Do you ever feel jealous?  Most of us do, but it is jealous behavior, not feelings, that cause trouble.  The feeling of jealousy in a relationship is normal, but the behavior that can result is often irrational and destructive.  If you want to avoid the trouble jealousy can cause, start by accepting responsibility for it.

Blaming others for what they feel is a mistake, for jealousy is most often a product of our own insecurity and low self-esteem.  It happens because we see ourselves as having less to give than the object of our jealousy.

Soon we become unable to see our own strengths and good points, which leads to feeling devalued, depressed and worthless.  We forget the simple fact that because another person may not choose or be able to meet the conditions that have been agreed to in our relationship, our inner value as a person is not lessened, nor is theirs.

Jealously ceases to be a problem only when we regain a feeling of worth and self-respect, and when we remember that loyalty in relationships can only be offered, never demanded.  Learning to let go in this way, when we believe that love is based on "holding on to," is difficult but extremely worthwhile.  When we conquer the extremes of jealousy, we emerge as better, stronger, happier people and our relationships inevitably improve.