Insecurity in a relationship is normal, but it can become a problem if it's not addressed. Insecurities can lead to jealousy, possessiveness, and a lack of trust. If you're struggling with insecurity in your relationship, here are seven steps that can help you overcome it.

Why does insecurity happen in relationships?

There are many reasons why people might feel insecure in their relationships. In some cases, it might be due to a previous relationship where they were hurt or betrayed. For others, it could be because of low self-esteem or a lack of confidence.

Insecurity can also be triggered by something that happens in the current relationship. If your partner pulls away from you, or if they start spending more time with someone else, it's natural to feel jealous and insecure.

What are the signs of insecurity in a relationship?

If you're feeling insecure in your relationship, you might:

- Feel jealous when your partner talks to other people

- Worry that your partner will leave you for someone else

- Try to control your partner's behaviour

- Constantly check your partner's phone or social media

- Get angry or defensive when your partner gives you criticism

- Make assumptions about what your partner is thinking or feeling

What are the consequences of insecurity in a relationship? 

If insecurity isn't addressed, it can have serious consequences for a relationship. Insecure people often come across as needy, clingy, and possessive. This can make their partners feel suffocated, which can lead to conflict and resentment.

In extreme cases, insecurity can even lead to abuse.

How can you overcome insecurity in a relationship?

There's no easy answer when it comes to overcoming insecurity. However, there are some steps you can take to get there. Here are seven great ones to get you on the right path:

1. Talk to your partner about your insecurities.

The first step is to talk to your partner about what you're feeling. It's important to be open and honest with them. If you're afraid of how they'll react, try to remember that they're probably not going to judge you or think any less of you. In fact, they might be able to understand and relate to your insecurities. 

Remember, you're in this together, and you're both on the same team. The more you can communicate with each other, the better off your relationship will be. 

2. Figure out what is triggering your insecurities.

Once you've talked to your partner, it's time to take a look at what's causing your insecurities. If there's something specific that's triggering them, such as your partner spending time with someone else, try to talk to them about it.

In some cases, insecurities might be related to low self-esteem or previous relationship traumas. If this is the case, you might need to do some work on yourself outside of the relationship. This could involve therapy, reading self-help books, or anything else that makes you feel good about yourself.

To work out what is causing your insecurity,  it might be helpful to write down your thoughts and feelings. This can help you to identify any patterns or triggers. Every time you feel insecure, make a note of what is going on around you and how you're feeling.

3. Work on building up your self-confidence.

If your insecurities are related to low self-esteem, one of the best things you can do is work on building up your self-confidence. This might involve doing things like:

- Complimenting yourself every day

- Practicing positive affirmations

- Dressing in clothes that make you feel good about yourself

- Doing things that make you feel happy and fulfilled 

It's also important to remember that nobody is perfect. We all have flaws and imperfections. The key is to focus on the things that make you unique and special.

Find your confidence as your own person, and you'll be able to bring it to the table to help heal your relationship.

4. Communicate openly and honestly with your partner.

One of the most important things in any relationship is communication. If you're feeling insecure, make sure to communicate openly and honestly with your partner. Tell them how you're feeling and why.

It's also important to listen to what they have to say. They might have their own insecurities or triggers that you're not aware of. If you can understand each other better, it will help to improve your relationship.

If you struggle to get vulnerable and open up, here are some tips you can use:

- Write down what you want to say before you say it. This can help you to organize your thoughts and make sure you don't forget anything important.

- Practice saying it out loud to yourself before you say it to your partner. This will help to boost your confidence.

- Find a safe place to talk where you won't be interrupted. This will help you to feel more comfortable opening up. 

5. Be supportive of your partner and show them that you trust them.

It's important to show your partner that you trust them. This means being supportive of them, even when you don't agree with everything they do.

Try not to be judgmental or critical. If you're feeling insecure, it might be tempting to try to control your partner or tell them what to do. However, this will only make the problem worse.

Instead, try to focus on building up trust. This can be done by:

- Listening to them without interrupting

- Showing understanding and empathy

- Being there for them when they need you

- Giving them space when they need it

 Remember, trust is a two-way street. So, make sure you're also trusting of your partner. 

And avoid jumping to conclusions.  If you're feeling insecure, it can be easy to assume the worst. However, this will only make the situation worse. If you're not sure what's going on, talk to your partner about it instead of jumping to conclusions. 

6. Don't compare yourself or your relationship to others or try to compete with your partner.

One of the biggest mistakes you can make is to compare yourself or your relationship to others. This will only make you feel worse about yourself and fuel your insecurities. Comparison is the thief of joy, so make sure you focus on what you have, not what someone else has.

It's also important not to try to compete with your partner. This could be in terms of things like possessions, appearance, or even intelligence. Trying to one-up each other will only create tension and strain in the relationship.

The key is to focus on your own relationship and what makes it special and unique. Appreciate the good times and work through the bad times together.

7. Seek professional help if you need it.

If you've tried everything but you're still struggling to overcome your insecurities, it might be time to seek professional help. This could be in the form of therapy or counselling. 

A therapist can help you to understand the root of your problem and give you tools to deal with it. They can also provide support and guidance as you work through this difficult time.

If you're not sure where to start, there are many online directories that can help you find a therapist in your area.

Track your progress

It's important to keep track of your progress as you work on overcoming your insecurities. This will help you to see how far you've come and give you the motivation to keep going.

Here are some things you can do to track your progress:

- Keep a journal and write down your thoughts and feelings. This can be a great way to release any pent-up emotions and track your progress over time.

- Talk to someone who will understand and support you. This could be a friend, family member, therapist, or even an online support group.

- Reward yourself for making progress. This could be something small like buying yourself a new book or taking yourself out for coffee.

You can also encourage your partner to do the same. 

Work together to heal

If you're in a relationship, it's important to work together to overcome your insecurities. This means being open and honest with each other about your feelings. 

You started a relationship together for a reason.  So, make sure you focus on the things that bring you together and work through the tough times as a team. 

Finally, don't forget to focus on the good times and appreciate what you have. This will help you to see the relationship in a more positive light and give you the motivation to keep going. Overcoming insecurity is a journey, not a destination. So take it one day at a time and be patient with yourself. You can do it!

Stay strong 

These are just a few tips to help you overcome insecurities in a relationship. If you're struggling, don't be afraid to seek professional help. It could be the best thing you ever do for your relationship.