by eStu » Thu Feb 11, 2016 5:34 am
Are Filipinas jealous? Is the Pope a Catholic?
Just kidding. It's a stereotype and no doubt subject to variations and exceptions, but in my limited experience - like the original poster - I seem to have detected that Filipinas are more likely to accept or embrace jealousy in how they define themselves than women from some other cultural groups. But, hey, it's a human trait and you'll find it - and jokes about it - in every country.
I remember that in my 20s I was in a long-term relationship with a girl (Australian) who got quite upset that I was not jealous enough. I was a bit confused because my experiences up to that time led me to believe that a high level of trust was a good thing. I've come to understand that some level of protectiveness or possessiveness can be healthy in a relationship. I still think that trust is vital, but even if you've built a ship that can withstand the roughest seas, you're better off plotting a tranquil path when you can. I now feel that a girl could (hypothetically, because I'm single) quite validly feel 'jealous' without necessarily doubting whether I would ultimately stray and be intimate with someone else, so I guess I'd be more amenable to changing my plans to alleviate a partner's distress due to jealousy than I was years ago.
I think it's true that one can get a slight ego boost from seeing that your partner/love interest cares enough to get fired up, but I'd add that baiting someone intentionally to get such a rise is really uncool and lacks compassion. I think it's good to be open with all parties if you're still in the 'getting to know you' stage and not yet committed, but it's a situation that calls for tact rather than boastfulness.
I wonder... is there any sub-group within the Philippines who are renowned as particularly jealous lovers?