Happy 6th birthday to the OG sister! There's no be Happy 6th birthday to the OG sister! There's no better feeling than getting to know the wonderful person she is growing into. We're so proud of this girl!! 6 is going to be a great year 💕
I'd want to sleep all day, too, if I were up every I'd want to sleep all day, too, if I were up every hour last night 🙃🙃 

Outfit @honest 🦋
Anyone see our other kids lately?? 😜 You know, Anyone see our other kids lately?? 😜 You know, it's so funny how some parts of the newborn phase have been like muscle memory and others have been like we've had our first born all over again. 

We were worried about how David and Evy would feel with this new family member but they have been so sweet that it brings tears to my eyes to put it into words. I was especially worried about Ev being supplanted as the youngest but, honestly, being the big sister suits her SO well and I think she's been loving it, too. 

I've also loved getting to experience this again with Josh. The way you band together during the newborn phase especially is very bonding. You rely on each other deeply and it's not always cute or pretty. 

Super grateful 💗
To the best big brother and sister. Cleo is going To the best big brother and sister. Cleo is going to think she has the coolest, smartest, bravest big siblings in the world, and she's not wrong 😉
She's here 🌷 Cleo Renée was born 2 weeks early She's here 🌷 Cleo Renée was born 2 weeks early on Saturday March 11 at 1:52 in the morning. 

Josh and I just had a feeling about that day (Friday), so we kept the kids out of school, went out to breakfast, and just spent our last day together as a family of four. 

My contractions started right after my 38 week appointment that morning and progressed throughout the day until around 4pm when I thought, "Mmk, I'm starting to really need to breathe through these. Better go in."

I was so convinced they were going to turn us away that it really didn't hit me that we were actually going to meet our girl that night until we'd been there for a few hours already. 

Baby girl ended up being 7lbs 15oz and 20in long!

We are all so in love. David and Evy are OBSESSED. A few times their friends have come to the door to ask them to play and they've said they'd rather stay home with the baby 😄

We are so blessed and thankful for this little girl ❤️
How to use a French hair pin. I love these things How to use a French hair pin. I love these things because they can hold up even my thick and chunky hair and I don't have a large clip sticking off the back of my head (don't get me wrong, I love a good hair clip, too)! Have you tried one yet??
This season of waiting has been weird. But I’m s This season of waiting has been weird. But I’m so grateful for it.

On the one hand, there’s so much to do to get ready for little one to join us—it’s been a while since we’ve had a newborn! I’m spending most of my free time writing and nesting, nesting and writing. 

And then on the other hand, I’m feeling pretty ready to have my body back. And by that, I mean just to be done literally sharing it with another being. You start to miss things after a while like being able to breathe when you lay on your back or not getting indigestion for eating a few grapes. 

Overall, there’s so much to be thankful for. Each little inconvenience is a blessing and I’m happy they’re there. I’ll also be happy when they’re over. For now, I’m just savoring being a mom of “older kids” (8 and going on 6) that can grab their own snacks from time to time and put on their own shoes. We’re going to be heading back to square one in a couple months and I’m sure there’s a lot we’ve forgotten!
Naturally, when we see a need, we rush in to fill Naturally, when we see a need, we rush in to fill it and fix it. On top of this, it’s hard for us to ask for help because we don’t want to be a burden to others. 

But in the process of meeting everyone else’s needs and neglecting our own (especially our need for rest), we often become bitter towards the ones we’re helping.

Instead, one of the best things we can do as a wife or mother is to assess our own needs and make sure to leave space to meet them ourself or to ask for what we need. 

It might be time to rest, help with the next meal, time alone to pray and meditate on God’s word, or allowing yourself to leave a task un-done so you can “selfishly” enjoy a hobby of yours like the rest of your family gets to do. 

In the end, making room to find joy each day may be one of the best things you do for your relationships.
30 weeks and counting down the days til we meet yo 30 weeks and counting down the days til we meet you. We *think* we've finally settled on a first name after non-stop back-and-forth and brainstorming. Any guesses?? Or.. what are your favorite baby girl names right now??
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Marriage, Relationships · May 22, 2016

How to never be jealous of your significant other

Have any of you ever been jealous for your partner and not really known why? Or maybe you knew exactly why and you found that it was taking up way too much time in your thoughts. Jealousy can be a really consuming thing!

This post today comes with a lot of truth tied to it. I’ll also throw in a lot of realism in there. I’m going to be rolling out the honest in today’s post! But it is not void of love, trust me! I was actually asked to write a post on this subject by a friend who contacted me on my Facebook Page the other day.

