i agree with beth that sexual jealously, especially male sexual jealousy, is the cause of a good deal of violence.

and i know that it is incredibly irrational to want someone all for ourselves. i just don't see how these feelings can be rationalized away. the more i consider the question, the more i feel like a hypocrite for praising reason while harboring sentiments that are anything but reasonable.

in my experience, there is a moment in an intimate relationship in which my mind has ceased to "romp..like the mind of God", and there is what seems to be an irresitable urge to curb the promiscuous tendencies of her mind as well. of course, i would never use violence, or the threat of violence to do so.

and i treasure this moment, and i wouldn't trade it for the world. and on this point, to hell with rationality.