Navigating jealousy in relationships is a universal challenge, often stirring irrational thoughts and emotions. Recently, amidst another bout of jealousy, I turned to the internet for guidance, only to find academic databases and Google searches surprisingly unhelpful. While forums offered solidarity, advice from mental health websites seemed clichéd, akin to telling someone with depression to "just cheer up."

Seeking deeper insights, I found a relationship coach renowned for her expertise in nonconventional relationships like open and polyamorous setups. Her clients, despite willingly navigating jealousy-triggering scenarios, don't ignore this emotion; instead, they confront it head-on, believing in strategies to manage and understand it within their relationship structures.

The coach contrasts this approach with conventional monogamy's default settings of fidelity, suggesting that those in nontraditional relationships must actively engage with and resolve jealousy. This proactive stance involves acknowledging and exploring its root causes rather than brushing them aside under marital guarantees.

To manage jealousy effectively, here are several practical steps. Firstly, jealousy is likened to a fire alarm, urging individuals to manage their immediate stress response. Techniques like journaling or deep breathing can help, but I emphasize the importance of identifying where the emotion manifests physically, enabling a calmer assessment of its triggers.

Furthermore, understanding personal insecurities and tracing their origins – what would be termed as uncovering one's "source code" – is crucial. This introspective process allows individuals to address specific fears or unmet needs, fostering healthier emotional responses within relationships.

Finally, you need to recognise the cognitive traps that amplify jealousy, such as mind-reading or fortune-telling, challenge these assumptions and embrace uncertainty. Accepting the unknown is a lifelong journey towards managing jealousy in a balanced and constructive manner.

Ultimately, while jealousy may never completely dissipate in relationships, learning to navigate and understand it can foster stronger emotional resilience and deeper connections with partners.

QUICK BITES

List of 10 New Cabinet Nominees

President Ruto on Wednesday, July 24, 2024, nominated ten more to join his cabinet including Azimio la Umoja Members of Parliament.

The Cabinet Secretaries lineup includes:

• John Mbadi Ng’ongo at the National Treasury and Economic Planning

• Salim Mvurya Mgala for the Ministry of Investments, Trade, and Industry

• Ms. Rebecca Miano overseeing the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife.

• James Opiyo Wandayi heading the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum.

• Onesimus Kipchumba Murkomen managing the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy, and Sports.

• Hassan Ali Joho overseeing the Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs.

• Alfred Nganga Mutua at the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection.

• Wycliffe Ambetsa Oparanya leading the Ministry of Co-operatives and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Development.

• Justin Bedan Muturi in charge of the Ministry of Public Service and Human Capital Development.

• Ms. Stella Soi Lang’at overseeing the Ministry of Gender, Culture, the Arts, and Heritage.

12 Cabinet Secretaries Confirmed to Have Been Fired

President Ruto's recent cabinet reshuffle marked the end for 12 outgoing cabinet secretaries, many of whom had been targeted by Gen Z protesters demanding change. Moses Kuria, formerly Public Service CS, acknowledged the shift, while Simon Chelugui and Ababu Namwamba saw their terms end, replaced by Wycliffe Oparanya and Kipchumba Murkomen respectively. Aisha Jumwa and Mithika Linturi also exited, along with Susan Nakhumicha and others like Peninah Malonza, Florence Bore, Eliud Owalo, Simon Chelugui and Zachariah Njeru. Their removal follows controversies and protests triggered by the budget proposals presented by Prof Njunguna Ndung'u.

Petition Urges Referendum to Remove President Ruto from Office

14 petitioners have filed a court case seeking the removal of President William Ruto and Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua from office through a referendum vote. The petitioners argue that the conduct of Ruto and Gachagua during recent anti-government protests raises serious doubts about their competence to effectively lead the nation. They accuse the leaders of mishandling the political crisis and deploying Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) against peaceful protesters, including abductions.

KFC Dismisses Layoff Plans of Kenyan Workers Over Gen Z Protests

Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) has refuted recent claims suggesting it would lay off employees in Kenya due to economic disruptions caused by ongoing anti-government protests. Addressing the issue on their social media platforms, KFC dismissed the circulated statement as fake and clarified that no layoffs were being planned.

“KFC is aware of the post relating to employee layoffs circulating on social media. We can confirm that this letter is indeed fake and that the alleged employee actions are not being taken by our Franchise Partner in Kenya,” the franchise said in a statement.

Passenger Plane Crash Claims 18 Lives, Pilot Sole Survivor in Kathmandu

A passenger plane crashed on take-off in Kathmandu on Wednesday, with the pilot rescued from the wreckage but all 18 others aboard killed, police in the Nepali capital confirmed. Nepal has a woeful track record on aviation safety and the Himalayan republic has seen a spate of deadly light plane and helicopter crashes over the decades. The Saurya Airlines flight was carrying two crew and 17 of the company’s staff members.

A news release from the airport said the aircraft “veered off to the right and crashed on the east side of the runway” shortly after take-off.