Most of us create these ideals in our minds whether we realize it or not. Thus, when we find someone who looks, acts and talks the way we imagined this special individual would, we are attracted - but that's all it is. Love can develop, but it takes time. Jealousy is not a sign of true love. One of the greatest mistakes young people can make is to believe that the more violent the jealousy, the stronger the love.
Some jealousy is normal between two people who care deeply about each other.
But jealousy is really possessiveness, not love. Psychoanalyst Dr. Theodor Reik says that people who suffer acutely from jealousy often have an underlying sense of insecurity which leads to an overwhelming need to be loved. As a result, they can be extremely jealous even though they may not be in love at all. Mooning, sighing and daydreaming are signs of infatuation, not love. Thus, a boy or girl in love can study and work comfortably, knowing he or she is thereby contributing to the other's happiness.