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Dealing with jealousy

Started by steeltiger2 · · 👁 16 views · 165 replies

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Participants steeltiger2Justin Gonzalez75placidmarlin3Adam Miller46Lawrence Torres56Sean Nguyen4James Cruz19Kate Collins5boldheron48Karen Garcia6Arthur Fisher6Sean Cruzquietpilot87lonegardenerNancy Gomez4Drew Morganhollowcanyon8Nicholas Edwards10Brian Barrett5Roger Davis2Roger Smith5silentjackal94Jacob Wilson50Jonathan Gray62 …
lonegardener lonegardener Regular
347 messages
joined Apr 2010
#121 ·
Sandra Morgan2 said:🙂

"Quote:"
So, tell me one thing. Why do you "love" this specific man—this person you call "my love"—instead of just anyone else? Like some random stranger walking down a street in Chicago? You claim he’s so overflowing with affection for others because of his total self-love, which implies it shouldn't matter who he's with at all. That would align perfectly with Frommov’s "the art of love," wouldn't it? So, why Person A instead of Person B?
Life is all about possibilities, lonegardener—it’s just the opportunity for light to finally reach the art of love. Love is truly the finest vibration we, as human beings, are capable of manifesting. Once it starts flowing out of us in its full capacity, this energy—which is essentially formless on its own—pours toward others from our sheer abundance. It takes on so many beautiful shapes: parental love for children, a child's devotion to their parents, friendship, deep respect, compassion, service, giving back, acts of kindness... and, of course, romantic love.

Self-deception fueled by that whole "romantic love" myth leads people to believe this kind of intense sexual connection—where you feel this overwhelming need for total unity and complete immersion in another person—can only, and exclusively, happen with one single individual. Maybe it can. Maybe it can't...

"Quote:"
Or better yet—why choose? Why not both at once? Person A and Person B. Or honestly, whoever asks! 😬 Honestly, it’s such a waste to see that kind of beautiful, selfless love poured into just one nobody. Imagine if she could bring happiness to so many others instead... Total nonsense, LOL!
To quote you in my own words—it’s neither right nor wrong...🙂

"Quote:"
In short, Wolfgang Pauli is on my mind again... 🤣

NHF? 🙂 Life has a way of forcing people into all sorts of mental constructs...

Exactly... but love actually happens somewhere about twelve inches below the head, right in the center of the chest—maybe a little to the left. It has absolutely nothing to do with the mind or all its logical constructions! 🙂

Give me a break. Whatever. 🤣

I agree—human capacity for self-delusion is truly limitless. If we can at least find common ground on that, I’ll take it. 😬

Sandra Morgan2 said:🙂

"Quote:"
So, tell me one thing. Why do you "love" this specific man—this person you call "my love"—instead of just anyone else? Like some random stranger walking down a street in Chicago? You claim he’s so overflowing with affection for others because of his total self-love, which implies it shouldn't matter who he's with at all. That would align perfectly with Frommov’s "the art of love," wouldn't it? So, why Person A instead of Person B?
Life is all about possibilities, lonegardener—it’s just the opportunity for light to finally reach the art of love. Love is truly the finest vibration we, as human beings, are capable of manifesting. Once it starts flowing out of us in its full capacity, this energy—which is essentially formless on its own—pours toward others from our sheer abundance. It takes on so many beautiful shapes: parental love for children, a child's devotion to their parents, friendship, deep respect, compassion, service, giving back, acts of kindness... and, of course, romantic love.

Self-deception fueled by that whole "romantic love" myth leads people to believe this kind of intense sexual connection—where you feel this overwhelming need for total unity and complete immersion in another person—can only, and exclusively, happen with one single individual. Maybe it can. Maybe it can't...

"Quote:"
Or better yet—why choose? Why not both at once? Person A and Person B. Or honestly, whoever asks! 😬 Honestly, it’s such a waste to see that kind of beautiful, selfless love poured into just one nobody. Imagine if she could bring happiness to so many others instead... Total nonsense, LOL!
To quote you in my own words—it’s neither right nor wrong...🙂

"Quote:"
In short, Wolfgang Pauli is on my mind again... 🤣

NHF? 🙂 Life has a way of forcing people into all sorts of mental constructs...

Exactly... but love actually happens somewhere about twelve inches below the head, right in the center of the chest—maybe a little to the left. It has absolutely nothing to do with the mind or all its logical constructions! 🙂

That’s just a figure of speech, honestly. Love lives in the brain—and if we're going to get all mystical and talk about some kind of transcendental entity, there’s really no reason to pin it to the "heart." Lol. At the end of the day, the heart is just a blood pump. Period. 🤣

Actually, I’d love to put the strength of your convictions to the test—to see exactly how many logical paradoxes you'll stumble into while defending this vision of overflowing love. But honestly, I’m hesitant. We might drift too far off-topic, and I wouldn't want to become overly indiscreet.
lonegardener lonegardener Regular
347 messages
joined Apr 2010
#122 ·
Grace Ruiz4 said:Look, if I walked into my bedroom and found my wife with three other dudes, I wouldn't even be jealous. Honestly? My wife wouldn't even exist to me anymore. I’d just rip her out of my heart instantly. That’s what we’re talking about here!

