logo
episode-header-image
May 2025
20m 59s

#189: Why Anxiously Attached People Stru...

Stephanie Rigg
About this episode

Jealousy is one of the most common—and most shamed—experiences for people with anxious attachment. In this episode, we’re exploring where jealousy really comes from, how it manifests in relationships, and why it makes so much sense through the lens of self-worth and attachment wounding.

I share personal reflections from my own journey with jealousy, alongside insights to help you understand your patterns with more compassion and clarity. Whether you obsessively compare yourself to others, feel threatened by your partner’s past, or find yourself spinning out when you don’t feel like a priority, this episode will help you start untangling the deeper fears driving those reactions.

We’ll cover:

  • Why jealousy is often a symptom of deeper insecurity and low self-worth
  • The difference between jealousy and envy — and why both show up for anxiously attached people
  • Common behaviours (like social media stalking or reassurance-seeking) and why they don’t actually soothe your fears
  • What to do when jealousy arises — and why shame only makes it worse
  • Why building self-worth is the most powerful antidote to chronic jealousy

Sign up for the 28-Day Secure Self Challenge

Highlighted Links

Additional Resources

Up next
Nov 20
#215: Resentment, Real Repair, Conflict Avoidance & Navigating Dating With Kids — ft. James ‘Fish’ Gill
<p>In today’s episode, I’m joined by my friend James “Fish” Gill for a listener Q&amp;A all about conflict, communication, and staying connected through hard moments.</p><p>We explore some big questions, including:</p><ul><li><strong>How to release resentment</strong> when a conf ... Show More
1h 10m
Nov 11
#214: Parenting Q&A: Fears About Having Kids, Staying Connected After a Baby, Anxious-Avoidant Dynamics & More
In this special episode of On Attachment, I sit down with my partner Joel to answer your questions about our journey into parenthood with our now 18 month old son. We explore the transition to parenting, how our attachment styles have shaped the experience, and what helps us stay ... Show More
23m 16s
Nov 4
#213: How to Care Less About Others' Opinions & Trust Yourself More
So many of us spend our lives orienting around what other people think of us — seeking approval, avoiding disapproval, and constantly scanning for reassurance that we’re doing, saying, and being the “right” thing.If you lean towards anxious attachment patterns, this makes perfect ... Show More
17m 27s
Recommended Episodes
Feb 2024
Insecurity in Tango: Conquering Jealousy
<p>In this episode, I explore the topic of jealousy in tango. I reflect on my personal experience with jealousy and how it has affected my relationships. I discuss the different types of jealousy that tango dancers experience, particularly focusing on the insecurities and fears t ... Show More
44m 32s
Jun 2023
#50 - Jealousy: what it's really showing us & how to embrace it
<p>What is your jealousy trying to tell you? We’ve all experienced it firsthand. Whether in romantic, platonic, or familial relationships, jealousy can show up in various facets of our lives often bringing forth complex emotions and challenging our sense of self. </p> <p>In this ... Show More
39m 49s
Jul 2024
How to Stop Avoiding Yourself: Feel The Loneliness, Jealousy & Longing
328. How to Stop Avoiding Yourself: Feel The Loneliness, Jealousy & Longing Glennon, Abby, and Amanda discuss how to move through loneliness, longing and jealousy. Glennon and Abby also share their experience at The Gracie Awards and recap their heartfelt speech about breast hea ... Show More
54m 31s
May 2024
57. Overcoming Jealousy & Insecurity in Relationships with Shanenn Bryant
<p>Jealousy is an emotion pushed away and not often discussed. </p> <p>But, its real. It doesn&#39;t feel good. It can strain or ruin relationships - so we dive into how to overcome it, build confidence and actually improve your relationships.</p> <p>This episode includes:</p> <p ... Show More
41m 29s
Sep 2024
Ep 78. How Retroactive Jealousy Can Ruin Relationships
<p>Have you ever felt a twinge of jealousy, discomfort, or insecurity when thinking about your partner&apos;s past relationships? If so, you may be experiencing retroactive jealousy, a debilitating but also common condition that ruins many relationships. Dealing with retroactive ... Show More
28m 3s
Oct 2024
Let's Talk About... Jealousy
Hello and welcome to Adulting, and the fourteenth episode of Let’s Talk About… a broadening of Adulting... where that was about all of the things we never got taught in school, this is almost like seminars on life; where my audience (that's you!), get to chat anonymously about th ... Show More
29m 26s
Mar 2023
Jealousy and envy
<p>Today I want to talk about jealousy and envy. I believe both are fundamental human feelings, usually associated with fear of losing someone or something. I’ve heard that some people claim to not be jealous or envious AT ALL, but I fail to believe that.</p> <p>I think of myself ... Show More
6m 36s
May 2022
Jealousy: Friends & Lovers
We cannot do a show about emotions without an episode on jealousy: it brings the drama! We all experience jealousy at one time or another. But it's not exactly a great feeling to experience. In this episode, we talk with social psychologists Keelah Williams and Jaimie Arona Krems ... Show More
50m 22s
Mar 2021
Ep. 136 - EXPLAINED Envy, Jealousy & Expansion
<p>Welcome to a special EXPLAINED episode where we are diving deep into the themes of Jealousy, Envy, and Expansion! Lacy and Jessica are joined by Dr. Tara to discuss the energetics and psychology behind these themes and how to harness that energy into expansion.</p><p>Jealousy ... Show More
1h 6m
Feb 2025
279. The psychology of career jealousy
When you're struggling with your sense of purpose, job hunting or feelings of success, it can be very hard to see someone else who has everything you want, and not feel jealous. In today's episode, we break down the very important psychology of career jealousy in our 20s, includi ... Show More
51m 49s