The real reason you should never flirt with others to make your partner jealous: study

They are flirting – with misfortune.

While some see jealousy and possessiveness as traits of a passionate romance, experts warn that flirting with others to stoke the flames within your relationship could cost you the love of your life.

Researchers at Reichman University in Tel Aviv conducted studies published in The Journal of Sex Research to understand how people react when others show interest in their partners.

“Our findings highlight circumstances in which external attention directed at partners can erode relationship well-being rather than foster relationship promotion,” the Reichman University team noted.

Although some people like to see their partner upset for a little friendly competition, this dangerous game can start the union down.

“The desire to deter potential rivals may still exist, it may be more rooted in revenge than in genuine efforts to maintain the relationship,” the scientists concluded.

Over 500 participants in serious relationships were exposed to situations where their partner either received flirtatious advances or had a neutral interaction with another person.

“In three experiments, we showed that individuals perceived their partners as less sexually desirable when their partners received unsolicited attention from someone else,” the study says.

Participants rated their sexual desire toward their partner, interest in maintaining the relationship, and thoughts about coping with the competition that struck their partner.

People in committed relationships may perceive flirtatious acts as threatening to their relationship and trigger defensive reactions to prevent the potential spark.

“When partners’ likelihood of being attracted to someone else is perceived to be high, such as when they receive attention from others, people may detach emotionally from their partner and consequently reduce their investment in the relationship,” the researchers added.

In some scenarios, the newly received attention can spark a sense of curiosity in the wanderer, which can lead to the relationship falling apart, especially if someone single is looking their way, which is often seen as desirable.

“Contrary to common beliefs, trying to arouse interest from a current partner by seeking attention from others can backfire,” write the study’s authors.

Despite the warning, many people have admitted to engaging in unprotected behavior to make their partner jealous.

As previously reported by The Post, Allie, who goes by @disappointedchef on TikTok, revealed in an online clip how she deleted every person on her Instagram story except her ex and posted hidden staged photos in her wardrobe with the lights off to pretend she was in a club.

“I engaged in this absolutely independent behavior,” she said in the clip. “I wanted him to think I was hooking up with someone.”