Understand jealousy
If you pause and take the time to analyse why someone may be acting with jealousy, you can begin to understand what may be motivating their behaviours, which then makes it easier to empathise with their circumstance.
If you pause and take the time to analyse why someone may be acting with jealousy, you can begin to understand what may be motivating their behaviours, which then makes it easier to empathise with their circumstance.
Take a step back and pause when you are getting treated unfairly because of someone’s jealousy. Remind yourself that it is not you that has the problem, it is them. Their jealousy and underlying issues are causing them to act this way.
Most jealousy is rooted in feelings of inadequacy; they see something in you that makes them feel that they aren’t as good. Real or imagined, negative thoughts or actions emerge as a reaction or solution to those feelings of inadequacy.
It can hurt to have a friend who is jealous, because the actions and emotional expressions of a jealous person are not kind or loving, and you may take it personally. Their jealousy is caused by their own underlying issues and it is not your fault.
Negative thinking often begins with the unrealistic expectations that the path should be clear for whatever you’re trying to accomplish. When things go wrong, this doesn’t need to reaffirm the idea that you’re no good at anything. Instead of dreading failure, look forward to it as an opportunity to learn.
Take each challenge as a signal that you are working toward something worthwhile. Use setbacks as a chance to hone your skills rather than seeing them as a sign that you are no good. Decide to do this ahead of time – don’t waver no matter how you’re feeling.
Negative thinking allows us the “luxury” of not expecting too much from ourselves and others. If we always expect to be let down by others, we spare ourselves the pain of being let down. But, it keeps you from the joy that comes with personal growth.
Is a past hurt or painful memory fuelling your negative thinking? Choose to let go of that memory every time it comes to mind, and to forgive the person associated with it. Know that this takes time, and there will be days when you won’t feel like letting go. But when you do, you’ll begin to experience inner freedom.
You can free yourself from the mental trap of thinking negatively toward others by thinking “People are doing the best they can.” Choose to believe that they are not purposely trying to hurt you.
Instead of thinking you’re in the worst-case scenario, reassess the situation. This will help diffuse your negative thinking and you may find something closer to reality.