I think KL would have testified to such. I cannot say what KL would do, but if I saw my sister in that situation, I would have filled up the tank, and bought the $3 ballon. I would have also offered to help pay for the paper goods if I felt as strongly about this as KL seems to feel. I would have questioned my sister as to why any of this was occurring if I had not seen it before, but maybe my sister and I have a different relationship than NC and KL I do not know.[/QUOTE
Here's one way a husband can control a wife: the wife knows that if things aren't done his way, there will be a price to pay. For example, BC gives her $300 for the week, but if she makes money painting, instead of her getting ahead, he subtracts that.
NC may have known that if her sister filled tank, bought balloon, etc., BC would not like that and she'd have to "pay" in some way.
There's always the feeling that "if he feels like I've bucked his system, what will he dream up to get revenge?" He would derive pleasure from her having the misery of always wondering what he'll do next.
These are just thots that may have partly described their dynamics. I could be totally wrong.