I think its bizarre how one minute he bemoans your free will and yet the next demands a break. It sounds like this guy isn't sure of his own feelings and i think you're right in saying his tone is controlling - as for the whole free will thing, marriage isn't supposed to be a prison, does he expect you to spend every waking moment with you when you're married? The only thing you can do is sit down and talk things out. If he still wants a break there isn't much else you can do but go along with it and see if he manages to get over whatever insecurities he has about your relationship. Bare in mind though he might just be thinking of breaking up and isn't sure how to broach the subject - by having time away from you he gets to dip his toe in the water and see how things would be like without you. Add to this situation a nightmare of a possible mother in law and you've got a lot to think about. I hope whatever you decide to do works out for the best.