Guest Author - Barbara Merkord

Jealousy is normal. It is an emotional reaction to external and internal stimuli. However with that have been said, it is often detrimental to relationships unless one or both of the people in the relationship are understanding of the issue.

It is human nature to covet what they love. Jealousy is a form of possessiveness which in itself stems from lack of trust. The jealous partner is not a "bad" person in most cases, they simply are lacking the reassurance that they need.

Jealousy, very often, is a symptom of mental illness. This is not to suggest that all people who show jealousy have mental illness. Many people with Borderline Personality Disorder, as well as those with Paranoid Personality Disorder battle every day with jealousy. Medication can often help those with mental illnesses. If you believe that you or your partner may have a mental illness please seek out a qualified therapist to begin your path to wellness.

If someone in your life, yourself included, feels jealous much of the time, then it is time to sit down and have a serious conversation. These people need your reassurance and understanding. If you are the one suffering from jealousy then I encourage you to talk to your partner about what is on your mind and heart. If you have troubles confronting the situation try writing it in a letter or an email even. Sometimes writing helps us get over our hurdles. Let the other person know why you have been feeling the way that you have, as well as how they can help to lessen those feelings.

Jealousy, again, is a normal emotional reaction. We have to be understanding of our selves and our partners and realize that only by working together can we get to the bottom to find the cause as well as the solution. Jealousy doesn't have to be detrimental, it can be a healthy sign of love. We naturally want to possess what we love and care about and it is important to realize that jealousy can be an important sign of love and caring in relationships. The most important thing is communication, so start talking and see where it leads you.