How jealous are you? 

Jealousy can ruin your marriage if left unchecked. And it doesn’t end there either because some spouses hold long-term grudges and vendettas; things can get pretty ugly.

But here’s the good news: Jealousy is a common marriage problem that can be solved.

Feelings of insecurity & neglect can trigger jealously. Typical situations are: 

1) The current spouse feels insecure because of a former spouse who’s still around, which is common when children are still in the picture.

2)  Bringing feelings of distrust from a former relationship into your current one. 

3) Being married to a flirtatious spouse who enjoys the attention of the opposite sex despite being “off the market.” 

4)  Infidelity. 

5) It seems like few things can breed feelings of insecurity more quickly in a marriage than working long hours and constantly traveling for work. 

*** But jealousy isn’t necessarily a bad thing because it shows you care about your partner. ***

Here are some great ways to deal with jealousy:

1) Identify the cause. 

Then initiate a loving conversation with your spouse about the issue as you see it.

2)  Evaluate your feelings to determine if you really have cause to be jealous. Maybe you do. Or maybe your feelings have gotten just a little bit out of control. 

3) Take responsibility. 

If you realize you've been overreacting just a little bit, simply take responsibility and apologize.

4) Be sensitive.

If you realize your interactions with the opposite sex, though maybe innocent, are making your partner jealous then try to be a little more sensitive to their needs; take responsibility and apologize.

5) Discuss your fears and insecurities. 

How can you expect your relationship to improve and be healthier if you don't discuss these issues with your spouse? Don't assume they know how you feel or what you're going through. 

Remember to always share your feelings with your partner in a non-accusatory and non-confrontational tone.

Instead of saying, “I think you’re cheating on me”, explain to your spouse that you feel something has changed in your marriage. Share your thoughts and feelings and ask them to help you sort it out. 

Give it a shot. You’ll be pleasantly surprised how easy it is to fix this common marriage problem before things get too far out of control.

Until next time this is Mike & Gayle Tucker and we want you to be mad about marriage!

If you no longer wish to receive our emails, click the link below: