In relationships, jealousy can lead to significant sacrifices, like giving up a night out with friends or constantly reassuring one’s commitment. Feeling a bit insecure and jealous is common for many people. However, a 52-year-old woman from England, Debbi Wood, gained the unfortunate reputation of being the “world’s most jealous woman.” Wondering why? Well, Debbi always felt insecure and, for safety, she would check her husband Steve’s emails, bank accounts, and his phone.
She started demanding he undergo a lie detector test every time he returned home, as reported by Daily Mail. The couple’s love story began in 2011 on Facebook, where a mutual friend connected them.
She first made headlines after a 2015 interview with This Morning where she confessed to her issues and behaviour.
“I knew we were meant to be a couple when we shared our first kiss under London Bridge,” Debbi shared with Daily Mail. “I didn’t mean to fall in love again after my last relationship but Steve stole my heart.”
However, distance soon became a hurdle for the couple, prompting them to plan a move-in together. Nevertheless, Debbi’s doubts began to surface when she discovered that Steve had been seeing another woman around the time they first connected. Despite Steve’s explanation that he didn’t consider them exclusive due to the distance, Debbi found herself questioning his ability to remain faithful.
As their relationship deepened and they eventually moved in together, Debbi’s insecurity and jealousy intensified. To ensure Steve’s fidelity, she took extreme measures, such as installing child-proof filters on his laptop. Debbi’s behaviour escalated when she decided to purchase a lie detector test online to administer to Steve every time he left the house, convinced it was the only way to confirm his loyalty.
Soon Debbi was diagnosed with Othello Syndrome, which according to the National Library of Medicine, is a delusional disorder characterised by a strong conviction that one’s partner is being unfaithful. Named after Shakespeare’s play Othello, where the protagonist kills his wife due to suspicions of infidelity, the condition manifests in jealous, possessive, controlling, and sometimes violent behaviour towards one’s romantic partner.
Debbi, who also grapples with bipolar and body dysmorphic disorders, began anti-anxiety medication following her diagnosis in September 2013.
Despite the challenges, Debbi remains grateful for Steve’s unwavering support. “I put Steve through a lot but he’s stood by me through it all so I know he’s the man for me,” Debbi expressed. She also believes that many others may be silently suffering from similar disorders due to societal expectations placed on women.
Despite their issues, Debbi’s husband Steve says that he loves her and they are working on the problems together. “I’m willing to put up with it, because I know we’re soulmates. She’s so special to me and a bit of jealousy here and there won’t change that,” he explained to Your Tango.
Comments
0 comment