So, your best friend has a boyfriend and the relationship is getting serious. You want to be happy for her, and in your heart you know they’re a good match. But at the same time, you might feel a twinge of jealousy. Maybe the two of you used to do everything together, but lately she’s been MIA. It’s a frustrating, difficult situation, but there are ways to stop being jealous of your friend’s relationship.
1. Get to the Root of Your Jealousy
To stop being jealous of your friend’s relationship, you have to get to the root of the jealousy. It's important to understand exactly why you're feeling this way. Are you jealous because you're not able to spend as much time with your friend, or do you feel jealous because you haven't found the love of your life.
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Jealousy is a normal emotion, but it can become overwhelming and cause a lot of stress. It can also damage relationships. If you're feeling jealous of your friend's relationship, it's important to take steps to manage those feelings.
The first step is to get to the root of your jealousy. Ask yourself why you're feeling jealous. Is it because you're not able to spend as much time with your friend, or because you haven't found the love of your life? Understanding the reasons behind your jealousy can help you take the right steps to manage it.
Once you've identified the source of your jealousy, it's time to take action. Here are seven tips to help you deal with your jealousy and move forward:
Spend time with other friends. Spending time with other people can help you feel less jealous and more connected to your own life.
Take time to focus on yourself. Make sure you're taking care of yourself and doing things that make you happy.
Talk to your friend. Talking to your friend about your feelings can help you feel more connected and can help you work through your jealousy.
2. Be Positive about Your Future
If your friend’s in a happy place, yet you feel your life is chaotic, this can also trigger feelings of jealousy. You won’t overcome jealousy overnight, but if you're positive about your future, it'll be easier to be happy for your friend. In the past, you and your friend might have achieved different milestones at the same time. But as you become older, you might start to move in different directions at different points in your lives. Just because your friend was the first to develop a serious relationship doesn't mean you won't find love in the future.
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Jealousy is a common emotion that can arise when we feel like someone else is getting something we want. But feeling jealous of your friend's relationship doesn't have to be a negative thing. It can be an opportunity to reflect on your own life and figure out how to make positive changes.
One way to stop being jealous of your friend's relationship is to be positive about your future. It's important to remember that everyone's life takes different paths and that just because your friend is in a relationship doesn't mean you won't find love in the future. Practicing self-care and focusing on the things you can control can help you maintain a positive outlook.
It's also important to remember that relationships are not just about love. They involve hard work, compromise, and communication. While it may seem like your friend's relationship is perfect, there are likely struggles and challenges that they are dealing with, just like any other couple.
Frequently asked questions
Feeling jealous of your friend's relationship can happen when you see something that you desire for yourself, like companionship or love, and you feel like you're missing out. It can also stem from insecurities or fears about your own romantic life or relationships.
Start by focusing on the positive aspects of your own life and work on improving your self-esteem. Be supportive of your friend's happiness and remind yourself that their relationship does not diminish your worth or chances of finding love. Engaging in activities you enjoy and having your own goals can also help redirect your thoughts.
Yes, it's okay to talk to your friend about your feelings if you believe it will help your situation. Just make sure to approach the conversation delicately, emphasizing that you're happy for them but struggling with your own emotions, and you're seeking support and understanding.
To boost your self-confidence, focus on your personal achievements, set goals and celebrate when you reach them. Also, engage in activities that make you feel good about yourself, whether it's exercise, a hobby, or volunteering. Positive self-talk and affirmations can also be helpful.
If jealousy is impacting your daily life or your friendships, and self-help strategies aren't working, it may be helpful to speak with a counselor or therapist. They can provide tools and strategies to manage your feelings and work through underlying issues that contribute to your jealousy.
3. Accept That Your Relationship is Changing
The fact that you're jealous doesn't make you a bad person. Quite the contrary, you might simply be having a hard time accepting the change in your relationship. Understand, however, that people don’t remain the same forever. The same way you’re jealous of your friend’s relationship, there might have been times when she's been jealous of you for other reasons.
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It's natural to feel jealous of your friends and their relationships, and it's important to remember that you're not alone in feeling this way. Jealousy is a common emotion, and it can be difficult to accept that your relationship is changing.
When it comes to dealing with jealousy, the first step is to recognize and accept that it's a normal emotion. Once you've done that, it's important to understand that your relationship with your friend is changing, and that's ok.
