Power struggles occur in new families as well. Newlyweds may try to take up positions of strength from the outset of a marriage.

A confidant may find that one party is trying to control the other on a date. The power struggle thus occurs before the family is formed. This may augur poorly for the future success of that relationship.

In certain exceptional cases this situation may be acceptable, but it must always be handled with great care. Both sides must accept their roles, or be trained to do so.