Managing Strong Emotions, Friendships, & Jealousy (Relationship Tips)

Managing strong emotions such as jealousy is a constant challenge. Jealousy can occur with oneself because of family comparisons and seeking body image validation from others. It is also a strong emotion that is felt when one feels less self-security and the fear of losing a job or a long-time married partner. No matter what the reasons are for feeling jealous, there are ways to manage those strong emotions. Begin by reflecting, writing, and breathing techniques about the reasons for your jealousy. 

Ask yourself questions. Are you jealous because your friend has a boyfriend or girlfriend? Are you jealous because your friend got a job that you wanted? Are you jealous of your partner making more money? Lastly, are you jealous because your friend has more job opportunities, a pay raise, or multitasking skills? 

In addition to asking yourself questions, practice self-care, self-kindness, and self-love. Improving your self-esteem, self-confidence, self-worth, and self-awareness are necessary for reducing jealousy and other strong emotions. Yet, the feeling of jealousy might not be erased from your thoughts especially if you have a Deja Vu experience. Acknowledge your emotions by writing it, communicating it, and practicing healthy activities to release those strong emotions. Speak to your partner or someone you trust about your jealousy. 

Being jealous is a painful experience and damaging to one's emotional health. Also seeing jealousy in someone can leave a lasting impact and might change your perception of that person. It might distort your perception of that person and hurt your friendship with them. In the following example two pseudonyms were used. For example, Terry was a best friend of Gina since elementary school. 

One day Terry got onto the honor roll list in High School. Gina's parents used to go to Carpool with Gina and Terry after school and on their way to school. But a week after getting on the honor roll list, Gina changed and distanced herself from Terry. The following day, an older adult picked up Terry from high school and Gina left early with another friend's parents. Terry did not understand it until she spoke to Gina about it. 

In the end, Terry found out that Gina was jealous of her throughout elementary and high school. Many years later, Terry came across Gina as an adult because they both were in the same fast-food place. Nonetheless, Gina recognized Terry but was still jealous of her. Gina simply stared at her and Terry never forgot the jealous stare that Gina gave her. Although the friendship ended in high school, it still left a bad high school experience of an unhealthy friendship due to jealousy.

There are many ways that a friend, coworker, or family member can demonstrate their jealousy, fear, anger, annoyance, or other strong emotions. Often these bad experiences can make you more selective or more aware of your friendships. Also to take extra precautions in developing a committed relationship with your partner. As well as being observant and cautious about who you can trust, admire, and feel safe. Although you cannot avoid someone that is jealous of you, be careful how you speak to someone who is jealous. 

If you are jealous of someone, practice mindful listening, mindful communication, and positive self-talk. Remind yourself of your successes. Remember that job titles, job positions, job opportunities, and other opportunities continue changing and it does not define your self-worth. Understanding your jealousy can help you reduce it and incorporate more self-love. Seek professional help if you cannot control your jealousy accompanied by anger with other strong emotions. 

If you suspect that someone is jealous of you, communicate it to them. Make sure you are in a safe area and with privacy to discuss jealousy with your jealous friend or coworker. Nevertheless, if they deny it and you continue suspecting jealousy between you and them; Distance yourself or limit speaking to them for your peace of mind. Accepting, recognizing, and often communicating can help you be aware. If someone wants to be your friend, they will demonstrate their appreciation, positivity, and make nice comments to you no matter the achievements.

A friend or coworker would not be rude, make bad jokes, bad comments, or compete with you during job hours. It can be frustrating to know that a coworker is jealous of you. Continue focusing on improving your work skills and do not comparing yourself to other coworkers. Distance yourself from jealous coworkers or friends who gossip about you and others. Finally contact Human Resources if jealousy is out of control, excessive, harassing, and domestic violence in the workplace. 

Additionally, they would be honest and can get to know you as a friend without hurting you or have bad feelings towards you. They would motivate you and not make you feel bad about yourself. Although feelings of annoyance, sadness, fear, and other strong emotions can arise in healthy friendships; Do not let those strong emotions to end your friendships. Managing your strong emotions, reducing stress, and celebrating each other's friendship are tools for developing healthy friendships. Here are websites about jealousy and friendships. 

 

Health Wellness-What to do When Jealousy Threatens a Friendship: 

What to Do When Jealousy Threatens a Friendship - Centerstone

Jealous of Friends:

Jealous of friends? Here's how to deal with friendship jealousy

Jealousy in Workplace:

Jealousy in Workplace: Its not what it looks like | Healthy Gamer

 

* Font and artwork made in Photo Collage Editor Maker

* The pseudonyms used in the example are fictional names to ensure confidentiality of a real-life experience.