Hopefully I’m still in a Relationship after this post – wish me luck!

“A true test of my belief that your past does not define you”

Advice From My Sister

My younger sister, Amy, entered into a long term relationship before me which meant she had a life experience that I couldn’t understand.

“Relationships bring out the worst in people” – Amy Hinchliffe

And when she gave me this nugget of advice I didn’t believe it would affect me, but it did more than I could ever imagine.

Trust Issues

I entered into a relationship, it’s all going swimmingly well! And then BOOM! Negative and dark thoughts start creeping in, it normally happens when we’re apart. Maybe she’s on a night out with friends or on holiday with the family, either way I’m not there.

Thoughts that I’ve never experienced before – “Who is she with?”, “What is she doing?” and “Who is she doing it with? You get the picture!

I’m a control freak so these thoughts drove me even crazier than I already am. It caused a few problems, but nothing too major. Eventually I got past them, but from time to time they may creep in, however they’re quickly put to bed.

How did I get past them? I did what I always do when I face a challenge I want to Overcome – Read! I came across the book; How To Overcome Jealousy by Sofia Price . I recommend you give it a whirl if you have similar challenges (I’ve included my 3 Average Joe Takeaways below).

Play to Your Strengths

The books changed my perspective to everything happens for a reason, if it’s going to happen it will and if it does I’ll handle it. I’ve handled everything else life’s thrown at me and I’m still here enjoying it, so why won’t I if my girlfriend cheats!

They also taught me to rely on my strengths. I’m nosey, I like to know things and I ask a lot of questions, I’m never going to change. If I were suspicious for any reason, I’d be like a dog with a bone, I’d never give up.

If there are 3 things, you take away from this post I hope they are;

• Change your perspective – If you want a different answer ask a different question.
• Play to your strengths – Know what you’re good at and use them.
• Listen to your sister – Study every piece of advice you receive; you never know when you’ll need it.

A Book to Read

How To Overcome Jealousy by Sofia Price

My 3 Average Joe Takeaways

• Insecurity – You worry because you think your partner likes someone more than you. This is your problem. This leads to thoughts like “I wonder if she will choose him over me”. As a result, you believe your actions are justified. Your ultimate concern is your partner will make a move which will end the relationship.
• It is not love that is blind but jealousy.
• If other people are ogling your partner, make them feel special rather than letting your own insecurities make them feel they did something wrong.

Summary

Thanks again for investing your time, I do really appreciate it.

If you’ve overcome similar challenges, please comment and share your experience.

Thanks again and see you soon!

Joe