And it's the same deal with dating. I don't have anything to worry about or get worked up over if, say, my girl comments on how hot some guy is, or how charming this guy is, or how cute that guy looks—as long as she isn't actually cheating. I'm not getting jealous or paranoid. But the second she cheats? Then I’m telling her "there's the door." You're done. You aren't for me anymore. 😁

😍 I knew you weren't really buying what Cherie was selling, haha. 🙂

It looks like Soul sister got a little confused...
Sandra Morgan2 Sandra Morgan2 Active Member
116 messages
joined Oct 2008
#123 ·
steeltiger2 said:Okay, you have a point there. But honestly, I didn't think I lacked self-love at all. It wasn't until he actually started loving me for real that I realized I didn't love myself.

Pretty much. It wasn't exactly my goal to end it all, but I didn't know what else to do and I wanted to hurt myself as badly as possible. It was just that one time.

There’s no issue, really. In fact, I’m going to start noticing other attractive people and thinking about their great physiques, because I want to accept that as normal. Clearly, I haven't quite adjusted to reality yet.
I need to start being "normal" too, and maybe once I align myself with that, it won't bother me so much.
Of course, I won't actually do anything—just look (and think) and maybe make a comment here and there, making it explicitly clear to my boyfriend that I don't reserve my sexuality just for him. It's all perfectly natural. 😉
[/I]

🙂 my point exactly

It was almost that—I didn't really intend to end it all, but I just didn't know what else to do and wanted to hurt myself as badly as possible. That was just that one time.

.

Classic attention-seeking 🙂.

No problem at all; I'll start noticing other impressive people too and thinking about their fit physiques, because I want to accept that as normal, since clearly I haven't adjusted to reality yet.
I need to start acting normal too, and maybe then it won't bother me once I finally sync up.

the transformation within us inevitably transforms our relationships too

Of course, I won't do anything, I'll just watch (and think) and maybe comment, showing my boyfriend explicitly that I don't share my sexuality only with him. It's all natural. 😉

You don't need to make him jealous, even if doing so would expose his entire vulnerability. You shouldn't pretend to be attracted to someone else if you aren't. Just keep going the way you started so that the change can happen naturally.

Let me give you some simple math for the solution:

25 percent is solved when you realize he isn't the problem—you are. By doing that, you take your power back. Only you can fix your own issues because you're the one who created them. As long as we believe others are the cause of our problems, we try to change them, which is a mission doomed to fail since we can't change anyone except ourselves.

25 percent is solved when you decide you won't live like this anymore and that you can't survive with your current mindset. Deciding to change prepares the ground for the actual shift.

40 percent will be handled by the "greater forces" that bring people, books, articles, information, situations, and circumstances into your path where you'll better see your own reflection, understand your behavioral patterns, and grab onto the keys that offer solutions.

Just 10 percent of the work is simply bringing awareness to how you act. Awareness is huge—it’s massive—maybe even the only true transformer we have. It creates enough distance from the mess of our daily lives that the problem starts to fall apart under its own sheer absurdity. It becomes so obvious that you actually find yourself laughing out loud at the nonsense you sacrificed your sanity and heart to.

Sean Cruz Sean Cruz Regular
265 messages
joined Apr 2008
#124 ·
Sandra Morgan2 said:"Quote:"

The more you love yourself, the less room there is for jealousy or envy. It’s simple. True self-love leaves zero space for those toxic feelings to take root. On the flip side? Pathological jealousy is just a massive red flag—it’s a clear sign that someone lacks fundamental love for themselves.

How can you even tell if her fears are irrational and completely detached from reality?


I just can't... That’s why I said he was nothing more than a catalyst. He just stirred up something that was already lying dormant inside her. Once she actually digs into it, she might realize—among other things—that he totally deserved to be kicked in the ass. Or something like that, anyway!

If you’re really thinking along those lines, tell me: would you honestly look your boyfriend or husband dead in the eye and tell him to go hook up with someone else just because he's into it? ☕ Is that the art of love? 🙄

Yeah. It wouldn't be cold, per se, but I’d keep it warm and human. "Look, honey, I can see you're struggling... so let's just cut to the chase. Figure out what you actually want. Are you just chasing impulses? Are you bored and looking for a change? Maybe you've fallen for someone else, or maybe I'm just not the person you need for this next chapter of your life. Either way—don't worry, be happy." I'm not giving him permission, obviously. I'm not his owner; he's free to do whatever he wants. But he needs to realize everything comes with a price. And the price for exploring other people might just be that I won't be standing by his side anymore. That's the art of love, Sean Cruz. But because of a century's worth of social programming regarding this nonsense we call "romantic love," you'll probably think I'm being sacrilegious.

