What Causes the Feeling of ‘Jealousy’ in Relationships?

Jealousy happens when you feel like someone else might take away what you love most in a relationship.

Imagine your heart is like a little castle, and the person you love is your favorite friend who lives inside it with you. Now, if another friend comes along and starts spending time with them too, you might feel worried that they'll forget about you or even leave to be with this new friend instead. That worry is jealousy.

When you're really happy in a relationship, it's like having your favorite toy and your best friend playing together. If you see them being extra nice to someone else, it can feel like they might not need you as much anymore, just like when your best friend starts playing with someone new at the park.

Your brain has a special part that notices changes in love and friendship. When something new comes into the picture, this part gets busy trying to protect what you already have. That’s why you might feel a little sad or even angry, it's your brain working hard to keep your happy castle safe!