Stepping away from jealousy
This video delves into the intricate emotion of jealousy within relationships, pointing out its origins in fear and insecurity. It explains that while jealousy can sometimes show dedication, it becomes troublesome when it leads to possessiveness and controlling actions, which can escalate to violence. The video offers tactics for handling jealousy, urging viewers to recognize their feelings and prepare constructive responses. Ultimately, the goal is to cultivate healthier, more secure relationships by addressing jealousy in a positive manner.
A man speaks:
Have you ever experienced jealousy welling up inside? Jealousy typically involves two people in a relationship and a rival. That rival is normally another person, but sometimes it can be around the amount of time somebody decides to spend on other activities. At the heart of jealousy is the fear that the other person or activity is robbing the relationship of time.
It is now thought that jealousy is more a thinking process in response to our feelings of anger or sadness, fear, abandonment. Jealousy is a response to how we feel. Jealousy is a feeling that arises from suspicion, apprehension, fear of unfaithfulness, or fear of being replaced by someone. Jealousy can serve several functions in a relationship, including limiting the level of contact with others outside the relationship. It can communicate caring and commitment to a relationship. It can signal a warning that there are negative feelings and insecurities in the relationship.
Jealousy becomes a problem when it is connected with possessiveness. We know that when jealousy and possessiveness walk into relationships, controlling behaviours increase. In situations of abusive practice and family violence, high levels of jealousy can lead to serious physical and sexual violence.
When jealousy is kicking off in our head we need to get on top of it pretty quickly. Acknowledge what's going on. Make sure you are safe. Don't let the echo chamber increase the volume. And acknowledge your worry about abandonment. Your challenge is to get ahead of the game so you can step away from jealousy. Think about each of these things you can consider. Then ask yourself, what do you imagine might be happening? Now, make a list of unhelpful ways to respond. And finally, make a list of helpful ways to respond. Preparing for situations ahead of time is always more helpful than being caught in the moment.