Have any of you ever been jealous for your partner and not really known why? Or maybe you knew exactly why and you found that it was taking up way too much time in your thoughts. Jealousy can be a really consuming thing! Maybe some of you can relate to what my friend wrote:

“So I was wondering if you could write a post and share some wisdom on jealousy? I’ve never been a jealous person, and would never tell my boyfriend to stop talking to other women altogether, but lately I find myself feeling jealous and questioning who he talks to and why, etc. would love to hear your wisdom on the topic! Thanks in advance.”

So before we dive in, I’ll just cover my bases and say again that I warned you! But trust me, I’ve been on all sides of this jealousy thing! I’ve been jealous, I’ve had past significant others be jealous, and now I’m in a wonderful marriage where I’ve never been jealous. Not having to worry about your spouse and your relationship in that way is a wonderfully valuable thing. And my goal is for you to all have that same peace of mind!

Remember, it’s not too late to stop reading this post and pretend nothing happened…

Guy/Girl relationships… maybe not

So here it goes…

I don’t think husbands should have their own exclusive girl-friends. And I don’t think wives should have their own exclusive man-friends. If you have a dear friend from before you married, they are now a mutual friend with your husband, and likewise for his female friends. There may be a few exceptions to this rule, but in most cases I believe that if a man or woman is married, there’s no need to hang out alone with someone of the opposite sex, even in public (unless it’s work related, of course). What reason would I have to confide in or seek advice from another man other than my husband who is my closest friend? If I’d like to see my man friend just to catch up, we can do that together with my husband. It’s really not an awful, limiting thing to not be alone with the opposite sex. If you find it frustrating, I think you’ll also find that not having your spouse worry about who you’re meeting is a good payoff, (same goes for him). I don’t believe that my husband has any reason to meet a woman exclusively, friends or otherwise. I am his closest friend and if there’s a problem between us, then the appropriate thing to do is to fix that problem between us.

Guys who have mostly girl friends- RED FLAG

Now, as far as boyfriend-girlfriend relationships go, this same rule doesn’t apply. You’re not committed, you’re not “tied down,” go ahead and have guy friends if you like. BUT…. hanging out with only people of the opposite sex could be a red flag. In high school, I was the type of girl who said she loved hanging out with guy friends because she hated girl drama. But looking back, I realize that a huge reason why I loved hanging out with guys was because I simply loved the attention of being the only girl around! (Ouch, harsh but true). The same things goes with heterosexual guys who love hanging around groups of girls. *Attention!*

If you are looking for a “marry-able” man, stay away from the ones who crave the attention and approval of women.

Josh and I just had a talk with one of our little sisters about this last night. She’s in college and just got out of an unfortunately short-lived relationship. The guy she was dating was the type of guy who had a lot of girl friends. When they would go out to grab food together, his girl friends would run up, give him hugs, giggle at how funny he was, wave goodbye with big smiles and tell him that they needed to hang out sometime soon to catch up (as friends of course). Later on, their relationship hit a rough patch and my sister and her boyfriend didn’t talk for a couples days. The next time she saw him, he was holding hands with another girl, one who was probably readily available for him to confide in, complain to, and get attention from. Guys with lots of girl friends = red flag red flag red flag!!!!

In short, if you’re not married yet, sure- have some guy friends! But don’t forfeit your girl friends for them. Beware of guys with too many girl friends. And if you’re married, keep the guy and girl friends mutual. That way, there’s nothing to hide, no questions, nothing to even think about worrying about. It’s just easier that way. Keep it simple.

Don’t be afraid to check in

Now, we’re not talking having to know what your husband/boyfriend is doing every minute of the day. Men need their space. But the more committed you are in your relationship, the more you should have a general idea of where they are and what they’re doing. The way I mean this is, I know that before Josh went to work today, he was home. While he’s at work during the day, I check in to see how his day is going, (not in a sneaky/weird way, I just actually want to know if he’s having a good day), we joke around together, and I let him know when I’ll be bringing dinner (he works 12 hour shifts so I always run over with the toddler to bring him dinner and visit in the evenings). When he leaves work, he usually texts me to say he’s on his way or if he’s stopping at the grocery store (etc.) on his way home.

The point of this is to say, letting your spouse know where you are and who you’re with during the day should be guilt-free and a natural thing. Have you ever had someone guilt trip you for asking what they were doing? That could be a red flag! (Unless you just asked them 5 minutes ago, in which case you are probably just being annoying). Husbands and wives should feel no pain in volunteering information about where they’re at, who they’re with, and what they’re doing. Being transparent is a wonderful thing- especially if you don’t even have to ask! It should be as easy to talk about as the weather. Be wary of your partner getting defensive or being shady about what they did that day. Red flag red flag red flag!

Share passwords

All married couples need to do this. No exceptions. Why would there be a need to hide something on your computer or your phone from your spouse? Being transparent with bank account information, conversations, and visited websites is essential if you have any hopes of a flourishing, intimate marriage.

Now, obviously I don’t think a dating couples should exchange all their passwords and tell each other their bank account information. But transparency and openness is something that can still be practiced when you’re dating. Your significant other doesn’t have to know who you’ve been talking to on your phone, but it might be a good idea to tell them, just to put it out there, just to be transparent. If your significant other is transparent and open with you before you get married, they’ll be transparent afterwards also.

Since I take care of most of the home-management, my husband doesn’t know a lot of the passwords to our online accounts, but I make the passwords available to him if he wanted to log in somewhere. I’ve written down every password I’ve needed to our bills, bank accounts, social accounts, etc. and he knows exactly where to find it. And I know all of his passwords. And neither one of us is worried about that because there is nothing to hide.

Ok, the hard part’s over now…

Overall, if you’re a normal person (aka not being overly dramatic or needy or suspicious), the issue of jealousy can be easily quenched with good character and transparency. Watch out for iffy red flags! You shouldn’t be made to feel guilty for wanting to know what your significant other did that day, it should be easy for them to tell you! And vice versa!

Love you all and hope this helps if you’ve been feeling a little green lately!

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In: Marriage, Relationships · Tagged: attention, best friends, boyfriend, dating, friends, girlfriend, green monster, guy/girl relationships, husband, intimacy, jealous, jealousy, marriage, married, openness, red flag, Relationships, shady, significant other, spouse, transparency, trust, wife

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Comments

  1. Stephanie says

    September 16, 2016 at 1:48 am

    That would make them Mormons. Correct!!! No , if haven’t had to share a man “unless he cheated” and if I did it would be on the terms as a friend. I would never share my thoughts ,dreams with him as a lover. I would defiantly lose respect for him as its obvious he has no respect for her. Hes not even lying to her which is worse. I hope she was the one whom wanted that arrangement. Apparently he’s not in love with her…..That relationship will never last . OF COURSE I dont know their relationship.

    I’m sure I’ve been jeoulosy at some point….Thats a emotion that I find useless.. but no I do not compare myself to other women. We all wish we could be a little younger, skinnier, whatever the case may be for that individual. I”m confident in looking in the mirror . I find what I lack.. I enjoy in my friends. Everyone.. likes looking at pretty people , “Why should any of that change. So, No,I”m not a jeoulous person and that has had a reverse affect on me in my past. I have faked being jeoulious in my past relationship because if I didn’t, he would accuse me of not caring or having a affair. That was exshausting. I figure if I like him at one point and now he likes someone else then she must have some good qualities. I must of trusted him if I was with him. Most men do not campare women to each other they just want what they want. Women are the ones whom campare our last relationship with our new relationship. Thats the mistake we make when bring up his ex to him. Referring back to your question. I would not worry about her ,its obivious hes disguarded her. I would be worried about the New woman that catches his eye.

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Hi! I'm Chelsea and we're the Damon's. We spent the last two years in WA state paying off student loans and just bought our first house in SC! I love a smooth black coffee, Josh's first love is the Seattle Sounders. Our kids are huge dorks and constantly make us laugh and we all love spending as much time outside as possible.

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Happy 6th birthday to the OG sister! There's no be Happy 6th birthday to the OG sister! There's no better feeling than getting to know the wonderful person she is growing into. We're so proud of this girl!! 6 is going to be a great year 💕
I'd want to sleep all day, too, if I were up every I'd want to sleep all day, too, if I were up every hour last night 🙃🙃 

Outfit @honest 🦋
Anyone see our other kids lately?? 😜 You know, Anyone see our other kids lately?? 😜 You know, it's so funny how some parts of the newborn phase have been like muscle memory and others have been like we've had our first born all over again. 

We were worried about how David and Evy would feel with this new family member but they have been so sweet that it brings tears to my eyes to put it into words. I was especially worried about Ev being supplanted as the youngest but, honestly, being the big sister suits her SO well and I think she's been loving it, too. 

I've also loved getting to experience this again with Josh. The way you band together during the newborn phase especially is very bonding. You rely on each other deeply and it's not always cute or pretty. 