Romantic love centers on drugs, which only sets the stage for jealousy. It's fragile, fleeting, and honestly? Just infantile. Real, mature love is built on self-love.

I agree she needs more self-confidence, but why shouldn't he sacrifice something for the sake of the art of love—if that's what he's feeling? 😉

To me, "sacrifice" is a disgusting word—honestly, it feels like a curse. When it comes to the art of love, there is no such thing as sacrifice. Love is simply giving, caring, and being attentive. Someone who truly loves won't hurt their partner because wounding someone goes against the very nature of love. And let’s be real: if you actually love yourself, you aren't going to hurt yourself either. If a guy says he's "sacrificing" himself by not texting some other girl just to keep the peace, that’s not love. It just means he still wants to do it, but he’s suppressing his urges so she doesn't get upset. That isn't devotion; it's just being well-trained. He still wants to be talking to someone else.

Honestly, listening to this "spiritual" nonsense makes me want to gag. Just focus on yourself, practice "the art of love," and you'll be fine. 🙏
Sure, maybe for people who let certain "spiritual" gurus brainwash them, everything will feel "fine" because they’ve successfully convinced themselves that's how life should be. But from what I can tell, steeltiger2 actually has a brain and knows how to think for herself, so I doubt any brainwashing is working on her.


And my take? I get the impression that steeltiger2 realized something was deeply wrong with her inner life—that her reactions were becoming irrational, that she had pushed herself nearly to the brink of self-destruction, and that she’s finally ready to change. She's open to hearing what others have to say and then actually doing something about it. That *is* working on yourself, no matter how much it nauseates you...

It’s not some sacred principle, really. It’s a nice sentiment if you can actually pull it off in the real world. Personally, I wouldn't be able to stay stone-faced about it—it would hit me hard. But at the end of the day, the person I love isn't my property, and they have every right to walk away if that's what they choose. Still, don't get me wrong: I wouldn't be indifferent. That much is certain.
Romantic love often revolves around drug use, which inevitably creates the perfect storm for jealousy. It’s a fragile, fleeting kind of affection—essentially just infantile.

That kind of love might be fleeting, but it’s certainly not infantile.
Mature love starts with self-love.

Look, it’s a fact: you can't truly love anyone else if you don't love yourself first. But there's a catch—if that self-love turns into pure narcissism, you won't be able to love anyone else either. Balance is everything. 😉
Someone who truly loves you won't hurt you. Hurting someone just isn't in the nature of love.And honestly, someone who truly loves themselves isn't going to go around hurting themselves either...

That’s exactly the point. Someone who truly loves another person will willingly restrict their own freedom just to ensure they don't cause them any pain.
When a guy holds back from texting another girl just to keep the peace, don't mistake that for loyalty. It’s not about devotion; it’s about damage control. He still wants that attention, he's still interested, but he's simply exercising enough self-control to ensure his partner doesn't get offended. It’s polished behavior—well-mannered, sure—but the underlying desire to flirt elsewhere hasn't actually gone anywhere.

People have all sorts of desires, but actually following through on them—or choosing to hold back—requires either self-control or a genuine lack of affection. We need someone meaningful in our lives to act as a moral compass, someone who makes us conscious of the fact that we don't want to hurt them with our actions. I agree that imposing bans is pointless; he’ll probably just end up messaging ten other people behind her back anyway. But since he knows exactly how much this hurts her, it seems clear he simply doesn't care about her feelings. At that point, you really have to ask yourself if he loves her at all.
I’ve also gotten the impression that Britta realized something was fundamentally broken in her internal world—that her reactions had become erratic, that she’d pushed herself nearly to the brink of suicide, and that she’s actually ready to change. She seems willing to listen to what others have to say and then take action based on that feedback. It’s all part of self-improvement, regardless of how much that concept repulses you...

