People with high self-control are less likely to sacrifice their needs for other people. Therefore, to have self-control in a relationship, you need to first determine your own needs and desires. Once you have a clear sense of yourself, then you will be able to express what you want to your partner more accurately. When people feel like their needs are being met, they tend to have more self-control. Lack of self-control usually happens when people are lashing out because of unmet emotional needs.

People who have self-control feel more comfortable in social situations and are more self-assured, suggests a study by researchers Na and Paternoster published in "Criminology" in May 2012. American culture has clear rules for social behavior, and when someone does not meet those expectations, there are consequences. Therefore, having more self-control gives you an advantage with other people. If you can control what you say and do, then you will be rewarded for that behavior. It just starts with monitoring yourself.

Self-control actually contributes to overall health -- both mental and physical -- according to a study by researchers at the University of North Texas, as published in "Psychology and Health" in August 2011. When you have self-control, you monitor your thoughts. Many people are not aware of their thoughts or behavior. However, if either of these are negative, it can lead to stress -- and stress is a leading cause of relationship problems and physical disease, warns the American Psychological Association. Therefore, work on monitoring yourself. Keep a journal with your thoughts and behavior. It all begins with awareness. Once you are aware, you will become better at controlling yourself, and thus, keeping your relationships and your body healthy.

If you want another person to respect you, one of the components of doing this is controlling your own behavior, notes the 2013 Duke University study. There is a difference between what you think about, and what you speak or do. Everything you feel does not have to be exhibited in your words and actions. Self-control can earn you the respect of other people.