In a way, I wish I was able to be more frivolous with general spending since these small unpleasantries grow to be more over time.

I am trying to be less hard on some things - but I am very opinionated!!
My wife has the same feeling of control, even though she is free to do as she pleases - but is better off when she listens to me ;D

There is a balance somewhere of course - good luck finding it though.