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How to Overcome Jealousy After a Breakup

Contributor
By Remy Lo
eHow Contributing Writer
(0 Ratings)

Ending a relationship with a boyfriend or girlfriend is a rough process, and it can be particularly hard to think about your ex starting a new relationship with someone else. To overcome these territorial feelings requires you to recognize the symptoms of jealousy and identify solutions that will help you to move on.

Difficulty: Moderate
Instructions
  1. Step 1

    Avoid mutual hangouts. Going to the spots that will remind you of your ex may be impossible to avoid; however, do your best to avoid going places where you are more likely to bump into your ex and his or her new friend. This is especially important if he or she is the type to trigger your jealousy purposely.

  2. Step 2

    Occupy yourself to take your mind off the breakup. In order to defeat jealous emotions, you have to have things to do that will distract you from your ex. Paying attention to your body through exercise, grooming or other means will keep you busy and improve yourself in the process. You can also involve yourself in engaging activities with friends or family such as gaming and shopping.

  3. Step 3

    Remember the bad times. Much of what can make you jealous is only thinking of the good points of your ex and his or her positive qualities. Think about the reasons for the breakup in the first place and paint a realistic view of the relationship. Pushing jealous thoughts about your ex out of your mind won't be as difficult when you think about him or her negatively.

  4. Step 4

    Pinpoint the reasons you are jealous. Asking what causes your jealousy may help you to identify the root of the issue. Sometimes simply saying why you are jealous out loud can embarrass you into realizing how silly or small the reason is. Other more deep-seated issues may also be attached to your jealousy that can only be resolved if they are first identified and admitted by you.

  5. Step 5

    Give yourself time to heal. While it is not normal to allow your jealousy to push you to the breaking point of negative action, it is normal to have some feelings of attachment when you are trying to move on. Breakups can be difficult and it will take time for your heart and emotions to mend. Patience is a part of the healing process that can't be skipped or cut out of the equation.

Tips & Warnings
  • Getting in touch with yourself spiritually or through therapy can help you to overcome undesirable emotions and feelings in old relationships.
  • Don't jump into serious relationships if you are still getting over old relationships. New or fledgling relationships will not have a fair chance to succeed in these instances as old hangups or baggage can weigh down hopes.
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