Monday, February 9, 2009

Is Jealousy Driving You Crazy?

By Zach Johnsen

Most of us know the way jealous people act---they are stereotypically short tempered, impatient, controlling and obsessed with some targeted person and their activities. Maybe you are that way yourself, but not as extreme. Many people have experienced that overwhelming feeling of suspicion and distrust when it comes to someone they love, so it is a common human experience.

But there are specific individuals that are so attached to their partner that the thought of losing them to another is unbearable. These people want to possess and protect their loved one from other people who may be better looking or have a more charming personality. Both men and women feel unsettled by this jealousy as they are fearful of losing their partner and it can be a very uncomfortable emotion to feel.

What is love exactly? Many people think that it is controlling their partner, which includes some jealousy. Love is not dominating and bullying the lover because real love is unconditional and built with trust.

The origin of jealousy is a very deep rooted one that is difficult to overcome. The fear of losing love is a feeling that is hard to control, so many people cannot handle dealing with this except in being jealous and making accusations. No one likes losing love and with some people the possibility of this experience is overwhelming.

What is important here is that jealousy has the power to destroy relationships to the point the person victimized by the troubled partner will not want to have anything to do with their partner. Being the victim of someone so distressed can make someone very anxious and frightened, especially if they have seen some explosive outbursts. It is not a pleasant situation to live through, as real love is positive and affirming, not negative and disturbing.

Keep in mind if your insecure partner has seen you flirt or talk with another attractive person, they will have good reason to feel upset with you. Are you looking for someone new and want to end it with your partner? If so, be up front and tell them you need to break up for awhile, but do tell them in a place where there are other people around if you fear for yourself.

Keep in mind if you must end the relationship, do it if you must---but be sure your partner knows that you mean it this time. If you intend to make it final, tell your lover or partner that you cannot promise to be friends. Some people will grasp at the faintest hope to salvage the relationship, so don't give any false hope.

If you still love your partner, ask them to speak with a relationship counselor with you. Realize that a healthy relationship is not full of false accusations, control issues and insecurity as it doesn't have to be that way. Finally, inform your partner that you want a loving and healthy relationship with them and no one else, and that you believe that the love is worth healing and saving. - 15784

About the Author: