Is There A Positive Side To Jealousy?

Jealousy is part of our human qualities. There are millions of references to jealousy. Moreover, it has always been regarded as one of the most destructive forces in existence. But is jealousy only a negative or is there a positive side to jealousy?

In biblical mythology, it is jealousy that breaks the fraternal bond between Cain and Abel, the first brotherly couple in religious history. Greek mythology tells how an attack of jealousy sparks the Trojan War.

In every culture there is a myth or legend that refers to jealousy in its many facets. Sometimes it manifests itself as envy. At other times it occurs in the form of excessive suspicion or fear. In general, we think of it as a negative emotion that we should avoid.

It’s hard to imagine a human being who hasn’t been jealous at least once. For it is almost impossible to go through life without experiencing the sting of envy or the storm of amorous suspicion. Sometimes this happens in a very intense way. At other times it’s not so bad.

These emotions cause you the fear of losing your loved one. They can lead to a narcissistically painful injury. It is not a pleasant experience at all.

Couples feel jealousy towards each other. Siblings, friends and colleagues are jealous of each other. While this emotional response has a bad reputation, it’s worth asking a question.

Is there a positive side to jealousy? Where is the positive aspect that every negative emotion should have? The truth is that sometimes envy acts as a sign of the individual’s mental health.

We will now describe some situations. They can explain to you what we are talking about.

The Positive Side of Jealousy: When It Serves as a Warning

Suppose someone has decided to take your girlfriend or your boyfriend. In theory, you shouldn’t feel insecure in those cases. Because that would just mean that you don’t trust yourself or your relationship.

But in practice it is difficult not to feel a little fear in these circumstances. In this case  , jealousy serves as a warning sign. So here we see the positive side of jealousy.

Some people even go as far as to take advantage of any weakness or hardship your relationship may be going through. Sometimes they are driven by a genuine attraction to the person who is already in a relationship.

At other times, they just want to show or prove to others that they can take something that someone else loves. They want to show that they are capable of getting their hands on something that currently belongs to you.

That you become jealous in these cases is perfectly understandable and healthy. It sets off your alarm system so you can protect your property and your affections.

You should also keep in mind that it is not strange that you have something that others may want. That doesn’t mean those other people are the bad guys. Nor does it make you the victim of some tactical move. You may just have a position at work or some sort of privilege that causes envy.

The negative side is if someone tries to take something that belongs to you. If you have objective evidence that this is happening, then it goes without saying that jealousy will occur.

In this case, it reflects an attitude of caution with the things you consider your own and that are under threat. It is positive because it calls you to defend what is yours.

When you don’t feel well and someone brags about his prosperity

This kind of situation reflects immaturity. But that doesn’t make it any less annoying. It happens when you are going through a rough patch and someone decides to brag about their success in front of you. In these circumstances, it is normal to find it difficult to feel happy about this.

Because there is a difference between sharing the news of a success and bragging about it. It is this difference that can make you feel uncomfortable.

Here, jealousy is a natural response to an attitude that you find offensive.  So you can see your feeling as a positive side of jealousy. No one is forcing you to stop being happy just because you are unhappy.

But it’s also not considerate of someone pointing out something just to make you feel uncomfortable. In any case, it is a feeling that you should not pay much attention to.

Don’t encourage it, because it’s not worth it. Also, don’t feel bad for experiencing it. Because it’s just human.

When you are intentionally ignored

This can happen in a relationship or with your family. It can actually happen anywhere. We’re talking about when you find that your feelings are being ignored or not getting the value they deserve.

An example is when that significant other in your life notices how attractive another person looks. Another example is when you participate in a team project and your effort is not recognized, but only that of your colleagues.

In this case, jealousy is an inconvenience that comes from feeling undervalued. There is then a conflict because you need to be given the recognition you think you deserve. You want your value to be recognized.

Do not ignore this uncomfortable feeling. But don’t make it bigger either. The positive side of jealousy here is that it makes it clear to you that you are uncomfortable with this appointment.

In any case, it is important that you do not allow your jealousy to grow incessantly. Also, don’t allow it to control and determine your behavior. Because this can cause a lot of damage.

In many circumstances, jealousy can be a positive emotion. But also remember that it can become your worst enemy if you don’t know how to control it.