Being in a relationship is one of the best things you can do, but jealousy can be one of the worst emotions you can feel in one. When you’re with your significant other, it’s natural to have doubts from time to time. Allowing your doubts to dictate your behavior and attitude, on the other hand, will only lead to resentment, regret, and an unhealthy relationship in general. This article will teach you how to keep jealousy from infiltrating your relationship and destroying it from within.
When it comes to jealousy, all relationships are vulnerable. It’s more of a problem in some cases than others, but it can appear at any time. Whatever type of relationship you’re in – whether you’ve been together for a few months or many years – your partner will most likely do things that make you feel insecure, and insecure people tend to become paranoid about their partners and their interactions with others.
This makes sense because jealousy protects us by ensuring we don’t lose those we love, but only if it’s based on rational concerns; otherwise, it can push your partner away if they see your suspicions as unfounded. Here are some pointers on how to avoid being jealous in a relationship.
Make it abundantly clear what you like and dislike.
If you don’t tell your partner what you want, they won’t know. When things are going well, your significant other may believe that what they are doing is exactly what you want.
Nothing could be further from the truth. If you want something specific, make it clear what makes you happy and pay attention to any cues your partner gives off regarding their preferences.
For example, if your partner puts on their favorite shirt when they know you’ll be home soon and/or when they’re feeling especially sexy, don’t forget to tell them how much these small gestures turn you on!
Recognize your partner’s point of view.
According to research, jealousy is frequently triggered when people believe their partner is not paying them enough attention. If you feel like your partner is constantly ignoring you, it could be because they’ve been too preoccupied with work, school, or other important commitments.
However, if you continue to feel anxious when your partner is present, whether at home or out with friends, take a step back and consider why this is happening.
Are you really being ignored? Or are you simply insecure for some reason? Whether it’s guilt over spending too much time with friends and family or something else entirely, try to figure out what triggers your jealousy so you can address it rationally rather than emotionally.
Enjoy the good times with your friends.
There’s no getting around it: you’ll never be able to prevent your significant other from having friends or family members you dislike.
Rather than obsessing over what they do with their time and who they spend it with, focus on enjoying those activities together. Consider scheduling double dates in places where both of you will have a good time, or organizing events where he/she can spend time with both sides of your life while also spending time with each other.
It may require some adjustment on your part, but remember that those people are important parts of his/her life, and believing otherwise is impeding their growth.
Know when to summon the green monster.
Jealousy isn’t just unpleasant; it can also cause a schism between two people. While most people dislike being on either side of someone else’s green-eyed monster, jealousy can sometimes be a sign that you and your partner are outgrowing each other.
If you find yourself approaching the I want what he has territory, it may be time to have an open discussion about where your relationship is headed. Bringing up changes in feelings and desires early allows both parties to reassess their goals and decide how to best move forward together.
Rethink your priorities.
Jealousy is a natural and healthy emotion. When it becomes so severe that it overshadows everything else, you should be concerned about your own mental health. Relationships are about mutual respect, trust, and compromise.
If you start doubting yourself because of your partner’s new outfit or because he/she is spending more time with another friend than with you, it’s time for a reality check. Life is too short to waste on people who do not make you happy.
Envy has no place in any relationship, romantic or friendship, and should always be your number one reason for taking a step back and reevaluating what is most important to you.
Conclusion
As you can see from these suggestions, jealousy is an uncontrollable emotion. However, there are several things you can do to manage it and keep your relationship intact.
The most important thing is for both partners to understand that feelings of jealousy are normal and, while they can be damaging to relationships, they are common and often stem from insecurity or fear of something or someone coming between them.
If those concerns are addressed honestly and compassionately, they can be addressed without too much difficulty.