Jealousy. Ladies, women, and all those striving to enter the harbor of marriage! This article is for you! To give you the chance to avoid a very dangerous companion that can ruin your future life.
Jealousy is one of the most common emotions we experience in relationships. It can manifest in various ways, ranging from mild anxiety to severe and destructive obsession.
Jealousy can cause tension in relationships, resentment, and even their breakdown. But what exactly is jealousy, and how can we deal with it?
I will explain the causes of jealousy, its types, and most importantly, how to overcome this emotional wave.
Jealousy, How to Recognize It?
How can you tell if a man is jealous? Pay close attention to what he tells you, even from your very first dates!
This will help you avoid relationships where you will be tormented by a jealous partner.
Many women complain about encountering a real-life Othello. To better understand why I mention Shakespeare’s character, you should know that there is even a syndrome named after him.
As I mentioned, Othello Syndrome refers to the protagonist of Shakespeare’s play. This character suffered from pathological jealousy, constantly suspecting his wife of infidelity.
As expected, a person suffering from this syndrome dooms their relationships to failure, making coexistence unsustainable.
Types of Jealousy.
1. Justified Jealousy
This is a reaction to real threats or the loss of something important. For example, if a partner discovers that their loved one is cheating, this may trigger justified jealousy.
2. Unjustified Jealousy.
This is a reaction to imagined or perceived threats. For example, a person may feel jealous of their partner without any real reason, based on personal fears, insecurities, or past negative experiences.
3. Pathological Jealousy.
This is an obsession or mania that can lead to mental health problems. For example, a person may begin stalking, spying, or even engaging in violent behavior due to unhealthy jealousy.
Causes of Betrayal.
The reasons for infidelity vary widely and depend on individual characteristics, relationship history, and the circumstances a person is in.
Here are some of the most common reasons why people cheat:
*A person may start cheating if they feel something is missing in their current relationship—whether it’s emotional support, sexual dissatisfaction, or other relational issues.
*Some people are drawn to risk and new experiences, and cheating might be a way to seek excitement.
*A person with low self-esteem may cheat to feel more desirable and valued by others.
A lack of emotional intimacy in a relationship may push someone to seek connection elsewhere.
This is a serious issue for any couple, as such situations turn relationships toxic.
How It Typically Unfolds.
Before entering a relationship, you may not even consider the possibility that a man with Othello Syndrome could behave this way.
Women not only suffer but also waste time with someone who is not worthy of them.
It’s essential to remember that excessive jealousy can drive a man to complete madness. So, how can you recognize an “Othello” and avoid dating him?
Phrases a Jealous Man Might Say.
Pay close attention to everything a potential partner says on the first date! If you hear any of the phrases below, chances are you’re dealing with a truly jealous man.
“I never said that!”
But you know he did. At first, you might think it’s just forgetfulness or excitement. However, if you repeatedly notice that he denies saying certain things, this is a red flag.
Chances are, he is the jealous Othello type! There is no point in continuing a relationship with such a man if you don’t want to harm yourself.
“I can’t meet at that time… We won’t go to this café; let’s go somewhere else instead!”
This is where the attempts to control you begin. If a man, even on the first date, insists on deciding everything according to his preferences, consider this your first warning sign.
Don’t mistake this for him taking responsibility for planning the date. His goal isn’t to make you happy—he simply wants to control you.
Over time, this behavior will likely escalate.
Such behavior can also indicate a tendency toward not only emotional but also physical abuse.
“No contact with your ex!”
A jealous man sees this as unacceptable and will likely bring it up on the first date. While some people may not like the idea of their partner staying in touch with an ex, is this really the right topic for a first date?
After all, there are exceptions to every rule. If, for instance, a woman’s ex-boyfriend is her brother’s best friend, they will inevitably cross paths and communicate occasionally.
If a man forbids you from speaking to your ex on the first date, it means this issue is deeply important to him—which should be taken seriously.
This is a strong indicator that he might become obsessed with jealousy. “My ex ruined my life. She was a…”
This is completely unacceptable!
Think about it is it appropriate to discuss an ex-girlfriend in front of someone new, especially in a negative way? It’s even worse when a man openly insults a woman he once claimed to love, lived with, or even had children with.
If a man has no shame in calling his ex derogatory names, remember one day, he might say the same about you.
After all, you don’t know the full story. He could be hiding the real reason for their breakup. Perhaps his extreme jealousy was the actual cause? “A woman should…”
If a man passionately talks about what a woman should or shouldn’t do, it’s best to cut off communication with him immediately after the first date.
A mentally stable man will not dictate how a woman must behave in a relationship. If he does, it’s a sign that he is already trying to control you and lacks respect.
What Can You Do?
Ultimately, it’s up to you whether you choose to stay with a jealous person or run away literally, run! Always prioritize yourself over a man, no matter how attractive he may seem.
Don’t deceive yourself into thinking you can “fix” a jealous person. You may believe you’ll never give him a reason to be jealous, but trust me an “Othello” will always find something to complain about.
Here’s what you can do.
Work on your self-esteem. Low self-worth is often a root cause of unjustified jealousy. Strengthen your self-confidence and learn to value yourself and your relationships.
Communicate openly. Talk to your partner about your feelings and explain if you’re experiencing unfounded jealousy. Honest conversations can provide reassurance.
Set clear boundaries. Discuss what is acceptable in your relationship and ensure those boundaries are respected.
Avoid overthinking.
If you tend to imagine worst-case scenarios, try to stay present and focus on reality rather than hypothetical fears.
Engage in exercise and meditation. These can help manage stress and anxiety, which often fuel jealousy. Seek professional help. If jealousy is affecting your life and relationships, consider speaking to a therapist.
Learn to trust. Overcoming unjustified jealousy requires trust in your partner. Focus on the positive aspects of your relationship and remember they chose you for a reason.
Remember, jealousy is a natural emotion, but when it becomes excessive, it can damage both your relationship and mental well-being.
If your well-being matters to you and you truly want to be happy, it’s best to stay far away from jealous men!
Have a great day! 😊