Super grateful 💗
To the best big brother and sister. Cleo is going To the best big brother and sister. Cleo is going to think she has the coolest, smartest, bravest big siblings in the world, and she's not wrong 😉

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Happy 6th birthday to the OG sister! There's no be Happy 6th birthday to the OG sister! There's no better feeling than getting to know the wonderful person she is growing into. We're so proud of this girl!! 6 is going to be a great year 💕
I'd want to sleep all day, too, if I were up every I'd want to sleep all day, too, if I were up every hour last night 🙃🙃 

Outfit @honest 🦋
Anyone see our other kids lately?? 😜 You know, Anyone see our other kids lately?? 😜 You know, it's so funny how some parts of the newborn phase have been like muscle memory and others have been like we've had our first born all over again. 

We were worried about how David and Evy would feel with this new family member but they have been so sweet that it brings tears to my eyes to put it into words. I was especially worried about Ev being supplanted as the youngest but, honestly, being the big sister suits her SO well and I think she's been loving it, too. 

I've also loved getting to experience this again with Josh. The way you band together during the newborn phase especially is very bonding. You rely on each other deeply and it's not always cute or pretty. 

Super grateful 💗
To the best big brother and sister. Cleo is going To the best big brother and sister. Cleo is going to think she has the coolest, smartest, bravest big siblings in the world, and she's not wrong 😉
She's here 🌷 Cleo Renée was born 2 weeks early She's here 🌷 Cleo Renée was born 2 weeks early on Saturday March 11 at 1:52 in the morning. 

Josh and I just had a feeling about that day (Friday), so we kept the kids out of school, went out to breakfast, and just spent our last day together as a family of four. 

My contractions started right after my 38 week appointment that morning and progressed throughout the day until around 4pm when I thought, "Mmk, I'm starting to really need to breathe through these. Better go in."

I was so convinced they were going to turn us away that it really didn't hit me that we were actually going to meet our girl that night until we'd been there for a few hours already. 

Baby girl ended up being 7lbs 15oz and 20in long!

We are all so in love. David and Evy are OBSESSED. A few times their friends have come to the door to ask them to play and they've said they'd rather stay home with the baby 😄

We are so blessed and thankful for this little girl ❤️
How to use a French hair pin. I love these things How to use a French hair pin. I love these things because they can hold up even my thick and chunky hair and I don't have a large clip sticking off the back of my head (don't get me wrong, I love a good hair clip, too)! Have you tried one yet??
This season of waiting has been weird. But I’m s This season of waiting has been weird. But I’m so grateful for it.

On the one hand, there’s so much to do to get ready for little one to join us—it’s been a while since we’ve had a newborn! I’m spending most of my free time writing and nesting, nesting and writing. 

And then on the other hand, I’m feeling pretty ready to have my body back. And by that, I mean just to be done literally sharing it with another being. You start to miss things after a while like being able to breathe when you lay on your back or not getting indigestion for eating a few grapes. 

Overall, there’s so much to be thankful for. Each little inconvenience is a blessing and I’m happy they’re there. I’ll also be happy when they’re over. For now, I’m just savoring being a mom of “older kids” (8 and going on 6) that can grab their own snacks from time to time and put on their own shoes. We’re going to be heading back to square one in a couple months and I’m sure there’s a lot we’ve forgotten!
Naturally, when we see a need, we rush in to fill Naturally, when we see a need, we rush in to fill it and fix it. On top of this, it’s hard for us to ask for help because we don’t want to be a burden to others. 

But in the process of meeting everyone else’s needs and neglecting our own (especially our need for rest), we often become bitter towards the ones we’re helping.

Instead, one of the best things we can do as a wife or mother is to assess our own needs and make sure to leave space to meet them ourself or to ask for what we need. 

It might be time to rest, help with the next meal, time alone to pray and meditate on God’s word, or allowing yourself to leave a task un-done so you can “selfishly” enjoy a hobby of yours like the rest of your family gets to do. 

In the end, making room to find joy each day may be one of the best things you do for your relationships.
30 weeks and counting down the days til we meet yo 30 weeks and counting down the days til we meet you. We *think* we've finally settled on a first name after non-stop back-and-forth and brainstorming. Any guesses?? Or.. what are your favorite baby girl names right now??
Saturday highlights 🖤 We've been trying to be s Saturday highlights 🖤 We've been trying to be super intentional with the time we spend with David and Evy recently, knowing that big changes are just around the corner! We pray with them, ask them what questions they have, take the time to explain things. I'm hoping they'll be set up pretty well for the transition of little sis coming in March but most of the work will happen after she gets here! How did you help littles prepare for baby?

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