How to Avoid Jealousy and Feel Good About Who You Are

Jealousy has been around since the beginning of time. Jealousy has even been seen in the bible. Where two or more people are, feelings of jealousy are likely to spring up once in a while. Wars have been started over jealousy and even animals feel this emotion. Jealousy is a natural human emotion which has affected everyone at one point or another in their lives. Envious feelings are brought on by insecurities at the deepest levels. The first sign of jealousy is clearly seen among young siblings. The birth of a new baby can often prompt an older brother or sister to act out, especially if he or she is a toddler. A young child can feel very threatened by a new baby because the child may feel as though they are not as important anymore. Parents need to take extra steps to avoid jealousy by making older children feel special. Getting the child involved in caring for the infant is one way to help curb feelings of jealousy.

Effects

The effects of jealousy can be severe because it literally can destroy lives. People can become hurt when others are jealous and act out based on their emotions. Extremely jealous people tend to put other people down and resort to destructive behavior. People do this because of their own insecurities. This can happen in any setting at varying levels. A jealous co-worker may try to make a fellow team mate look bad. When people are jealous they typically become very competitive and do everything in their power to make themselves out to be better than others. The green eyed monster can quickly dissolve relationships.

Jealousy causes emotional stress to the person who is jealous and it may cause stress to others who know about the jealousy. Harboring negative emotions about someone else can result in pent up bitterness, which may lead to health problems, and hinder happiness.

Some people are more affected by jealousy than others. People who are aggressive tend to be affected the most, while most passive people shrug off jealous feelings and try to focus on something else.

Warning

If your jealousy causes you to do mean hateful aggressive things or if this emotion causes you to think horrible thoughts you may want to consider getting professional help. There are many physiologists who deal with these emotions on a daily basis. They are trained to help people deal with their feelings and improve self esteem. If you find that you are constantly making yourself miserable, get help.

Prevention

Be yourself and be happy with who you are. Look at your good qualities. People who feel good about themselves are rarely jealous of others. Take care of yourself and do things to help people. Acknowledge and appreciate the good qualities and beauty of other people rather than comparing yourself to them. Never compare yourself. You have your own unique beauty. Use and develop your own talents. Pamper yourself and think positive thoughts. Build your own self esteem and surround yourself with people who bring out the best in you. Avoid competition if you can and strive to be your best without wanting to step on people. If someone you know has achieved something major, congratulate them for it.

Expert Insight

According to Hara Estroff Marano, Expert from Psychology Today, People become jealous because they are threatened by another person either because of talent, beauty or something else. Sometimes a threat might be real or imagined. If a beautiful woman is deliberately going after another woman's husband, then the threat is obviously real. Yet, if this man has a gorgeous secretary working for him, then the threat may be imagined. The wife at home may begin to feel jealous if her husband is spending too much time at the office. The goal is to be happy with who you are to avoid feeling threatened. If you know you can trust your partner there should be no reason to be jealous.