How to Save Your Relationship from Jealousy in 5 Easy Steps

Jealousy is normal, but when it is allowed to fester in relationships, it becomes a very unhealthy thing.

The good news? It’s important for people to understand that jealousy is possible to manage and prevent when using proper behavior patterns and talking techniques. Here are five proven steps to stop jealousy from ruining your relationship:

Step 1: Identify the Root Cause

Most of the time, jealousy is rooted in problems such as poor self-esteem and other forms of emotional baggage, including betrayal. Consider what makes you jealous. Ask yourself:

• Is it based on something they did, or is it coming from your previous history?

• Do you tend to become anxious about things because that is what your partner is feeling?

Jealousy comes from the feeling of competition; thus, in order to solve jealousy, one has to understand the main reason behind that feeling.

Step 2: Be Transparent

Your partner cannot read your mind and therefore cannot know what is going on in your mind at any one time. Jealousy is something that can create tension in a relationship; that’s why if it’ll bother you, discuss it cool-headedly and politely. It is important not to sound accusative; therefore, it is appropriate to make use of “I” statements. For example:

• Instead of: “You’re always texting with someone!”

• Say: It makes me uncomfortable when I notice you are texting at midnight. ”Can we talk about it?”

Understanding each other eliminates misconceptions that may be causing contention and improves trust as a working relationship.

Step 3: Build Self-Confidence

Insecurity is the best companion of jealousy. In this way you can also reduce feelings of inadequacy that come from the focus on increasing self-esteem. Try these tips:

• Focus on projects or activities that allow you to build, create, and improve something that needs to be done.

• Laud yourself and your victories, big or small.

• Just to recall, every individual has a personal path to conquer. Jealousy is only encouraged when you compare yourself with other people.

If you are content with who you are, you don’t have to compete with other people or try to bring them down. 

Step 4: Establish Healthy Boundaries

Each and every relationship requires certain limits so it can be healthy. Share and come to a consensus of what each of you finds acceptable. For example:

• Should people continue to be friends with their exes?

• What is the sign that it is time to call or text each other when you are away from each other?

It is also important to avoid the things that can bring jealousy, and one of them is having clear expectations.

Step 5: Always trust your partner and do not get impatient

People depend on trust in any kind of their relationships. Trust making is a process that requires some time; however, it is necessary to work on it. Here’s how to cultivate it:

• Do not make hasty conclusions immediately upon being told something.

• Reinforce your memories of your partner's love and commitment.

• Recovery from jealousy takes time and requires effort and self-effort at that. The intended gender of a partner is just a preference, and in this pursuit, be as gentle to yourself as you are to your potential partners.

Now, it’s your turn! Are you or someone you know a victim of jealousy in a relationship? For such strategies, what did you find effective? Please feel free to leave your comments and suggestions on this page below.