It’s no secret that siblings can be jealous of one another. After all, they’re often competing for attention, resources, and approval from their parents. And while a little healthy competition can be good for sibling relations, too much jealousy can lead to tension and conflict.
If you have a jealous sister, you might find yourself the target of her envy. She may try to steal your thunder by one-upping you or putting you down in an attempt to make herself feel better. It can be tough to deal with a jealous sister, but there are a few things you can do to defuse the situation. So, read more and find out what these are!
5 steps to deal with a jealous sister:
1- Spend more quality time with her:
First, try to spend some quality time with her so she feels appreciated. This can also help her feel more connected to you and less threatened by whatever it is she perceives as a threat.
One-on-one time can help her feel more connected to you and less like she’s being left out. You can also try talking to her about what’s going on for her. Maybe there’s something going on in her life that’s making her feel insecure, and if you can talk about it, you can help her feel better.
And, try not to compare yourself to her too much, yourself. It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that you’re better than her or that she’s not good enough, but that won’t help either of you feel any better.
Even if your situation is better than hers, try not to reflect on it or feel superior; as it can show in your behavior and character if you do. Just remember that you’re both unique and special in your own ways.
2- Avoid reacting negatively to her jealousy episodes:
Jealousy is a natural emotion, but it can be tough to deal with when it’s directed at you by a family member, like a sister. If your sister is prone to feeling jealous, a second thing you can try is to avoid reacting negatively to her jealousy episodes, even if it’s hard not to get defensive.
Instead, try to calmly explain why you’re not purposefully rubbing in her face whatever it is she’s jealous about. It might take some time, but hopefully, she’ll come to understand that there’s nothing worth being jealous over.
Jealousy can be a difficult emotion to deal with, so cut her some slack and know that it’s not personal. With some time and effort, you’ll be able to help your sister overcome her jealousy.
3- Encourage and praise her:
Thirdly, try to encourage her positive qualities and achievements so she feels good about herself. In fact, if you have a jealous sister, a third and guaranteed way on our list to deal with her; is to encourage and praise her.
Let her know when she’s done something well, and encourage her to keep up the good work. Try to spend time with her doing things she enjoys, and be positive and upbeat around her. If she sees that you’re happy about her successes, she may be less likely to feel jealous of you. Instead, she may want to mirror your kindness and do the same.
Of course, it’s also important to respect her feelings and not rub your successes in her face, if she’s not capable of showing support. But by showing her that you believe in her and are proud of her, you can help reduce the jealousy between you, over time.
4- Make a friend out of her not a competitor:
Having a jealous sister can be tough, but there’s a fourth way to deal with it. Another fourth way is to make a friend out of her instead of a competitor.
Let her know that you’re on her side and that you want to help her succeed. This can go a long way toward diffusing jealousy and creating a closer, more supportive relationship. Of course, it’s also important to set boundaries as needed and to stand up for yourself when necessary.
But overall, try to remember that your sister is probably just feeling insecure and that she doesn’t really mean to hurt you. With some patience and understanding, you can hopefully turn things around.
5- Again, don’t take it personally:
One last way to deal with a jealous sister is not to take her behavior personally. It’s important to remember that jealousy is often more about the person who is feeling jealous than it is about you. If your sister is constantly making cutting remarks or trying to compare herself to you, it’s likely that she’s just insecure and feeling threatened.
Instead of getting defensive, try to empathize with her and let her know that you understand how she’s feeling. It might also be helpful to talk to her openly about what you’re doing that makes her feel jealous.
Once she realizes that you’re not trying to show off, she may start to relax and be more accepting of your success. Alternatively, you can check this article too on steps to deal with a controlling sister, if she’s also that way.
Bottom line:
Sisters can be great. They’re always there for you, they know all your secrets, and they lend a shoulder to cry on. But they can also be incredibly jealous. Whether it’s because you’re the favorite child or simply because you have something they want, sisters can turn even the happiest families into hotbeds of jealousy and envy.
And while it’s perfectly normal to feel jealous from time to time, when it starts to take over your relationship, it can be hard to cope. If you find yourself constantly comparing yourself to your sister and feeling like you’ll never measure up, follow the steps listed above and pray for the best. Good luck!