It can also help to remember that everyone has different experiences and relationships, and that your friend's relationship may not be as perfect as it seems. Everyone has their own struggles and issues, and it's important to remember that your friend's relationship is likely not as perfect as it may appear.
It's also important to remember that your friend's relationship is not a reflection of your own. Everyone has different experiences and relationships, and it's important to focus on your own and not compare yourself to your friend.
4. Widen out and Get to Know Other People
If you’re having a hard time accepting your friend’s relationship and you're feeling jealous, you can take your mind off your problems by getting to know other people. You and your friend might have a close relationship, but this doesn't mean you can't develop relationships with other people as well. If your friend has plans with her boyfriend for the night, call other friends and go to a movie or invite them to your house for a game night.
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Making new connections and expanding your social circle can help distract you from feeling jealous of your friend's relationship. This can also give you the opportunity to meet new people and potentially find someone special for yourself. Additionally, having a diverse group of friends can also provide different perspectives and support for when you're feeling down. Don't limit yourself to just one friend or group - branch out and explore new friendships. This can also help you feel more confident and secure in yourself, reducing the feelings of jealousy towards your friend's relationship.
5. Focus on What You Have
Then again, if you're jealous because your friend has a relationship and you don't, it helps to focus on what you do have. In all likelihood, you might have qualities or advantages that your friend doesn’t. Write down a list of everything you do have. This can help you feel better about not being in a relationship.
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Focusing on what you have can also include your own personal achievements, such as career success or personal goals. It's important to recognize and appreciate your own strengths and accomplishments, rather than constantly comparing yourself to others. Additionally, keep in mind that relationships are not the only source of happiness and fulfillment in life. Cultivating your own hobbies, interests, and passions can also bring a sense of purpose and joy. Remember, everyone's journey is unique and it's important to embrace and celebrate your own path.
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6. Learn How to Rely on Yourself
If you can learn how to become more independent, it might be easier to adjust to your friend’s new relationship. At the end of the day, you're your own person. Therefore, you don't need your best friend to hold your hand in social settings and you don't need their approval when buying things for yourself. Sure, it’s nice having this person by your side. But this is an opportunity to learn to stand on your own.
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Learning how to rely on yourself can also lead to personal growth and self-discovery. It allows you to focus on your own interests and hobbies, rather than constantly comparing yourself to your friend's relationship. Additionally, becoming more independent can also improve your self-esteem and confidence. It can also prevent feelings of resentment towards your friend and their new partner, as you won't feel as dependent on them for your own happiness. Ultimately, learning to rely on yourself can lead to a healthier and more fulfilling friendship with your best friend.
7. Let Her Know How You Feel
You might be embarrassed to talk to your friend about your jealousy, but talking can help you feel better. This is especially true if you feel your friend has been neglecting you lately. Chances are, she doesn't even know how you feel. But once she becomes aware of your feelings, the two of you can schedule some quality time together.
As much as you try to suppress feelings of jealousy, it can rear its ugly head and take over. Just know that you’re not a terrible person. It’s a common emotion that you can overcome. What has helped you overcome jealousy?
Comments
aifa: #1 both
Megan: It can be hard when everyone else seems to be successful & having the time of their lives, when you feel like your life is boring or stagnant & you are stuck in a rut.
maria: #1 havent found the love of my life ...
Lynn: #1 I have gotten to the point where I don't believe I'll ever find the "love of my life" and I'm starved for intimacy.
Lynn: I don't know how to deal with my best friend and my roommate dating and being so damn cute together that they're nauseating. Any suggestions?
Celine: #2 I am scared that I might be dissatisfied of my relationship or partner if I always compare him and our relationship to my best friends relationship. I feel like I have always been a person who has given everything to everyone and for once, I just want this part of my life to be better than everyones. I just want a partner that loves me in all ways and in the way that feels most nourishing for my soul, but I feel he might not be able to pick up on my form of love expression. What if all of my life I will have to teach my bf how to love me and he cant because of the huge gaps between us: financial, educational, lifestyle, intellectual, and emotional intelligence? He is a great guy that is willing to learn to be better for me, but I feel like I will self-sabotage this relationship due to my unsatisfaction.
Yasmine: I haven't found the love of my life
aroace: #1 time with my friend
janus: #1 same, haven't found the love of my life...
Char: wanna be in a relationship with this guy but he kinda friendzoned me sooo. im sad
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