5 Sure Signs You're A Jealous, Possessive Mess

It's natural to be jealous sometimes, but try not to let it rule your behavior.

By Kim Olver — Last updated on Jun 11, 2023

Photo: 2Design / Shutterstock

Extreme jealousy is one of the most destructive things in a relationship. Engaging in jealous behaviors and suspicions is not cute. It does not let your significant other know you really care. And it definitely will not strengthen your relationship.

An occasional, mildly jealous episode might actually heighten the interest in your relationship, but chronic, pathological jealousy is like cancer that will destroy any loving feelings that exist in your relationship. And learning how to deal with jealousy does not come easily.

Here are five sure signs you're a jealous, possessive mess:

1. His phone habits upset you

Whenever your partner doesn't answer the telephone while in your presence, you wonder if it could be a lover.

2. His social media habits scare you

Whenever your partner has a new friend on Facebook, you go to the friend’s page to check out your competition.

3. You stalk him

You find yourself driving by your loved one's job, home, or places you know him/her to frequent, thinking you'll find some incriminating evidence.

4. You're mistrustful of new people

Every time your loved one introduces you to someone new, you closely watch them for any sign of attraction and later grill your significant other about their relationship.

5. You snoop

Whenever you get the opportunity, you are checking your loved one's phone and email for signs he/she may be involved with someone else.

If this describes you, your relationship is in big trouble! It's time for some introspection and to make some changes.

Is this the person you really want to be? Does your partner deserve your trust and respect? If so, then extend those courtesies. If not, and your partner has given you multiple reasons not to trust him/her, ask yourself why you are still in a relationship with a person you cannot trust.

People who are jealous messes choose these jealous behaviors as their best attempt to get what they want. Typically, what jealous people want is for their partner to have no romantic interest in other people.

How to end jealous behavior

If you are a jealous mess, ask yourself: Is my behavior causing my partner to want to be with me exclusively? When you honestly look at your behavior, you will have to admit that everything you are doing is pushing your loved one right into the arms of an understanding, non-jealous person.

Do you think your behavior is attractive? Do you actually believe that engaging in this crazy behavior will keep your partner devoted to you, and only you, for the rest of your life? When you actually take the time to honestly answer those questions, you know what you are doing isn't helping your cause.

So now what? It's time to understand that you, and only you, are in charge of your behavior. When you feel compelled to engage in behavior you know is destructive, it is because you are having thoughts that lead to feelings that generate the destructive behavior. The place in that cycle where you have the most control is your thinking.