This post is inspired by a few recent discussions about envy and jealousy. It took me years of self-study and research to understand the difference between envy and jealousy. Let alone to admit that I experience those feelings.

First, I thought envy and jealousy are synonyms.

Second, admitting to self or others of experiencing those feelings was shameful because many people judge those feelings one-sided, they only see reasons behind unhealthy jealousy that might indicate feelings of insecurity, inferiority or inadequacy.

However, there is also healthy jealousy, which exists in the animal world as well, and the purpose of it is a fight for resources. Jealousy is a survival mechanism. One who is jealous guards emotional or financial resources and in this case jealousy comes from sincere care.

Those who interact with animals such as dogs, horses, cats and birds know that their animals do experience jealousy, is it because they feel inferior or inadequate?

In 2014 Christine Harris and Caroline Prouvost at the University of California, San Diego did a study of jealousy in dogs and she found that “when dogs saw their owners interacting with a fake but realistic dog, the dogs displayed more aggression in the form of biting and snapping, plus more attention-seeking and disruption of interaction.”

https://lnkd.in/g8KpeN6n

And the difference between jealousy and envy can be put this way:

Jealousy always involves three people (or animals). The one who is jealous, one whom he is jealous of and one to whom he is jealous.

In envy there are two people and an object, quality or resource. There is one who envies, one whom he envies, and one what he envies.

Distinguishing the two emotions is crucial because different strategies are needed to use these emotions for personal growth.