Any experience with handling jealous partners?

Kitsunenomen

New member
Hi, I'm new to the forum, but have been poly for a few years. I have a couple of partners and within the last two days have managed to make both of them jealous and upset. The first day one told me that I wasn't talking to him or spending as much time as I used to and he was a little upset, because he felt that I liked my other partner more than him, so the following day I made an effort to spend more time with him, however, right after, my other partner became upset with me because I hadn't responded to his texts in over 30 minutes, now he's really upset with me too! I feel like I just can't get a break with them. Does anyone have any useful examples of similar situations and how they might have been handled or solved? Thanks in advance! ^_^
 
expectations of text replies in 30minutes or less are unreasonable, you're not a pizza delivery joint
 
expectations of text replies in 30minutes or less are unreasonable, you're not a pizza delivery joint
That is funny and right. Bu I can see your problem. Jealousy is the worst emotion. Only rivaled by trying to be fair with your time, that would stress you. Are you in a 'V'? a triad? Dani and I had a couple of jealous moments int he beginning, but banishing jealousy made life better
 
It's important to understand that 'jealousy' is a word applied to a variety of things, and can have different root causes. You have to determine what root cause is at work in your guys, to address it.

A.) Oftentimes it's caused by a person's preexisting insecurities, ranging from minor to severe. The stories we hear of really bad cases of jealousy (e.g. involving violence) fall under this. It's a sign that someone is at least a bit behind in their emotional development, and need self work. Sometimes we can help, but other times it's totally up to them to realize their problem and fix themselves.

B.) We can sometimes do things or behave in such a way that causes a person who is normally confident and secure to feel insecure. In that case, it's important that we right ourselves, step in to reinforce that person and the relationship. I shouldn't be inconsiderate of another person's needs to the point that it debases what would otherwise be a strong and happy relationship, then turn around and say "Well, you're just jealous!", when the reality is I have not given them nearly enough time or attention. I've seen "Well, you're just jealous" happen many times among poly relationships, which amounts to further inconsideration.

(there are probably other causes, but those two are the most common)

Based on the limited description you gave, I'm guessing the first guy falls into the (B) example, but I'm not so sure about the 30-minute texting guy. I think you might have spoiled him with so much attention that he feels entitled to it. Maybe some balance needs to be reached in how you spend your time between them? Maybe the second guy needs a reality check, and should be considerate of you and your other partners' time and feelings. If he continues getting upset when you don't immediately jump for him, maybe you should read aloud to him the definition of compersion.
 
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30 minutes. lol.
There are times when my partner is with one of his other partners that I won't get a response for eight hours. I'm not saying 8 hours is a goal to shoot for, but you should probably let that partner know that you are not always going to be available to answer a text immediately, regardless of who you are with or where you are. If he's getting upset over 30 minutes of radio silence, he may need to find himself a hobby.

Perhaps you could warn him ahead of time? "I'm going to be spending time with X this evening, so I will not be on my phone often. You can call me if there is an emergency."
 
Man I sometimes don't answer texts for hours after they have been sent even when I am at home doing nothing.
 
Re (from graviton):
"Expectations of text replies in 30 minutes or less are unreasonable, you're not a pizza delivery joint."

LOL! :D

By the way, what was the reason for the "long delay" in texting? Was it because you were spending time with the other guy? If so could you maybe send a text, "Can't talk right now, will get back to you."

Maybe you need to sit down with both guys, or group email the two of them, and say, "Look guys, I'm having a hard time balancing my time so that both of you feel fairly treated. Can we brainstorm for ideas on how to fix that?"
 
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