Dealing with Jealousy

Jealousy can kill the most beautiful and perfect relationship. Hence, get over it before it manifests into an obsession that consumes your life. Here is an advice on dealing with jealousy.
Dealing with Jealousy
'Jealousy thy name is woman' goes an old saying. Whether this adage holds true or not, is a different question, but it is often found that jealousy eclipses the otherwise perfect demeanor of a woman. Jealousy is not a single emotion, it is an assortment of emotions like anger, insecurity, depression, fear, etc. A little bit of jealousy exists in every romantic relationship, rather it adds a spice to the relationship. However, it becomes a problem when it emanates negative feelings like suspicion and mistrust which have a potential to kill a wonderful relationship. Pangs of jealousy once a while are a common thing, but if you feel a perpetual feeling of jealousy every now and then, then you should probably learn ways to deal with jealousy before it's too late.

Dealing With Jealousy in Relationships

Overcome That Feeling of Insecurity
Often, jealousy results from a feeling of insecurity or a very low self esteem. These feelings are not only detrimental for your relationship but also deter your own emotional growth. Hence, overcome these feelings by evaluating your positive aspects. Everyone is born with unique personality traits and is special in their own way. So, it doesn't matter if you lack a certain quality, because you already have a dozen other good things in you which distinguish you from others. Just look at these good things within you a little more often.

Be Independent
Being too much dependent on a single person will render you emotionally handicapped. You'll only become an emotional baggage for the other person and lose their respect for you. Hence, learn to live a life of your own. Stop being obsessed about the other person, remember, you don't own him/her. Obsession can convert you into a serious control freak and instigate your partner to end the relationship.

Do Not Overreact
Most occasions, when you experience jealousy getting the better of you, are frivolous. A female friend of your boyfriend's planting a kiss on his cheek is really not worth making an issue. Confronting him for that, makes you look foolish and immature. It is best to ignore such issues, if your partner seems very casual and unperturbed by it.

Dealing With Jealousy in Social Life

Do Not Compare
Comparing yourself with others will make you feel miserable for no reason. While comparing yourself with an object of your jealousy, you only tend to look at a single aspect of that person which appeals to you the most. But, you need to understand that the same aspect may not appeal to others and hence does not make that person any special.

Avoid Negative Feelings
Feeling a bit jealous about an attractive colleague or a friend who got the best looking guy in the town, is quite understandable. But, do not let these pangs of jealousy turn into vindictive feelings towards the concerned individual. Learn to look at the things you have in life, which others do not have and feel extremely grateful about them. Do not wish bad for the person, because in any case that won't help you.

Keep Calm
Always keep yourself engaged in some activity to ward off the evil thoughts from your mind. The old saying,'an empty mind is a devil's workshop', is absolutely true. Negative, destructive thoughts thrive in a mind that has nothing better to do. Hence, relax and try some activities like meditation, anger management. Allow more positive thoughts in your mind, about yourself, as well as the concerned person. This is an effective way of dealing with feelings of jealousy.

Dealing with jealousy and insecurity is indeed difficult. But, if you make sincere attempts to get rid of jealousy from your life, then you'll be able to lead a happy and content life.

By Ashwini Kulkarni
Published: 8/28/2009
 
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