Is jealousy in relationships always a bad thing?

Jealousy in relationships can be a double-edged sword.

For one, it conveys that you genuinely care enough about your partner to get bothered at seeing him, say, get friendly with the blonde bombshell who works at the local convenience store.

On the other hand, jealousy can signal deep-seated insecurities and communicate that you're afraid your partner may bail on you for someone prettier, smarter, or more successful, for example.

I think it's normal to become a little uneasy when we think about or see our partners talking to someone they might otherwise be interested in if they were single.

But if we can put our full trust in that person, there should be nothing to worry about. Let's not be naive, folks: We're all human, and naturally we're going to find certain people of the opposite sex -- other than our partners -- attractive.

But just because your boyfriend or husband might find her attractive and seems to enjoy conversing with her doesn't mean the two of them are doing the naughty!

Just as you would want him to trust you, do the exact same for him, unless you have concrete evidence to suggest he's doing things that are not on the up and up.

Again, a little jealousy is good in that it shows you've considered the prospect of losing your partner to someone else and it leaves you feeling unsettled.

But don't take it too far. No one likes to feel like he or she isn't trusted. If you know your partner truly loves you, you should not feel insecure or be worried that someone else may be tickling his fancy more than you. Being called a cheater, when unwarranted, is not something many people will take lightly.

What's your view on jealousy?

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