Hello Hives,
Honestly, this can be very confusing.
Sometimes you don't even know whether the person is actually jealous or you are just reading too much meaning into their actions. You might even tell yourself, “Maybe I'm just overthinking this.” And because it is someone you call a friend, you don't want to believe that they could actually be jealous of you.
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But sometimes, the signs start adding up.
I have seen situations where two friends can start together with almost nothing. They encourage each other, talk about their plans and even dream about making it big someday. But when one of them starts making progress, the friendship suddenly becomes different.
Instead of genuine happiness, you start seeing competition.
You buy something you have worked hard to afford, and your friend immediately tells you about someone who bought a better one.
You get a new job and instead of hearing, “Congratulations, I'm happy for you,” the first thing you hear is, “Hope the salary is even worth it.”
You share some good news, and somehow the person finds a way to make it look ordinary.
At first, you laugh about these things. But when it happens repeatedly, you start to wonder what is really going on.
Another thing I have noticed is how some people behave when you are doing well compared to when you are struggling. When things are hard for you, they are always around. But once you start progressing, they become distant.
Then you hear that they have been talking about you behind your back.
That's when it can really hurt.
Still, I don't think we should immediately call someone jealous because they did not celebrate our success the way we expected. People have their own problems too, and sometimes we can misunderstand their actions.
For me, it is the pattern that matters.
If someone constantly competes with you, puts down your achievements, makes negative comments about your progress and seems uncomfortable whenever something good happens to you, then maybe it is time to take a step back.
And no, I don't think you have to fight such a person.
Sometimes, just reduce what you tell them. Keep certain things private. Give yourself some space and protect your peace.
Because friendship should not be a competition.
Your friend's success should not make you feel like you have failed. There should be room for both of you to grow.
Thanks for Reading
Posted Using INLEO
