How To Overcome Jealousy

1. Identify the cause of your jealousy. Resist the temptation to blame your feelings on others. Experts agree that in most cases, jealousy is a result of your own insecurity rather than the actions of others. Jealousy is justified in some cases, but not most.

2. Bolster your self-confidence. As stated above, most jealousy is a result of personal insecurity rather than the actions of others. If you have a hard time building self-confidence you could get tips from self-help Web sites.

3. Examine the past and then leave it there. Look at the negative impact jealousy has had on your life in the past. Determine that you will not allow jealousy to continue to damage your relationships.

4. Build a network of supportive family and friends who will help improve your self-confidence, rather than fostering your insecurity. You may even wish to establish a "code word" with your significant other, known only to the two of you, which indicates that you could use support.

5. Put your plan into action. Learn to recognize jealous feelings when they arise. Analyze the feelings as soon as possible (you may wish to bounce ideas off others) and determine if they are justified or the result of your own insecurity.

6. Set boundaries for each other. Make your partner aware of any actions that can cause you to become jealous. That way, when one of you breaks the rules, there is reason to be upset. Arguments can then be based on reality and not imagination.

7. Ask a trusted confidant for his opinion of the situation. Ask your friend to observe your interaction with your partner. A neutral party might help you understand the ways in which your jealousy affects you and your partner.

8. Talk calmly and openly to your partner about the behaviors that make you feel jealous and insecure. Avoid making accusations. Express yourself clearly and blamelessly, and give your partner the chance to respond. Work to develop an open, trusting relationship.

By: ehow.com