Figuring out how to curb and manage your jealousy in a relationship can be tough. Especially if you're not sure what's fuelling your feelings to begin with.
Even if you're blessed with the most loving, loyal partner, it's easy to get swept up in a wave of possessiveness when they laugh a little too hard with a cute coworker, or you stumble on a pic of their ridiculously hot ex.
Like anger and sadness, "jealousy is a completely normal human emotion that can pop up even in healthy relationships," says Sarah Epstein, a licensed couples therapist in Dallas, US. Sometimes, caring about someone so much can trigger protective instincts that make you want them all to yourself, Epstein says. At other times, this insecurity may be a sign you're craving something that's missing-perhaps more reassurance or quality time.
Still, it's important to keep your jealousy in check, she adds, or it can take over and lead to toxic behaviours such as trying to control who your SO sees, what they do or where they go, or invading their privacy by snooping through their phone. We're not saying you must become some effortlessly chill partner who never has self-doubt. But stopping baseless worries from ruining a good thing is a good step-and these expert tips can help.
01 Becurious (not embarrassed) about your jealousy
No one wants to think they're the jealous type'. Epstein says that suppressing insecurity and anxiety often leads to impulsive actions you'll probably regret later, such as accusing your partner of flirting when all they did was smile at someone. Or questioning their loyalty over a like on social media.
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