Jealousy: It's Normal
Yes ladies and gentlemen. Jealousy is very, VERY normal in polyamorous relationships both in RP and IRL. Jealousy is a basic human/mortal emotion no matter one's relationship and romantic preference. You can see it highlighted in multiple articles like this, and especially this from Psychology Today. As the article highlights in one specific line that I think explains it the best:Quote:"...Jealousy is a reaction to a perceived threat--real or imagined--to a valued relationship or to its quality."
In a sense, a little jealousy is needed for every relationship. Even those that are developed in an RP setting between two characters and two players (or, since we're talking poly here, more then two
). But here's the thing: like with anything, too much of one element isn't always good. Even in polyamory, being jealous as you can imagine doesn't let those kind of relationships thrive for very long. I'm going to split this into sections addressing different things that could help those who RP or want to RP polyamorous characters as well as how to handle RP scenarios of jealousy in general.Tips for handling RP scenarios of jealousy
Have your character take a little walk. Simple, but an effective method for handling it ICly. Especially if you need to afk to take care of something anyways or need to help a friend or FC mate with a dungeon run, instance, etc.
Wait for an opening to pull aside the object of affection (the reason for the jealousy) and talk to them about it. Have the character let them know how they were feeling if its within their persona to do so or just have a quiet moment away from the jealousy with that person so the character can reassure themselves. If it leads into a conversation on the subject that always can go to very interesting developments in the roleplay!
For a more 'dramatic' approach (everyone enjoys a little drama I've found) if the characters are together more officially or even if things are still new, the subtle physical displays of affection can work wonders. Especially if they are reciprocated in the same manner. Sometimes this goes well, sometimes it doesn't.
If its jealousy when one of your partners is with another person, take the time to spend time with your Secondary/Primary/other significant other or even with someone whom your character is starting to develop something with. Putting forth that jealous energy to other things can not only get the character's mind off the subject but can be beneficial to another needed area. Personal character development is also a good place to apply this energy as well!
If it's OOC jealousy in relation to RP, step away from the computer. Get out of your state of immersion or being 'in the character's head'. Do something physical like run or sit up or dance around your room to Lindsey Stirling (hey, she's awesome, shuttup). But never make any serious or rash decisions if your OOC is heavily affected by IC.
Those who don't feel/aren't affected by jealousy
Have your character take a little walk. Simple, but an effective method for handling it ICly. Especially if you need to afk to take care of something anyways or need to help a friend or FC mate with a dungeon run, instance, etc.
Wait for an opening to pull aside the object of affection (the reason for the jealousy) and talk to them about it. Have the character let them know how they were feeling if its within their persona to do so or just have a quiet moment away from the jealousy with that person so the character can reassure themselves. If it leads into a conversation on the subject that always can go to very interesting developments in the roleplay!
For a more 'dramatic' approach (everyone enjoys a little drama I've found) if the characters are together more officially or even if things are still new, the subtle physical displays of affection can work wonders. Especially if they are reciprocated in the same manner. Sometimes this goes well, sometimes it doesn't.
If its jealousy when one of your partners is with another person, take the time to spend time with your Secondary/Primary/other significant other or even with someone whom your character is starting to develop something with. Putting forth that jealous energy to other things can not only get the character's mind off the subject but can be beneficial to another needed area. Personal character development is also a good place to apply this energy as well!
If it's OOC jealousy in relation to RP, step away from the computer. Get out of your state of immersion or being 'in the character's head'. Do something physical like run or sit up or dance around your room to Lindsey Stirling (hey, she's awesome, shuttup). But never make any serious or rash decisions if your OOC is heavily affected by IC.
Those who don't feel/aren't affected by jealousy
Sometimes it's difficult when a character isn't one who experiences or even understands jealousy. Most of the time when characters are in a dynamic with one like this, they find their own ways to work it out. Long talks to meet each other on middle ground and all that other relationship stuff! Here's some things that I've found helpful for others since many of my characters over the years have leaned towards not being ones to experience much jealousy. Recently I've experimented with that, but every character is different just like every person. 
Be especially open about emotions.
Be especially honest about emotions.
Be polite but be frank about feelings.
If a nonjealous character might be doing something to excite jealousy, there's always the chance they don't realize it. If your character realizes this, just mention it to them when alone or where a possible follow-up conversation can ensue.
 Sometimes when one doesn't experience jealousy it can be hard to notice when something they're doing may antagonize those feelings.
If jealousy is specific towards a person (like if a rival was to flirt with one's SO but if anyone else were to do it it wouldn't matter), let the partner know that. Always helps to be aware.
As a follow up to the previous comment, if a character knows triggers for jealousy and lets others know about it, it can help for the future.
Be especially honest about emotions.
Be polite but be frank about feelings.
If a nonjealous character might be doing something to excite jealousy, there's always the chance they don't realize it. If your character realizes this, just mention it to them when alone or where a possible follow-up conversation can ensue.
 Sometimes when one doesn't experience jealousy it can be hard to notice when something they're doing may antagonize those feelings.
If jealousy is specific towards a person (like if a rival was to flirt with one's SO but if anyone else were to do it it wouldn't matter), let the partner know that. Always helps to be aware.
As a follow up to the previous comment, if a character knows triggers for jealousy and lets others know about it, it can help for the future.
