Jealousy is an ugly emotion that can tear apart relationships. According to a report in Psychology Today, jealousy can manifest in different ways.
Types of Jealousy
There are two definitive type of jealousy that were revealed in a study that was performed by the Karolinska Institute. The first type was sexual jealousy. This type of jealousy happens when a partner in the relationship has had a physical sexual relationship with someone outside of the marriage.
The second type of jealousy is emotional jealousy. This happens when one partner has formed an emotional bond, or has fallen in love with another person. This type of jealousy is the most difficult to prove.
The Gender Difference
The studies have shown that men displayed a higher rate of jealousy when presented with a situation where their partner has had a physical relationship with another man. Men are less forgiving of a physical indiscretion.
Women, on the other hand were more bothered with a situation where the partner is in love with another woman. Women were more forgiving in a situation where the affair was physical and the man may never see the woman again.
The Psychological Aspect
In any situation that involves infidelity, jealousy may be the result of a perceived threat as opposed to a real one. Sometimes this jealousy is bred from an inner insecurity. For example, if the husband works closely with a woman that his wife feels is attractive, she may become jealous. Women are more susceptible to perceived threats of possible infidelity than men are. Other experts say that a man who displays overt jealousy may be guilty of infidelity himself. In either situation, communication and honesty is the key to overcome jealousy.
If you are in an abusive situation or at the brink of divorce because of infidelity, an empathetic Illinois divorce attorney can assist you with your case.