Strategies to Deal with Feelings of Envy & Jealousy
Envy vs. Jealousy: Know the Difference & Own Your Feelings
Hey, friend—let’s talk about it.
Oprah and Gayle said you cannot be friends with someone who feels any kind of jealousy or envy toward you. Now, baby, because words mean things, let’s make sure we’re on the same page.
Envy and jealousy? Not the same thing. We throw them around like they’re interchangeable, but they’re not.
Breaking It Down: Envy vs. Jealousy
Envy is that painful feeling of wanting what someone else has—whether it’s money, success, relationships, or even something as simple as hair that cascades down to their kneecaps. You see it, you want it, and a little ugh stirs up inside you.
Jealousy is about fear of losing something to someone else. It’s when you feel threatened—like your position, relationship, or status might be at risk. And that one? It comes with anxiety, anger, and that tight feeling in your chest.
Not the same.
How Do We Deal With Envy & Jealousy?
I asked the people, and here’s what came up:
What’s meant for you won’t miss you. Period.
Take inventory. Vent, reflect, and recognize what you already have.
Call it in or call it out. Give language to your feelings—use “I” statements. I feel… (and if you need help, grab a feelings chart).
Practice gratitude. One of y’all hit me with: Everything I have, I need. Everything I need, I have. And that one landed.
Use envy and jealousy as a call to action. Maybe it’s time for a conversation. Maybe it’s time to level up. You want Beyoncé’s success? Check if you have Beyoncé’s work ethic.
My Take? Name It & Face It.
Be honest with yourself—you feel it, so own it.
Identify where you feel it in your body.
Let that part of you tell the story.
Ask yourself: Where did this start? (Because I love a good origin story.)
Then make a decision—what’s next?
Now, it’s your turn. How do you handle envy and jealousy? Drop it in the comments—someone out there needs it.
And remember, discourse, not disrespect—keep it cute. And don’t envy these glasses too much… go get your own.
