiveness stems from emotional vulnerability, control is about dominance.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Tejasswi Prakash (@tejasswiprakash) She adds, “The good news is that with open communication, trust, and self-awareness, possessiveness can transform into a secure bond. Healthy relationships thrive on mutual respect and emotional security, where both partners feel valued, free, and reassured. Setting boundaries and fostering trust help ensure love remains supportive rather than restrictive.”Role of communication in ensuring that traits like assertiveness or straightforwardness aren’t misinterpreted in relationshipsAccording to Bhargava, communication is “essential” in ensuring that personality traits like assertiveness or straightforwardness are not misinterpreted in relationships. “Assertiveness reflects confidence and self-respect, but without clarity and empathy, it may be perceived as aggression or insensitivity. Open, respectful dialogue helps convey intentions accurately, reducing misunderstandings,” she notes. Active listening, using “I” statements, and checking in with a partner’s feelings foster mutual understanding. Emotional intelligence also plays a key role in balancing honesty with sensitivity. When both partners feel heard and valued, assertiveness strengthens the relationship rather than creating distance, promoting a dynamic where directness is appreciated rather than misjudged.Story continues below this adWhy do people often misunderstand individuals who form deep but selective connections rather than having a large social circle?People who prefer deep but selective connections are often misunderstood because society tends to equate social fulfilment with large networks and frequent interactions. “While some people enjoy broad social circles, others find meaning in a few close, authentic relationships. This selectivity is sometimes mistaken for aloofness or social discomfort, when in reality, it reflects a desire for trust and genuine emotional connection,” highlights Bhargava.Such individuals invest deeply in their relationships, she adds, valuing quality over quantity. However, others may misinterpret their reserved nature as disinterest or exclusion. “The key to overcoming these misunderstandings is open communication—expressing one’s need for meaningful interactions rather than frequent socialising can help foster mutual respect.” For more lifestyle news, click here to join our WhatsApp Channel and also follow us on Instagram© IE Online Media Services Pvt Ltd