Jealousy and envy. What’s the difference?

Envy is a two-person situation and Jealousy is a three-person situation.

Envy is a reaction to the lack of something and jealousy is a reaction to losing something you already have.

Example: long legs envious because you can’t change that.

When one friend becomes jealous of your other friends, it can take a serious toll on your friendship.

Jealousy has two seats. Gratitude or comparison. One seat is the comparison seat and we all know what that can do… it can stop you from running your own race and it slowly begins to consume your thoughts and actions.

The other seat is gratitude by having a thankful voice you can block toxic emotions, envy, and resentment. Jealously has the ability to destroy happiness it's a yucky feeling.

How do we help our friends and ourselves navigate the emotions and pull out of them stronger?

If a friend is jealous here are a few things you can do.

Included them In activities with your other friends
Boost their confidence - this is a sign of insecurities and helping your friend realize how much you enjoy them is key.
Let them know there is no need to feel threatened. You are not planning on replacing them.
Be yourself. If you haven’t spent much time with your one friend and the rest of your friends together, you might feel a little uncomfortable at first. Stay true to yourself
Talk it out

Everyone is going to be one onside or another at some point.

If you are struggling with being jealous here are some strategies. Ways to change negative thoughts, friendships, and worries and remind you that you have the power to change any situation.

First write down some positive self-thoughts on a piece of paper. Write it - get it out of your head what's bugging you?
Name it - Who and what is the source? What do you think will happen in the future about this issue?
Practice compassion- Write down 3 things you like to do with the person or the issue.
Ground it - grounding can help you leave the thoughts behind and focus on your strengths.
Focus on control - What can you control? What can’t you control?
Give it away - Now rip up the paper and throw it away.

Jealousy and envy are hard things to overcome just remember when you are the one that has a jealous friend and how they feel because you will feel that way too at some point. It happens all your life so work on how to get rid of it and it will get easier over time. Talking it out is the best way to let it go.