JEALOUS MUCH?

You're having the most rom-com-worthy summer ever: splitting fries on the boardwalk, swapping playlists on sunset drives and smiling every time their name pops up on your phone.

- BY KATHLEEN O'NEILL

Then out of nowhere, your S.O. mentions a new girl from their beach volleyball league...and your good vibes take an immediate nosedive. Welcome to one of the least fun parts of dating: jealousy. Even when you know it might not be logical, this little green monster can creep up quickly—whether it’s your BF bringing up an ex, your GF heading off to summer camp or their (probably) innocent comment on another girl's post.

“Jealousy comes from the fear of losing someone's attention and affection, and it’s a very normal emotional response when relationships are new. It’s a sign that you care deeply about the person and your connection,” explains family therapist Melissa Legere.

But jealousy doesn’t automatically mean something is wrong in your relationship. The key is learning when your feelings are trying to tell you something important...and when you just might be, well, overthinking.

MONSTER MOMENT: You just became mutuals with your cutie...and now you're noticing they're hearting other girls' pics.

SHOULD YOU WORRY? Probably not.

We've said it before, and we'll say it again: Social media interactions aren't a reliable indicator of real-life feelings. Exhibit A? How often you toss a like on a random post from your neighbor, coworker or tennis teammate without thinking twice.

“It’s better to focus on your interactions in real life and the overall pattern of behavior rather than fixating on small online gestures,” advises Legere.

Is bae putting effort into planning regular dates? Sneaking their arm around you at the movie theater? FaceTiming you while they're on family vacay? Those moments say a lot more than a double tap.