Dear eNotAlone: I hate to say it but I'm jealous of my boyfriend. In some ways, he's more successful than me - he has a better job, he makes more money, and he has a wider social circle. On the other hand, I know that this isn't entirely his fault - he works hard for what he has and he's well liked by most people. So why can't I stop feeling jealous? How can I come to terms with the fact that he is more successful than me and not let it take over our relationship?

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It can be tough to come to terms with the idea that someone in your life, especially your significant other, is more successful than you. Jealousy may crop up in such situations, leading to difficult feelings and emotions to handle. But it's important to remember that you and your partner are not in competition with one another; instead, you should strive to empower each other and value each other's successes.

First and foremost, it's important to recognize the factors that might be underlying your jealousy. For instance, are you feeling inadequate or holding yourself to a certain standard? It may help to take a step back and analyze why certain feelings are surfacing. Giving yourself a little bit of extra self-care, such as taking time for yourself to do something you love or engaging in activities that bring you happiness, may also help.

The next step is to address the issue with your partner. When addressing this sort of issue, it's important to take an open and honest approach. Talk with your partner about how you're feeling, mentioning specific examples if possible. Expressing yourself in a respectful, understanding way will go a long way in helping your partner understand where you're coming from. Also, you need to delve deeper and talk about what success actually means to both of you. For example, you may have different ideas of "success" or different goals. Talking out these differences and learning more about each other is key to making sure both of you feel supported in your goals and accomplishments.

At the same time, try to focus on improving your own sense of self-worth. Make a conscious effort to focus on the positive aspects of your life and your talents. Remind yourself of your strengths and those things that make you unique. With that in mind, try to find a healthy way to stay motivated and challenge yourself. This might mean finding a new hobby or skill that you want to learn, or setting professional and/or personal goals. Challenge yourself to reach them and give yourself credit for achieving whatever successes you earn along the way.

It's also essential to remind yourself that comparing yourself to others will never be productive. Everyone has their own unique path and journey, so instead of trying to measure up to someone else, try to cultivate a strong sense of acceptance and respect. Be proud of your own successes and life experiences - however small or large - and strive to support the successes of others. After all, comparing ourselves to others won't make us happier, but embracing our own lives and interests can bring us joy and contentment.

Jealousy can be a challenging emotion to deal with, but with a few helpful strategies and open communication, you and your partner can work through this together. Acknowledge the feelings and realize that they are normal, but recognize that you can also make changes in your life to address them. Take time for yourself and focus on setting goals and recognizing your own accomplishments. And above all, don't forget to talk to your partner in a respectful and understanding manner.