It’s common to feel envious in a relationship, especially if you have a strong love for your companion. Jealousy is normal and might even add some spice to a relationship. However, jealousy can be more frequent, powerful, and even overwhelming.
A healthy relationship necessitates knowing how to deal with jealousy in a relationship. You can work on yourself to overcome jealousy and build a meaningful relationship regardless of what baggage the other person brings to the table.
In a relationship, you must find ways to deal with jealousy. Begin by examining the physical symptoms of jealousy and asking yourself what makes you jealous in a relationship. Some strategies to deal with jealousy in a relationship include: not allowing your emotions to control you, being transparent about the impacts of jealousy, trusting your spouse, loving yourself, etc.
In this article, we’ll explore what makes you jealous in a relationship, how to express jealousy in a positive way, and how to deal with jealousy in a relationship.
What Makes You Jealous in a Relationship?
In a relationship, a little envy is usual. Almost everyone has had an uneasy envy sensation at some point in their relationship. We feel jealous in these situations because we believe a special bond with another person is in jeopardy, and we fear that a loved one will find someone else to replace us.
For instance, most people get jealous when their partner gets many ‘likes’ from the opposite sex on social media. This can make one partner jealous and toxic in the relationship.
Jealousy is a sore spot. It indicates that we care greatly about someone and that this concern or devotion is not being returned to us as we would like. Some of the signs of jealousy in a relationship are:
- Feeling not good enough for your spouse.
- Comparing yourself to others and feeling compelled to compete.
- Self-doubt as a result of low self-esteem.
- When they mention other people, you become worried.
- You suspect they’re having an affair with someone else
- You watch their social media accounts to see what they’re up to.
- When you’re not together, you don’t trust each other.
All of these signs make us feel vulnerable and make us jealous. We don’t always risk telling our partners our actual feelings. To deal with jealousy, you must convey your feelings to your partner.
Tips on How to Deal With Jealousy in a Relationship
Jealousy may be short, but it can overpower us at times, and we may feel compelled to convey our feelings to our partners. You must know how to express jealousy in a positive way so that your feelings and concerns are acknowledged.
- Don’t Let Your Emotions Get the Best of You
It’s difficult not to act as you feel. The problem is not a sense of jealousy. The challenge begins when you act on your envy and allow it to consume you. You don’t have to act on your feelings.
Keep in mind that your life partner is a living, breathing human being. There are people of their preferred gender in the realm, but that does not imply they will cheat on you with them. They would have dated other people if they wanted to.
Accept your feelings, shift your perspective on the situation, and be rational and intelligent when you are jealous.
- Be Open About the Effects of Jealousy
This is the most effective method for dealing with jealousy in a relationship. If you refuse to acknowledge an issue, you will never be able to solve it. Be honest rather than pretending you aren’t jealous or that jealousy isn’t an issue.
Express how you’re feeling in the relationship due to your insecurities and how they’re harming you. It may be difficult to admit the troubles that your envy is causing, but remember that you are taking the first step towards a better relationship.
- Get Your Bearings Before the Conversation
Even if your envy causes you to feel angry, do not begin this conversation with your partner with strong emotions or a heightened mood. If possible, take a bit of time to note down what you want to say before time to help you collect your emotions.
You can rehearse what you want to say by practicing alone or having a fake conversation with a friend. Try deep breathing and meditation before the chat if those strategies don’t work.
- Trust Your Partner
The most crucial relationship guideline is this. Even if you are afraid of the future and what might tear your relationship apart, you must trust the bond between you two. You can’t love or be satisfied in a relationship unless you can completely trust your companion. Because you trust and love your partner, it will help you deal with jealousy in that relationship.
- Love Yourself
Having low self-esteem and feeling insecure in your relationship is the most common cause of jealousy. You will believe that you aren’t good enough, and your lover will notice and leave you for someone else.
You must understand that your partner liked you and decided to marry you for a reason. If you require reassurance or gratitude, do not hesitate to request it. Appreciating yourself and remembering that your partner is with you because of your good qualities will help you deal with envy.
- Express Your Concerns
If your partner’s behavior makes you envious, don’t be afraid to bring it up with them as soon as possible. They may not have been aware of the behavior or understand how you felt. Use this time to talk about or review any limits and boundaries.
If you trust your partner but have worries about your relationship due to previous experiences, look for solutions for both of you to fix the situation. Keep in mind that your spouse has chosen to be with you. Maintain an open line of communication with your partner at all times.
- Be Patient and Kind
Even if you express your sentiments as carefully as possible, you should expect your spouse to respond with a strong reaction. You’re telling them that something they’re doing, or their relationship with you, makes you jealous. It’s natural for them to become defensive or offended.
During this connection, you should expect some tough emotions to surface. Try to give your partner’s sentiments some time while opening up and letting your feelings arise. Remember that they may require some time to process this information and may not respond rationally or compassionately right away.
- Keep the Positive Characteristics in Mind
Remember what’s vital in your relationship when you’re feeling envious or angry. Try to cultivate positive habits and recall happy experiences. Allow yourself to be free of jealousy. Recognize your partner’s talents and shortcomings, and let your envy impulses go.
- Develop Healthy Coping Mechanisms
If you don’t have healthier ways to relate, it might be challenging to deal with jealousy in your relationships. It’s up to you to manage the source of your jealousy if your partner doesn’t give you a reason to be skeptical or jealous. Recognize that you don’t require jealousy because you’ve gotten accustomed to it.
Self-care is essential for your emotional, physical, and mental wellness. Healthy coping mechanisms become the norm when you prioritize them, and envy slowly fades away.
Take Away
Jealousy is a relational poison that can be destructive. When envy gets out of hand, it can ruin relationships and lead to toxic marriages. If jealousy is interfering with the health of your relationship, you need to practice the tips mentioned above for your relationship’s well-being. You’ll finally get rid of your concerns and start approaching your relationship from a healthy, positive perspective.