Everyone feels insecure from time to time, and, more often than we’d like, those insecurities present themselves in our relationships. No matter how hard you try to convince yourself, there may always be a little voice in the back of your head reminding you of uncertainties that undermine your confidence.
No matter what your insecurities may be, they can snowball, eventually becoming large enough to add tension to your relationship. While it’s completely normal to feel this way, it doesn’t have to take control of your life or your relationships. Keep reading to learn how you can overcome some common insecurities and practice empathetic and compassionate communication in your relationships.
Don’t blame yourself
Insecurities can fog your head, convincing you that everything is your fault. Compounding shame and blame with uncertainty will only make you feel worse.
Instead, ditch the defense mechanisms and try to face your perceived shortcomings with an open mind. Take stock of what events trigger your these feelings in your relationship, like irregular communication or a lack of quality time, for example. Sometimes outside influences, like instability at work or trouble with friendships, can also manifest in your relationships. Having an honest conversation with yourself to evaluate your self-perception can help you confront your insecurities at a deeper source.
Talk to your partner
Communication is the simplest, but oftentimes the hardest, key to managing insecurity in a relationship. Tell your partner when you feel uncertain and encourage them to do the same. Creating this safe space between you opens the opportunity to discuss your worries honestly and with kindness and empathy.
While being vulnerable can be extraordinarily difficult, it will go a long way in preventing conflict. It’s crucial to be transparent about what’s bothering you and why. This will ensure you see the situation from each other’s perspective and learn to compromise before it’s too late.
Hone your coping methods
Getting over your insecurities is a long process, so don’t pressure yourself to move on or confront issues before you’re mentally prepared. Be patient, and give yourself adequate time to process and talk about your feelings. Intense emotions often cause us to act out, making choices that we regret later. When you feel yourself getting upset, take a walk, express your feelings through art, music, or writing. Take some time to do something you find soothing. Then, you’ll be in a better headspace to discuss your thoughts and feelings.
Focus on your positive qualities
Nobody becomes a master of confidence and self-love overnight. We all have to start somewhere, and these simple exercises are a great place to begin.
- Look at yourself in a mirror and say out loud the qualities you admire about yourself
- Make a list of five things you love about yourself, so you have it on hand to re-read every time you begin to feel insecure
- Adopt a mantra such as, “I am at peace with myself as I am and the world as it is,” to build self-acceptance
Over time, you’ll boost your confidence, and little by little those insecurities will become minor annoyances instead of insurmountable problems. This can translate to your relationship, too: If you see yourself as the total package, your partner will too.
Don’t compare
Comparing yourself to others is a one-way ticket to self-doubt and insecurity. While this is easier said than done, there are a few steps you can take to practice self-love and learn to appreciate the beauty in others without feeling less about yourself.
Try taking a break from social media—limiting your screen time will give you the opportunity to reset your expectations for yourself and your relationship. Most importantly, your new expectations will be based on what you actually want, not how you compare to others. Keep in mind that people only reveal the best versions of themselves in social media. Taking some time away from social media will ensure you aren’t comparing your everyday highs and lows to others’ hand-picked best moments.
Talk to a professional
It’s never a bad idea to ask for help. If you’ve used the tips above and still don’t feel better, consider talking to a therapist or life coach. With their help, you can set goals and create strategies to manage these feelings. Plus, having the assistance of an impartial third party can help you to see things clearly, encouraging you to find connections and draw conclusions that you may have missed otherwise.
Being insecure every so often is completely normal. But, when your jealousy and insecurity threaten your relationships, it’s time to take action. Remember: All good relationships are built on respect, communication, commitment, and love. Talk to your partner and ask for their support. With this solid foundation, your insecurities don’t stand a chance.
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.
