At some point, we have probably all been envious and jealous of someone, to a lesser or greater extent. Unfortunately, there are those in whom envy and jealousy are constantly present. Envy is the desire for something that someone else has, unlike jealousy, which is a much more intense and toxic emotion that arises when a person fears that a third party will damage their relationship with another person. Thus, two people "play" with envy, while with jealousy, a third person is also involved.
Indeed, envy and jealousy are two different emotions. Nevertheless, it is highly desirable to rid ourselves of them, as only then will our lives be much easier and more beautiful.
Envy occurs when a person lacks something they desire and someone else possesses it. This "something" does not only refer to material possessions but can also include abilities, skills, success in business and personal life, and the social standing that the envious person values and desires. The envious person often believes that the success of the person they envy is unjustified and that they themselves deserve it.
On the other hand, jealousy is a much more intense emotion, manifested through the fear of the jealous person that the bond or love between two people may fail or be "in danger" because of a third party.
The emotion of jealousy can be the basis for many aggressive and destructive behavioral patterns. Such behavior can harm both the jealous person and those around them. Therefore, it is desirable to first recognize and then overcome these emotions in order to prevent possible harm.
In summary, experiencing unpleasant emotions like jealousy and envy and possessing the skills and ability to control our behavior so as not to hurt others are characteristics of a healthy personality structure.
If you find yourself envious of something, first become aware of it and use it to pave the way to rethink your desires and find new ways to achieve what you truly want. You may envy someone for something, but upon deeper reflection, you may realize that this is not the case at all. Alternatively, it would be ideal to use that feeling as an incentive and motivation for your own progress.
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