by Laurie Pielak

Created on: January 17, 2010   Last Updated: January 18, 2010

Jealousy. This emotion can cause a person to mistrust, be manipulative and bring doubt to one's self worth. None of those things are healthy. I have heard many women of all ages say with excitement, how their boyfriend, husband or partner was jealous, and how they were so pleased. Did they think for a minute what that emotion does to the other person, or, what that may bring to the future if they continue to their relationship. Jealousy is just a stepping stone in some cases to domestic abuse. Is that healthy? Causing one to be Jealous, is a sign that one isn't comfortable in their relationship and they need re-assuring. Is that healthy? Jealousy of one's possessions can cause one to lose friends. And for what? Stuff! Is that healthy? Jealousy over one's stature, or position of power can cause problems in the work place, or in other places of power. Is that healthy? There is a difference between Healthy Competition and Jealousy, Jealousy being the most harmful. Jealousy among our young people over such things as looks, material things can cause a lowering of self worth. Is that healthy? Some people get jealousy confused with one person's feelings. Some people think that if a person is jealous in a relationship that this is a good thing. That means that they must care. To me this just means that they don't trust the other person, or the people they surround themselves with, or that they do not have enough confidence in themselves. Therefor they feel threatened by the other people, fearing other's may take away what they think is theirs. From this point unless the other person is aware, and reassures it can only escalate as I said earlier and may lead to domestic abuse. If you are a jealous person, you limit yourself, and become preoccupied with things that shouldn't concern you in a healthy relationship.

In the workplace, being jealous of someone else's success for example can lead to problems in regards to team work, productivity etc. If you are to busy looking at what someone else has, instead of being thankful for what you have, this is not a healthy place to be. It limits a person;s ability to move forward, better themselves so that they can be the best person they can be. Some people perhaps aren't suited, and spend their time being jealous, when change is required. They need to have a look at themselves and see that perhaps they need something new.

I think if one finds themselves in a situation, where they are having feelings of jealousy, they need to take a look and ask the question Why? Why am I feeling like this? What can I do for myself, without hurting other's to change this? We should teach out children at a young age, that jealousy is not a good thing, it's very very unhealthy, and give them the tools they need to be the best they can be, and tell them if that if they are doing that, then that is wonderful, fantastic, that your proud of their accomplishments. This can have a ripple effect, and bring positive results to yourself and others.  Being self confident, feeling comfortable in your own skin and having a healthy attitude can sometimes be hard to attain, but is well worth it.  There are so many resources out there for self help in this area and surrounding yourself with good friends who support you, along with family is a good place to start. 

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