Difference Between Jealousy and Envy

In this life, we live in a society and when we live in a society, we live with people as a result, differences appear. These differences manifest in different forms as well.

For example, two people may end up with similar results but the first person had a slightly better result so in such a situation? Will the second person have jealousy or envy?

First of all, jealousy and envy are used interchangeably and the fact that they mean different things might be a surprise to many but it is true that they have some overlap.

Jealousy is perceived as something that people do when they want to steal what others have or are afraid of others stealing what they have.

I mean, a common example all of us are used to in movies is relationships. The wife is jealous that the husband might be lost by another attractive woman he is conversing with.

Envy is similar but it means wanting or chasing after what others have. It’s essentially: comparison is the thief of joy in a word.

Keeping up with your neighbors or co-workers are common examples but there are healthier forms of this since by being envious of your successful friend, it makes you competitive and eventually gain better results.

That being said, it is interesting how envy is considered a sin while jealousy isn’t although that’s a topic for another time.

Though it is a good question to ask: is envy really the better option compared to jealousy or is it a matter of lesser evils in certain situations?

While this doubt is valid, it is true that jealousy is usually perceived with a negative connotation and extreme levels of it may lead to violent acts although the same cannot be said to envy but there’s also something called malicious envy which is eerily similar to jealousy.

While we have talked things in a binary language, it’s important to understand that it is only for convenience sake. You can be jealous and envious at the same time with the same person.

For example, you may be jealous of his connections that allowed him to ascend so fast in the corporate ladder but at the same time envy his grit and leadership skills. Sometimes envy is also just a mix of admiration as well.

What can you do about it?

It’s indeed a good question to ask if there is a practical answer about it.

In the ideal world, both envy and jealousy are bad however from a perspective of goodness and happiness.

If you are always envious of others then can you be happy? Not really. Happiness isn’t about the chase, it’s about the present moment and being at peace with what we have right now.

That being said, from a perspective of survival, envy makes sense. We aren’t programmed to be happy but rather to survive.

But jealousy is bad as well. Jealousy is nothing but a state of feeling hatred and suspicion towards others. You hurt not only yourself by letting it out but others as well.

The only silver lining is the framing of envy if it’s genuine admiration. Other than that, I cannot think of any good benefit out of them.