Romantic Jealousy: Cause & Prevention

Jealousy arises in 'loving' relationships because of three factors:
(1) comparison, (2) competition, & (3) the fear of being replaced.
 

If we become more autonomous and self-creating, these three features of relationships become less significant and hence the passion of jealousy becomes less likely.

However, within ordinary, possessive relationships, jealousy is normal: 

If we find ourselves replaced, supplanted, traded-in for a better model, we naturally feel a tremendous sense of loss, anger, grief, & betrayal.

This bitter feeling of hurt and hostility called "jealousy" can become one of the most powerful obsessions of human life. 

And yet, this emotion is a social product—with deep cultural roots.

If enculturation has taught us how to feel jealous, can we transcend those learned responses and create relationships in which jealousy does not arise?

If we are loved for the unique persons we are becoming, then comparison with rivals diminishes. 

And when we are no longer in competition with other women or men, we become less vulnerable to feeling jealous. 

If we become irreplaceable in our relationships, then jealousy disappears.

Thus, the basic way to prevent jealousy is to become unique and irreplaceable persons. 

And becoming more Authentic might be the best way to transcend the threat of being replaced by potential rivals.