Of course she realized it. She wouldn't have started this thread if she hadn't. I even advised her to take a page out of Cocaine Nights' book and seek professional help. But just as much as you loathe the word victim, I can't stand the phrase self-improvement. To me, it’s a hollow cliché. It reminds me of those types who strut around acting like they're so enlightened because they're "working on themselves." Honestly, there are at least half a billion of those "special individuals" roaming the planet these days. 😁
Sandra Morgan2 Sandra Morgan2 Active Member
116 messages
joined Oct 2008
#125 ·
lonegardener said:Give me a break. Whatever. 🤣

I agree—human capacity for self-delusion is truly limitless. If we can at least find common ground on that, I’ll take it. 😬

That’s just a figure of speech, honestly. Love lives in the brain—and if we're going to get all mystical and talk about some kind of transcendental entity, there’s really no reason to pin it to the "heart." Lol. At the end of the day, the heart is just a blood pump. Period. 🤣

Actually, I’d love to put the strength of your convictions to the test—to see exactly how many logical paradoxes you'll stumble into while defending this vision of overflowing love. But honestly, I’m hesitant. We might drift too far off-topic, and I wouldn't want to become overly indiscreet.


Of course it's poetic... you don't actually think I believe love lives in a pump. Love is simply beyond the mind... Anyone who has ever loved knows it has nothing to do with mental processes.

By the way, I'd love to test the strength of your convictions—to see what logical paradoxes you'll fall into while insisting on this vision of overflowing love—but I'm afraid we'll drift too far off-topic... and it might get a bit too indiscreet...

It won't be off-topic, nor do you need to be indiscreet. It's just that you have no actual arguments to refute what I said, and no way to back up that rushed claim that love is in the brain. So, you're elegantly retreating with that flimsy assumption that I don't live what I speak about. 🙂
Sean Cruz Sean Cruz Regular
265 messages
joined Apr 2008
#126 ·
lonegardener said:Take it easy.😍

That whole concept reminds me of this video, LOL.

Listen to what these two "geniuses" have to say 🤣—especially that plastic bombshell, haha. ... "as a WOMAN, I have to say - wow, you rock. 🤣 I mean, it says something about your self-confidence, your security with yourself, your masculinity, that you're able to enjoy your wife enjoying herself, even if it's not you causing it; because most men are so insecure that if their wife is enjoying anything that they didn't cause, they are jealous.">

Regarding all of this, I can only echo what Wolfgang Pauli said when he looked at some physics student's paper:

"This isn't right. This isn't even wrong." 😂

When things get to the point where you’re the one having to calm me down, I think it’s time I reflect on what kind of impression I'm making...😁 🤣
That idea reminds me of this video, LOL.
Listen to what these two geniuses have to say 🤣—especially this plastic bombshell, haha. ... "as a WOMAN, I have to say - wow, you rock. 🤣 I mean, it says something about your self-confidence, your security with yourself, your masculinity, that you're able to enjoy your wife enjoying herself, even if it's not you causing it; because most men are so insecure that if their wife is enjoying anything that they didn't cause, they are jealous."

It all sounds great in theory—but whose stomach can actually digest that? Mine certainly can't.
Sean Cruz Sean Cruz Regular
265 messages
joined Apr 2008
#127 ·
Grace Ruiz4 said:Look, if I walked into my bedroom and found my wife with three other dudes, I wouldn't even be jealous. Honestly? My wife wouldn't even exist to me anymore. I’d just rip her out of my heart instantly. That’s what we’re talking about here!

And it's the same deal with dating. I don't have anything to worry about or get worked up over if, say, my girl comments on how hot some guy is, or how charming this guy is, or how cute that guy looks—as long as she isn't actually cheating. I'm not getting jealous or paranoid. But the second she cheats? Then I’m telling her "there's the door." You're done. You aren't for me anymore. 😁

I don't doubt it. When we love someone, we can cut them out of our lives with the precision of a surgeon's scalpel.
Kate Collins5 Kate Collins5 Newcomer
5 messages
joined Nov 2009
#128 ·
Sean Cruz said:It’s not some sacred principle, really. It’s a nice sentiment if you can actually pull it off in the real world. Personally, I wouldn't be able to stay stone-faced about it—it would hit me hard. But at the end of the day, the person I love isn't my property, and they have every right to walk away if that's what they choose. Still, don't get me wrong: I wouldn't be indifferent. That much is certain.
Romantic love often revolves around drug use, which inevitably creates the perfect storm for jealousy. It’s a fragile, fleeting kind of affection—essentially just infantile.

That kind of love might be fleeting, but it’s certainly not infantile.
Mature love starts with self-love.

Look, it’s a fact: you can't truly love anyone else if you don't love yourself first. But there's a catch—if that self-love turns into pure narcissism, you won't be able to love anyone else either. Balance is everything. 😉
Someone who truly loves you won't hurt you. Hurting someone just isn't in the nature of love.And honestly, someone who truly loves themselves isn't going to go around hurting themselves either...

That’s exactly the point. Someone who truly loves another person will willingly restrict their own freedom just to ensure they don't cause them any pain.
When a guy holds back from texting another girl just to keep the peace, don't mistake that for loyalty. It’s not about devotion; it’s about damage control. He still wants that attention, he's still interested, but he's simply exercising enough self-control to ensure his partner doesn't get offended. It’s polished behavior—well-mannered, sure—but the underlying desire to flirt elsewhere hasn't actually gone anywhere.

