How To Deal With Jealousy In Open Relationships?
The jealousy and open relationship go together. Indeed, jealousy is the biggest obstacle to the success of an open relationship.
This may sound contradictory given that the people who decide to have this kind of relationship seem to be beyond it all. But in reality, very few people do not know jealousy.
It is therefore important to know that there will be jealousy, and that it will be necessary to accept it and assume it by preparing to approach it with the right strategies.
Most experts agree that jealousy is a natural reaction, which, when exacerbated, can lead to harmful irrational behaviors.
While monogamous couples have their share of insecurity, jealousy in open relationships can come in surprising or complex forms.
In this regard, many non-monogamous couples feel, wrongly, stigmatized and guilty during these episodes of jealousy.
In any case, jealousy is something natural in a relationship, no matter what form it takes.
What is jealousy?
Jealousy refers to the fear of the unknown and of change, the fear of losing power or control in a relationship, the fear of lack, loss and abandonment.
It’s a reflection of insecurity about dignity, anxiety about not being a good lover, and doubts about the best interests of the situation.
Behind every feeling of jealousy hides an emotion much more important than jealousy itself: an unfulfilled need or a deep unfulfilled fear.
Acknowledging these unmet fears and needs is the key to unmasking jealousy and taking away its power.
For open relationships, we are going to list below some tips to overcome the specter of jealousy and help to have a happier and more lasting open relationship.
How to deal with jealousy in open relationships
Get rid of criticism
Open relationships are still stigmatized relationships today, although they are talked about more freely and are more popular.
Critics weigh down people in this type of relationship, and make them feel guilty and disappointed, especially in times of jealousy.
At this point, jealousy may seem like a personal failure or even a compromising factor, even though, having the freedom to hang out with other people, one also allows the other to do the same.
Establish an action plan
The fact that a relationship is free does not mean that it is without rules.
It is therefore important to establish the boundaries and limits of what is allowed so that both members of the couple play the same game.
Knowing how to take care of yourself
In free relationships, everyone must take on the need to be responsible for themselves, and learn to calm down and control their emotions.
The ability to cope with jealousy requires a personal source of self-confidence that is not dependent on the love of the partner.
Security
Declaring jealousy should be aimed at achieving respect and compassion. Thus, ignoring or underestimating the other person’s feelings will only increase their jealousy.
In open relationships, it is important to listen to the other, to reassure him and especially to show him regularly that he has nothing to fear, so that he feels safe in the relationship.
Understanding the positive side of jealousy
A surge of jealousy is a good time to explore the causes that motivate it, in order to reflect on the type of relationship you have.
A fit of jealousy is also a good time to reconsider your own beliefs and grow as a couple.
