Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Self

How to keep jealousy from ruining your relationship

Shannon Cooper
By

A little bit of jealousy is entirely normal in relationships. This is natural, especially if you feel strongly about your partner. However, when these feelings get out of hand, it can do lasting harm to your relationship. But it doesn’t have to be this way — if you’re wondering how to get over jealousy problems in a relationship, keep reading!

Woman looking at partner's phone over her shoulder
New Africa/Shutterstock

Find the source

Jealousy doesn’t just appear out of nowhere. Often it is caused by insecurity, past relationship patterns, or fear. Once you know more about what causes it, you can figure out how to face it. One fear that underlies jealousy is the concern that your partner finds others more attractive, interesting, or funnier than you. Instead of directing your energy at your partner, have an open discussion with your partner about your past experiences and anxieties. Together, you can develop ways to give each other the affirmation and validation that you both need.

Related Videos

Communicate

When dealing with jealousy, communication with your partner is vital. If their actions trigger your jealousy, let them know as soon as the feeling emerges. Your partner may not have even noticed this behavior or not realized how much it impacts you. It can be nerve-wracking to bring up your jealous feelings. But it is much healthier to discuss them now, instead of letting it build, resulting in a larger conflict.

During your chat, try to remain calm and honest. It can be scary to open your heart to your partner, but it’s the only way to build a strong relationship. Remember that you two chose to love each other, and that means accepting the risks of negative emotions like jealousy, too.

Try not to act on your feelings

When you begin feeling jealous, take a deep breath and consider the bigger picture. Rage can put blinders on your vision, not allowing yourself to consider perspectives other than your own. Accept your feelings, they’re valid! But don’t let them consume you. When you feel jealously arising, take a walk, listen to music, or engage in other coping exercises. It’s easier and healthier to start a conversation when you’re no longer angry.

Couple having an argument
Alex Green/Pexels

Healing

As we mentioned before, one main source of jealousy is insecurity. If this is the case, try to heal at the source, and engage in practices that increase your self-esteem. Write a list of things you love about yourself or speak affirmations in the mirror. Pick up an old hobby or set up a photoshoot for yourself. Self-love and admiration are crucial to maintaining confidence in your relationship.

Remember that sometimes, jealousy is just a fear of losing what you love. Set aside time for introspection, so you can understand the roots and triggers of your jealousy and start the healing process. If you fear your partner is more interested in someone else, whether platonically or romantically, have a frank and honest conversation with them. However, make sure you also have a frank and honest conversation with yourself to think through ways to not project your insecurities onto a relationship.

See a therapist

Coping with jealous feelings on your own can be a challenge. It’s never a bad idea to ask for help, especially from a licensed professional. Talking to a therapist can help you address your past wounds and learn new practices and methods to handle negative emotions when they appear. If jealousy interrupts your everyday life, leads to obsessive thoughts, or triggers problematic behavior, it may be time to seek professional assistance.

Jealousy in relationships is so common, it’s almost expected. But while an occasional jealous thought may be more than normal, things can change when your envy takes over completely. You may inadvertently hurt your partner and your relationship if you let this jealousy get out of control. Take control of your jealousy and, with the tips above, you can learn how to overcome your negative emotions and make your relationship even stronger than before.

BlissMark provides information regarding health, wellness, and beauty. The information within this article is not intended to be medical advice. Before starting any diet or exercise routine, consult your physician. If you don’t have a primary care physician, the United States Health & Human Services department has a free online tool that can help you locate a clinic in your area. We are not medical professionals, have not verified or vetted any programs, and in no way intend our content to be anything more than informative and inspiring.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Perfect ways to keep your child safe and in comfort
keep kids entertained

As time progresses there are more and more things to keep your child safe from. This is the case whether it's the ongoing pandemic or dealing with a poopy diaper. It is your job to ensure your child is protected against any danger, and with the following items, you’ll do this with ease.

We provide items that will get your child learning how to safely cook and drink without any spills and messes. Sounds like a plan? Well, check out how the items below will ensure your child stays in total comfort. You won’t be disappointed with the outcome, trust us.

Read more
You’ll love these products to help you unwind
the best lotions for extremely dry skin

Self-care is a buzzword that you’ve probably seen floating around social media or somewhere on television. Some ways to exercise self-care can vary from person to person. For some, practicing self-care might be going on a weekend road trip. For others, it might mean getting a massage. No matter how you decide to practice it, it’s important to take a much-needed break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. If you’re a student, working professional, mother, or just need some time to yourself, you might consider some helpful products for making the most of your recreational time.

You can maximize your weekends by using these products to help you unwind. Whether it’s for the weekend or a long vacation, taking care of yourself in all areas of your life is necessary to leading a happy and healthy life. With many people now working from home, it’s even easier to work on a relaxing art project during your lunch break or after work. Making sure that you’re mental and physical health is taken care of can even help you become a more productive student, employee or parent. When your mind and body are healthy, you shine from the inside out. Take advantage of some of these useful products and start celebrating yourself today.

Read more
Perfect items for pregnancy
unknown walking benefits woman getting restful sleep

When developing new life into this world, your entire world flips upside down. We’re not just talking about raising a child into the best version of themselves, but before that step even comes, aka the pregnancy. There are so many do’s and don’ts when it comes to pregnancy that it can be overwhelming at times.

But we want to show you some comforting products that will make sure this wondrous process is the best. Whether you’re finding it difficult to shower or don’t have the lumbar support you need when sitting, we have everything you could need. Check out how to get started below.

Read more