People have all sorts of desires, but actually following through on them—or choosing to hold back—requires either self-control or a genuine lack of affection. We need someone meaningful in our lives to act as a moral compass, someone who makes us conscious of the fact that we don't want to hurt them with our actions. I agree that imposing bans is pointless; he’ll probably just end up messaging ten other people behind her back anyway. But since he knows exactly how much this hurts her, it seems clear he simply doesn't care about her feelings. At that point, you really have to ask yourself if he loves her at all.
I’ve also gotten the impression that Britta realized something was fundamentally broken in her internal world—that her reactions had become erratic, that she’d pushed herself nearly to the brink of suicide, and that she’s actually ready to change. She seems willing to listen to what others have to say and then take action based on that feedback. It’s all part of self-improvement, regardless of how much that concept repulses you...

Of course she realized it. She wouldn't have started this thread if she hadn't. I even advised her to take a page out of Cocaine Nights' book and seek professional help. But just as much as you loathe the word victim, I can't stand the phrase self-improvement. To me, it’s a hollow cliché. It reminds me of those types who strut around acting like they're so enlightened because they're "working on themselves." Honestly, there are at least half a billion of those "special individuals" roaming the planet these days. 😁

Wow!😕
I've never heard anything more ridiculous!👎
Self-improvement is hard work!
A lot of people who go through it feel this massive urge to broadcast it, mostly because they think they've finally "made it."
But the ones who actually achieve something real? They don't brag about it. There's just no need. That kind of satisfaction comes from within—you don't feel the need to explain yourself to anyone.
We really shouldn't confuse the two things.
Sean Cruz Sean Cruz Regular
265 messages
joined Apr 2008
#129 ·
hollowtrucker77 said:Look, if my wife decides she wants a whole crowd in bed with her, and I genuinely love the woman, then honestly, the best I can do is wish them all a good time and just step out of the frame entirely.

There isn't some magical way for me to forbid it, and even if there were, I couldn't exactly talk her out of wanting it in the first place.

At this point, my only real choices are deciding whether I want to be one of those three guys, or if I’d rather just head out of town for a weekend while she handles things with her trio.
sincererly speaking, since I have zero interest in either of those scenarios, the only logical move left is to remove myself from a dynamic that clearly isn't going to make anyone happy.

So, it turns out you can't actually find happiness, nor can you remain indifferent, if the person you love wants something else entirely, right?
Sean Cruz Sean Cruz Regular
265 messages
joined Apr 2008
#130 ·
Kate Collins5 said:Wow!😕
I've never heard anything more ridiculous!👎
Self-improvement is hard work!
A lot of people who go through it feel this massive urge to broadcast it, mostly because they think they've finally "made it."
But the ones who actually achieve something real? They don't brag about it. There's just no need. That kind of satisfaction comes from within—you don't feel the need to explain yourself to anyone.
We really shouldn't confuse the two things.

Is it at least ten tons heavy? 😂
If I knew how much effort it took ahead of time, I probably wouldn't even start. I'm far too fragile for all that. 😛
Sandra Morgan2 Sandra Morgan2 Active Member
116 messages
joined Oct 2008
#131 ·
Sean Cruz said:It’s not some sacred principle, really. It’s a nice sentiment if you can actually pull it off in the real world. Personally, I wouldn't be able to stay stone-faced about it—it would hit me hard. But at the end of the day, the person I love isn't my property, and they have every right to walk away if that's what they choose. Still, don't get me wrong: I wouldn't be indifferent. That much is certain.
Romantic love often revolves around drug use, which inevitably creates the perfect storm for jealousy. It’s a fragile, fleeting kind of affection—essentially just infantile.

That kind of love might be fleeting, but it’s certainly not infantile.
Mature love starts with self-love.

Look, it’s a fact: you can't truly love anyone else if you don't love yourself first. But there's a catch—if that self-love turns into pure narcissism, you won't be able to love anyone else either. Balance is everything. 😉
Someone who truly loves you won't hurt you. Hurting someone just isn't in the nature of love.And honestly, someone who truly loves themselves isn't going to go around hurting themselves either...

That’s exactly the point. Someone who truly loves another person will willingly restrict their own freedom just to ensure they don't cause them any pain.
When a guy holds back from texting another girl just to keep the peace, don't mistake that for loyalty. It’s not about devotion; it’s about damage control. He still wants that attention, he's still interested, but he's simply exercising enough self-control to ensure his partner doesn't get offended. It’s polished behavior—well-mannered, sure—but the underlying desire to flirt elsewhere hasn't actually gone anywhere.

