Ever fumed in silence or lashed out at a partner for looking at someone else? Everyone has felt pangs of jealousy in their lives. In its mild state, jealousy is a normal, emotional response that signals to you that your relationship is off-balance. Being aware of your annoyance, sadness or frustration urges you to do something about it. However, some people can be so consumed by their jealousy that they completely lose reason and drive themselves to distraction. Children obsessed about sibling rivalry grow up craving for love; talented adults who would otherwise be thriving in their establishment lose their jobs due to disagreements with fellow colleagues or supervisors; friendships or marriages fall apart–all because they cannot cope with the intense feelings of jealousy.
The gender difference
Jealousy is actually a very primitive reaction that arises when someone feels real or perceived threat of losing a valued relationship. In addition, yes, men and women do have different notions of jealousy. Men are naturally possessive of their women because they need to ensure the children she bears are truly his. While a women is almost 100% sure of her genetic link to her children, men need to know that they have not been wasting their time and resources on children from someone else’s brood.
Women, on the other hand, have a more practical approach to jealousy. Being possessive arises out of her fear that she may have to share her man, which would influence her own, and her children’s financial position and status.
Therefore, no matter how far we have come in civilization, there is no denying that we are still bound by caveman emotions.