Envy vs.  Jealousy 

What Is It & How to Overcome It

Envy and jealousy can be destructive and can prevent us from achieving happiness. However, we can overcome it by understanding what they are and what they push us to do. 

Envy and jealousy are two emotions that many of us experience.  They are different emotions, even though we often use them interchangeably.

Envy: a feeling of discontent or covetousness concerning another’s advantages, success, possessions, etc. Jealousy: resentment against a rival, a person enjoying success or advantage, etc., or against another’s success or advantage itself

What Is The Difference Between Envy & Jealousy?

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Envy occurs internally when you want something that someone else has. Jealousy involves another person and consists of a level of anger towards that person. 

Cause of Envy or Jealousy

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All human emotions are normal.  All healthy humans experience ranges of emotions at different times.

Are Envy and Jealousy Healthy and Normal?

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We only want more things if we are not happy with the things that we have.  So the first step to overcoming envy or jealousy is to become satisfied with what we have.

How To Overcome Envy Or Jealousy

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Usually, when someone is envious, they focus on that feeling of envy and allow it to guide them.  They become obsessed with the object of their envy and work to get that item no matter the cost.

What Happens When We’re Envious

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These are both things that we cannot control – we cannot control things we do not own or other people.  That upsets us and makes us angry.

Envy and Jealousy Confuse Our Sense of Control