People have all sorts of desires, but actually following through on them—or choosing to hold back—requires either self-control or a genuine lack of affection. We need someone meaningful in our lives to act as a moral compass, someone who makes us conscious of the fact that we don't want to hurt them with our actions. I agree that imposing bans is pointless; he’ll probably just end up messaging ten other people behind her back anyway. But since he knows exactly how much this hurts her, it seems clear he simply doesn't care about her feelings. At that point, you really have to ask yourself if he loves her at all.
I’ve also gotten the impression that Britta realized something was fundamentally broken in her internal world—that her reactions had become erratic, that she’d pushed herself nearly to the brink of suicide, and that she’s actually ready to change. She seems willing to listen to what others have to say and then take action based on that feedback. It’s all part of self-improvement, regardless of how much that concept repulses you...

Of course she realized it. She wouldn't have started this thread if she hadn't. I even advised her to take a page out of Cocaine Nights' book and seek professional help. But just as much as you loathe the word victim, I can't stand the phrase self-improvement. To me, it’s a hollow cliché. It reminds me of those types who strut around acting like they're so enlightened because they're "working on themselves." Honestly, there are at least half a billion of those "special individuals" roaming the planet these days. 😁

That’s wise and incredibly human at the same time. I couldn't agree more!

Quincy:
That kind of love might be fleeting, but it’s definitely not infantile.
She’s beautiful in her own way, sure, but she’s definitely not mature...

Quincy:
True. You can’t love anyone else if you don't love yourself first—that's just facts. But here's the catch: if that self-love turns into narcissism? Then you won't be able to love anyone else either. 😉
I agree... That’s pure selfishness. Or, if you want to get technical about that twisted level of narcissism, it isn't even self-love.

Quincy:
That’s exactly the point right there—someone who truly loves another will gladly set limits on their own freedom just to make sure they don't cause any harm.
I agree. It isn't about bowing to a partner's expectations or acting out of fear. He hasn't been conditioned. This is his choice—purely driven by love.

Quincy:
People have all sorts of desires. But acting on them—or actually holding back—requires either self-control or simply not wanting them that badly. We need someone meaningful in our lives to act as a moral compass, so we stay mindful of not hurting them through our actions. I agree that bans don't work; he’ll probably just keep messaging ten other people behind her back anyway. But since he knows exactly how much this hurts her, it seems like he couldn't care less about her feelings. At that point, you really have to ask: does he even love her?
I agree... she needs to judge that for herself. Sure, she might be acting out of jealousy, but it’s also entirely possible he’s just being a total insensitive jerk at the same time.

Quincy:
Of course she realized it. She wouldn't have even started this thread if she hadn't. I actually told her she should give Cocaine Nights a listen and go find some professional help. But man, how much does that word turn your stomach? Victim. I am just so sick of that phrase. Self-improvement. Constant growth. It’s everything.It’s completely mindless. Reminds me of all those "individuals" out there constantly bragging about how much they work on themselves or how uniquely special they are. The thing is, half the planet claims to be an "individual" these days. 😁
I totally get where you're coming from 🙂 .... honestly, it’s become such an annoying catchphrase. People use it to act superior and basically reject who they actually are...
hollowtrucker77 hollowtrucker77 Regular
681 messages
joined Nov 2007
#132 ·
Sean Cruz said:So, it turns out you can't actually find happiness, nor can you remain indifferent, if the person you love wants something else entirely, right?

I won't be happy, and I certainly won't be indifferent, but I'm definitely not going to sit there and take it, nor am I going to pretend everything is perfectly fine.
The last thing I'll be doing is sitting around nervously sweating and worrying about whether my wife is going to pick up three new best friends just so I don't end up stuck in the exact mess described above.
Rebecca Gonzalez10 Rebecca Gonzalez10 Newcomer
3 messages
joined Nov 2009
#133 ·
I didn't feel like wading through this entire thread—I just wanted to share my own take on jealousy.
Early on in our relationship, it drove me absolutely crazy whenever my boyfriend would comment on another woman—even if it was just some random Hollywood actress!
I kept thinking, why is he talking about someone else right in front of me? Am I not his number one?
It really got to me. At first, I just stayed quiet until I finally snapped and laid it all out for him. He changed how he acted, and now, eleven months later, I realize I was being a bit much myself. I wasn't accounting for the fact that I’d do the exact same thing—thinking "damn, he's hot"—though out of respect, I wouldn't say it out loud to my partner.
Look, there’s no such thing as a perfect woman or a perfect man, and beauty isn't some universal standard... you've got hot brunettes, sure, but blondes are just as stunning. It's the same for guys—not every tall, dark stranger is every woman's type; sometimes a blonde guy walks by and completely steals your breath away.
I've accepted my boyfriend for who he is—he's a little childish and playful for a 27-year-old, and I don't hesitate to tell him he's acting like a teenager.
Now, sometimes we'll both comment on a girl together, and honestly, I'll probably turn my head before he does.
We're here to complement each other and grow together.
Nothing is ever truly broken beyond repair.
Jealousy is one of those primal emotions—it's evolutionary. You have to accept it as a basic part of life, but if it starts crossing lines, there's no shame in talking to a professional.
Personally, I’d suggest CBT—cognitive behavioral therapy—since I've had good results with it for other stuff.
Cheers, everyone. 🙏
Kate Collins5 Kate Collins5 Newcomer
5 messages
joined Nov 2009
#134 ·
Sean Cruz said:Is it at least ten tons heavy? 😂
If I knew how much effort it took ahead of time, I probably wouldn't even start. I'm far too fragile for all that. 😛

