You could have heard people describe someone as “green with envy.” This phrase dates back to the traditional Greeks, who believed that jealousy could trigger bile production and cause the skin to show barely green, an indication of illness. Jealousy is usually known as “a green-eyed monster.” It was Shakespeare's character Iago who first murmured this phrase Othello.
Although many individuals use the words “jealousy” and “envy” interchangeably, there's a difference between them. What is that this difference and how are you going to tell if it affects you or someone you already know? Learn the differences and steps to take whenever you end up in a situation involving jealousy or envy.
Envy means wanting what another person has. Maybe you see a neighbor with a brand new automobile or a colleague getting a brand new job and want the identical thing. You may feel resentment toward the person because she or he has achieved something you would like but has not yet achieved.
Jealousy is more about holding on to something you have already got. You might feel jealousy in a relationship for those who perceive a threat or fear that the connection is changing negatively.
Although these emotions are easy to define and sometimes easy to acknowledge, they will be difficult to regulate.
Jealousy is often seen within the context of relationships, particularly with partners. Envy is more related to wanting what another person has or has achieved.
Signs of jealousy
Trust is a vital aspect of each relationship. If you're jealous, a scarcity of trust can result in negative thoughts. Signs that you simply is perhaps jealous include:
- You don't trust your partner whenever you're not together.
- People worry after they mention other people.
- They continually check their social media to see what they're doing.
- You think they're cheating on you.
- You try to regulate your partner's behavior.
If you're the goal of jealousy, you might feel like someone (normally a partner or friend) is trying to regulate your life. For example, they could check on you, attempt to let you know what to do (or not do) and the right way to behave, or limit your contact with friends and colleagues.
Signs of envy
Healthy competition between people will be good, but for those who are unhappy when others succeed or feel the necessity to continually improve their performance, you might feel envy. Signs of envy include:
- They will not be joyful for others after they succeed.
- Another person's success makes you sad.
- You feel the necessity to diminish the success of others.
- They judge others negatively.
- You are joyful when others suffer setbacks.
The rise of social media has been documented to trigger envy and lower mental well-being in some people. When friends post pictures of their best moments in life, it will probably trigger feelings of inadequacy or regret in others. That will be strong emotions.
Almost everyone feels jealous or envious on occasion. However, when these emotions begin to turn out to be overwhelming, it will probably result in concerns about inadequacy or in poor health will toward others. It also can cause symptoms of stress. In some cases, depression may occur.
Extreme jealousy is usually a cause for concern
Extreme jealousy is taken into account one in all the warning signs of domestic violence and abuse. If you're experiencing intimidation in a relationship or are concerned that your partner will turn out to be offended or violent, discover a secure place and get help.
Use these emotions in a positive way
As hard as it might be to imagine, jealousy and envy also can have positive effects. If you recognize feelings of jealousy or envy, it might be an indication that you might want to change.
For example, for those who need a latest automobile, you might find that you've to vary your spending or saving habits to get it. If you're jealous of a co-worker because they've a greater relationship with their boss and also you're concerned that this might affect your job, you would possibly attempt to develop your relationship along with your boss.
Practice gratitude
When you are feeling these strong emotions, it will probably be helpful to stop for a moment and think in regards to the positive things in your life. Gratitude can temper these emotions and make it easier to overcome any negative feelings by recognizing the positive things in your life.
It's not unusual to have these feelings. Almost everyone has a twinge of jealousy or envy on occasion. Recognizing the signs of jealousy and envy can make it easier to control your emotions so that they don't escalate or negatively impact your life.
If you are feeling that jealousy or envy is affecting your mood or you're nervous about the implications of those feelings, seek advice from your doctor.