Jealousy

We've all experienced jealousy at some time in our lives, although the reasons why each of us gets jealous and the emotions we feel may differ.

Jealousy is a complex reaction as it involves such a wide range of emotions, thoughts and behaviours. It can summon emotions such as pain, anger, sadness, or fear. It can bring about thoughts of blame, comparison with the rival, worry about image.

Jealousy in Relationships

A little jealousy in a relationship can be a good thing. In relationships where feelings of jealousy are mild and occasional, it reminds the couple not to take each other for granted. It can encourage couples to appreciate each other and make a conscious effort to make sure the other person feels valued.

Jealousy intensifies emotions, making love feel stronger and sex more passionate. In small, manageable doses, jealousy can be a positive force in a relationship. However, when it's intense or irrational, this is very different.

Sometimes jealous feelings can get out of control. Overreactions can put a huge strain on a relationship, leaving the other partner feeling as though they're constantly having to avoid a jealous reaction.

Overcoming Jealousy

Overcoming jealousy takes patience and hard work. If you feel your jealousy stems from issues in childhood, you may find counselling useful. If you're recovering from an affair, you may need to deal with those issues first.

Think about the things that trigger your jealousy and ask yourself how realistic the threat is. One of the best ways to beat jealousy is to speak to your partner about it and ask for reassurance.

Links

The links below contain more detailed information on relationships.