I'm a regular RSS Feed reader of Steve's blogs, but this latest one on jealousy has me confused. I also haven't been hanging out here in the forum (haven't had the time) but I need to make a comment about the jealousy post.
What Steve has described as jealousy is what I have always thought was envy. Neither of these are positive emotions, but I've always had them as separate emotions in my mind, emotions that arise as the result of two different sets of circumstances.
I've always thought of jealousy as an emotion that occurs when someone one is close to -- a lover -- a spouse -- a friend -- appears to be seeking attention from someone other than yourself. In the case of a lover, for example, your lover may begin to flirt with someone else -- or may be wanting to spend more time with that "other" person than with you. Therefore, the fear of losing your close relationship with someone manifests as the emotion of jealousy. You become suspicious -- you suspect that your partner may become unfaithful to you.
I will agree that both envy and jealousy are closely related. They both are the result of feelings of lack -- poor self-esteem, etc.
Does anyone else feel that they are different emotions that can manifest for different reasons?
Shanti,
Ron Rink |