Blame it on Shakespeare. It was he who gave birth to the green-eyed monster.

The phrase first cropped up in Othello, with the villainous Iago saying, 'Beware, my lord, of jealousy; it is the green-eyed monster which doth mock the meat it feeds on.'

Centuries later, it still makes sense. We continue -- all of us -- to experience some degree of jealousy, especially when it comes to romantic relationships. What begins with a faint sense of insecurity quickly evolves, until we have jealousy creeping up at every turn.

Interestingly, the pre-requisite for jealousy is always a certain depth of feeling. It can only happen if you care deeply about someone. It also signifies that, beyond an extent, you may be unwilling to share that person with anyone.

Text: Yati Doshi
Illustrations: Uttam Ghosh