Jealousy is a natural feeling, but sometimes it can get a bit out of hand. Flying into a jealous rage definitely causes strain on a relationship, and even lingering feelings of jealousy can effect your relationship in a negative way. Here are 7 tips to help you manage and squash those jealous feelings.
Identify
If you’re going to deal with jealousy, you have to figure out what you’re really jealous about! If you’re facing the green-eyed monster, take a step back and think about what is making you feel jealous — and why. This will help you to get to the root of the issue so you can address it.
Don’t Assume
The reasons behind actions and appearances can vary greatly, so don’t assume anything. Don’t just assume your partner hasn’t called you back yet because he/she is up to something sketchy. It could be a million things — he/she forgot his/her phone, lost it, or is perhaps too busy to get right back to you.
Get the 411
Jealousy in a relationship can stem from a perceived threat — whether it’s real or imagined. Gather info about the situation. You don’t need to grill people or snoop around, but it’s OK to ask questions to figure out what’s really going on. When you have all of the facts, you’ll be better equipped to handle the situation.
Flip It
Instead of focusing on the negative, turn the situation into something positive. See it in a different light! If some guy checks out your girlfriend, instead of flipping out, take it as a compliment. You’re the one she’s with, and you’re a catch. Take some time to review your good qualities instead of comparing yourself to someone else.
Trust & Communication
As with any other issues in a relationship, communication is key! Don’t keep your feelings bottled up, because they can do some serious damage in the long run. Talk to someone about it — preferably your partner. Avoid the blame game, because this could inflame the situation. Talking about it will not only help put things at ease, but it can help to pinpoint the root cause of your jealous feelings.
Build Your Self-Esteem
Those with lower self-esteem and insecurities can be more susceptible to experiencing feelings of jealousy. Take some time to love yourself and to appreciate your good qualities! If you’re having trouble, talking to your partner, family, and friends can help — they’re there to support you.
Therapy
If all else fails, there’s always therapy — sometimes it’s just necessary. A therapist is someone outside of your situation that can help to sort out everything. A therapist is especially helpful if you feel as if you can’t really speak in-depth to your family, friends, or even your significant other. Therapists are trained to deal with your jealous feelings, and helping you get past them.
[Image via Rocking Facts]