👍
You definitely have a sense of humor.🙏
Anyway, looking back through your posts, I see you're pretty critical of what you call "spiritual crap" or whatever.
Sean Cruz said:🙄 Oh, please. Jealousy can mean all sorts of things...😲 Sure, jealousy reflects insecurity, but there isn't a single person on this planet so supremely confident that they never feel a pang of it. Only pathological jealousy points to a deep-seated issue; it's not every little instance of feeling uneasy. How can you possibly claim her fears are irrational and disconnected from reality?
If that's your logic, tell me: would you sit there stone-faced and tell your boyfriend (or husband) to go sleep with someone else just because he finds them attractive? ☕ Is that what love looks like? 🙄
The solution doesn't lie in changing his behavior, nor in his making sacrifices, or altering his character; the fix lies within you.

I agree she probably needs more self-confidence, but why shouldn't he sacrifice something for the sake of love (if he actually feels it)?😉
work on herself

Honestly, when I hear this "spiritual" nonsense, I feel like gagging. Just "work on yourself," practice "free love," and everything will be fine. 🙏
Sure, for people whose brains have been turned to mush by certain "spiritual" movements, it might be "fine" because they've successfully convinced themselves that's how life should work. My impression is that steeltiger2 has a functioning brain and knows how to think for herself, so I doubt any brainwashing would stick with her.

Then what's the issue when he notices other women are beautiful, smart, or impressive? What's the problem if he admires a well-toned body?

Did you even read the thread? She isn't complaining about him noticing other women; she's talking about how he constantly brags about how much others like him and responds to messages that are clearly personal rather than professional.

Did you try food that you didn't like, or do you just hate the way it looks?!
Brainwashing?🤣
Oh, come on, people... please...
Britney has an issue, she's asking for advice, and there's a whole forum for exactly this purpose. Meanwhile, you guys are just bickering and it feels like you're arguing about things based on nothing but assumptions. So, "spiritual" stuff is just bad now?
When you catch a cold, do you go to the doctor? Someone who’s never been to one might say hospitals make them sick just because they heard a rumor about it. That's just an assumption! But what happens when that doctor actually helps them?
Personally, I haven't stepped foot in a doctor's office in forever because I've learned firsthand that there are plenty of unprofessional and unethical hacks out there—and that's not just my opinion, it's a fact I've experienced personally, damn it!
I'm sorry if anyone thinks I'm being aggressive, but seriously, we all just create our own little truths and act like they're absolute without even considering that we could be wrong, right?🤷
Sean Cruz Sean Cruz Regular
265 messages
joined Apr 2008
#135 ·
hollowtrucker77 said:I won't be happy, and I certainly won't be indifferent, but I'm definitely not going to sit there and take it, nor am I going to pretend everything is perfectly fine.
The last thing I'll be doing is sitting around nervously sweating and worrying about whether my wife is going to pick up three new best friends just so I don't end up stuck in the exact mess described above.

Life isn't black and white, and you never truly know what's going to hit you—let alone how you'll handle it when it does. We can only make guesses about our own reactions. It’s never as "casual" as people make it out to be, no matter how much we wish it were.
lonegardener lonegardener Regular
347 messages
joined Apr 2010
#136 ·
Sandra Morgan2 said:Of course it's poetic... you don't actually think I believe love lives in a pump. Love is simply beyond the mind... Anyone who has ever loved knows it has nothing to do with mental processes.

By the way, I'd love to test the strength of your convictions—to see what logical paradoxes you'll fall into while insisting on this vision of overflowing love—but I'm afraid we'll drift too far off-topic... and it might get a bit too indiscreet...

It won't be off-topic, nor do you need to be indiscreet. It's just that you have no actual arguments to refute what I said, and no way to back up that rushed claim that love is in the brain. So, you're elegantly retreating with that flimsy assumption that I don't live what I speak about. 🙂

The human capacity for self-deception is limitless... (c) by Michelle Obama 🙂

Sandra Morgan2 said:Of course it's poetic... you don't actually think I believe love lives in a pump. Love is simply beyond the mind... Anyone who has ever loved knows it has nothing to do with mental processes.

