By Alqasim Gbemisola
Ella and Maria were best friends during their childhood, and they both attended Primer Scholar School, Abuja. Maria was the top student in their class, and was usually the school representative in different competitions.
Things took another turn when Precious joined the class, and suddenly began to outsmart Maria in the academic battle. Maria started to feel insecure with the challenge.
The first incident took place when Maria came to share a class assessment sheet and saw Precious with the highest score and could not stand it. She nervously ran out of class. Out of envy, Maria started to develop ill-feelings for Precious. Evil thoughts ran through her mind. There and then, the evil thoughts subdued her conscience. She decided to plot against Precious. She wanted her expulsion from the school, so that she could continue to enjoy the glory of being placed ahead of all others.
Things got more bitter for Maria at the point when Precious beat the whole class in the academic race. Whereas, Maria came distant third, which, as a result, made her lose her championship. Ultimately, the malicious intentions of Maria grew aggressively, and she began to put them (the malicious intentions) into action.
“That is a typical illustration of an act of jealousy.”
Jealousy is a feeling of insecurity, fear, and resentment that arises when someone perceives a threat to a valued relationship or possession. It often involves feelings of envy, suspicion, and possessiveness. Jealousy can occur in personal relationships, such as romantic partnerships or friendships, and can be triggered by various factors like perceived competition or fear of losing someone’s affection or attention. It’s important to communicate and address jealousy in a healthy way to maintain trust and harmony in relationships.
“Jealousy is the jaundice of the soul.” – John Dryden
Jealousy can be a challenging emotion to deal with, as it often stems from insecurity, fear, or a lack of trust. A jealous person may struggle with feelings of inadequacy or a fear of losing the person or things they value. Here are some common issues that a jealous person may face:
Relationship Strain
Jealousy can put a strain on relationships, causing constant suspicion, arguments, and feelings of suffocation. The jealous person may find it hard to trust their partner, leading to a breakdown in communication and emotional intimacy.
Self-Esteem Issues
Jealousy often stems from a lack of self-confidence and a fear of not being enough. The jealous person may constantly compare themselves to others, leading to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem.
Social Isolation
Jealousy can also lead to social isolation, as the person may feel threatened or insecure in the presence of others. They may struggle to trust their friends or be overly possessive.
If you are dealing with jealousy, it’s important to acknowledge and address your feelings in a healthy and constructive way. Here are some steps you can take to work through jealousy:
Self-Reflection
Take time to reflect on the underlying causes of your jealousy. Are there any past experiences or insecurities that contribute to these feelings? Understanding the root of your jealousy can help you address it more effectively.
Open Communication
Talk to your partner, friends, or loved ones about your feelings of jealousy. Share your concerns and fears in a calm and non-accusatory manner. Open communication can help build trust and foster a deeper understanding between you and your loved ones.
Build Self-Esteem
Work on building your self-confidence and self-worth. Focus on your strengths and accomplishments, and remind yourself of your own value. Engage in activities that make you feel good about yourself and surround yourself with positive and supportive people.