How Jealous Should You Get?

Everyone occasionally experiences jealousy in their relationship. The trick is how you deal with it. Below is a simple way to know what to be cool with, and when to raise eyebrows.

1.         When You Catch Your Man Checking Out Another Girl

It's a natural instinct to ogle someone good-looking (be honest, you do it too), and it doesn't mean he wants to get with her. But completely eyeing a woman when he's with you is totally rude. Tell him it bothers you.

2.         When A Colleague At Office Is Crossing Her Bounds

Since the workplace is the most common breeding ground for an affair, this is a potentially dangerous situation. But before you freak out, take the pulse of things by admitting to him that you feel a little insecure. Then, gauge his response: If he's sensitive and reassuring, it's probably platonic. If he blows off your worries, that's a red flag – a big warning sign!.

3.         When He Tells You He's Meeting His Ex for Drinks

As long as nothing about their relationship strikes you as sketchy, be cool with it - though you may want to suggest that they have lunch or coffee instead of drinks. And keep your radar up for warning signs: He hasn't introduced you to her, they broke up recently, he's let it slip that he still has feelings for her, or she's expressed anger or jealousy towards you. All indicate there could more going on beneath the surface.

4.         When His Best Friend's Party Is at a Strip Club

Some women don't have a problem with strip clubs, but if it bugs you, tread carefully - you want to be honest about your concerns, without making it seem like you're depriving him of guy-time. In a non-confrontational way, explain that you're not a fan of the idea.

Does he assure you that he loves you and you have nothing to worry about? Then trust him and relax. Does he get mad or defensive? Well…that's not so good. Another option is to discuss a compromise, like him not getting a lap dance.

5.         When He Won't Tell You Who He's Texting

There are three possibilities why a guy might do this:

1) If you're pretty pushy about getting in his business, he could be rebelling.

2) He might intentionally be trying to irritate you for whatever reason.

3) He just might be dumb enough to text another chick right in front of you. Either way, clear the air with him and find out what's really going on.

6.         When He Hangs Solo With Close Female Friends

If you've met them and you all go out together from time to time, then don't stress over it. But if he buys any of them gifts, if he meets up with them solo on a regular basis (like every Tuesday night), or if his voice softens when he's talking to them, something else might be up.

7.         If He Mentions That He Thinks Your Best Friend Is Hot

This is no big deal as long as it makes sense in the course of the discussion - for example, if you're exchanging comments about how people look. But if his comment comes out of the blue, or he brings it up several times, then he might be attracted to her…which is totally normal, as long as he doesn't act on it, of course.

If it bothers you, crack a joke about how you totally have a thing for his best friend too. That should shut him up.