By the way, I'd love to test the strength of your convictions—to see what logical paradoxes you'll fall into while insisting on this vision of overflowing love—but I'm afraid we'll drift too far off-topic... and it might get a bit too indiscreet...

It won't be off-topic, nor do you need to be indiscreet. It's just that you have no actual arguments to refute what I said, and no way to back up that rushed claim that love is in the brain. So, you're elegantly retreating with that flimsy assumption that I don't live what I speak about. 🙂

On the contrary, I am convinced you arrived at those delusions through your own personal experience. How else could it be? 🤷 😬

You elegantly bypassed the question of why it's "A" rather than "B," or why it isn't everything from "A to Z," haha. Since I don't want to push for indiscretion (even Sam wouldn't answer intrusive questions), you interpret my restraint as me "retreating." Heh. Ah well. 🙂
Sean Cruz Sean Cruz Regular
265 messages
joined Apr 2008
#137 ·
Sandra Morgan2 said:That’s wise and incredibly human at the same time. I couldn't agree more!

Quincy:
That kind of love might be fleeting, but it’s definitely not infantile.
She’s beautiful in her own way, sure, but she’s definitely not mature...

Quincy:
True. You can’t love anyone else if you don't love yourself first—that's just facts. But here's the catch: if that self-love turns into narcissism? Then you won't be able to love anyone else either. 😉
I agree... That’s pure selfishness. Or, if you want to get technical about that twisted level of narcissism, it isn't even self-love.

Quincy:
That’s exactly the point right there—someone who truly loves another will gladly set limits on their own freedom just to make sure they don't cause any harm.
I agree. It isn't about bowing to a partner's expectations or acting out of fear. He hasn't been conditioned. This is his choice—purely driven by love.

Quincy:
People have all sorts of desires. But acting on them—or actually holding back—requires either self-control or simply not wanting them that badly. We need someone meaningful in our lives to act as a moral compass, so we stay mindful of not hurting them through our actions. I agree that bans don't work; he’ll probably just keep messaging ten other people behind her back anyway. But since he knows exactly how much this hurts her, it seems like he couldn't care less about her feelings. At that point, you really have to ask: does he even love her?
I agree... she needs to judge that for herself. Sure, she might be acting out of jealousy, but it’s also entirely possible he’s just being a total insensitive jerk at the same time.

Quincy:
Of course she realized it. She wouldn't have even started this thread if she hadn't. I actually told her she should give Cocaine Nights a listen and go find some professional help. But man, how much does that word turn your stomach? Victim. I am just so sick of that phrase. Self-improvement. Constant growth. It’s everything.It’s completely mindless. Reminds me of all those "individuals" out there constantly bragging about how much they work on themselves or how uniquely special they are. The thing is, half the planet claims to be an "individual" these days. 😁
I totally get where you're coming from 🙂 .... honestly, it’s become such an annoying catchphrase. People use it to act superior and basically reject who they actually are...

I wouldn't exactly call myself a genius...😬
And what about the sheer humanity found in that one beautiful post over on Philosophy?
I used to spend my weekends trekking through the Rockies, just looking for that perfect moment of solitude on a ridge. There’s nothing quite like it. kaže:
A person isn't just a collection of isolated traits; they are the sum of everything they are. If we were to hypothetically strip away every flaw and every dark impulse, what would be left wouldn't even be human anymore.

She’s beautiful in her own way, sure, but she’s definitely lacking maturity...

If being "mature" just means becoming numb to everything, then I have absolutely no interest in growing up.
hollowtrucker77 hollowtrucker77 Regular
681 messages
joined Nov 2007
#138 ·
Sean Cruz said:Life isn't black and white, and you never truly know what's going to hit you—let alone how you'll handle it when it does. We can only make guesses about our own reactions. It’s never as "casual" as people make it out to be, no matter how much we wish it were.

I mean, that sounds incredibly deep and poetic or whatever, but could you maybe break down what you were actually getting at?
Joseph Miller36 Joseph Miller36 Newcomer
1 message
joined Nov 2009
#139 ·
hollowtrucker77 said:I mean, that sounds incredibly deep and poetic or whatever, but could you maybe break down what you were actually getting at?

You’d probably beat those three men senseless and kick the woman out on the street. Now you're just playing at being a liberal.☕
Sean Cruz Sean Cruz Regular
265 messages
joined Apr 2008
#140 ·
Joseph Miller36 said:You’d probably beat those three men senseless and kick the woman out on the street. Now you're just playing at being a liberal.☕

Something like that. 🤣

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