Like ordinary jealousy, retroactive jealousy is fairly common. It doesn't always create problems, but, Cook explains, it can sometimes become obsessive and show up in unhealthy or destructive ways.

Is retroactive jealousy normal?

Like we said before, it's normal to feel jealous from time to time. You might struggle with feeling jealous of your partner's past relationships. However, that doesn't automatically mean you have retroactive jealousy issues. Retroactive jealousy is characterized by much more serious symptoms.

Is retroactive jealousy a mental illness?

Retroactive jealousy is a psychological condition where we have a highly-unhealthy interest in our partner's sexual and romantic life prior to their relationship with us. This fixation is so obsessive that it haunts you night and day.