The Green-Eyed Monster

Jealousy can take over your life and tear you apart. We all feel a pang now and again, but jealousy needs to be controlled before it controls you.

The root of the problem

First, work out who or what you’re jealous of. Then ask yourself if the jealousy is rational or irrational. A rational example of jealousy is when your bessie gets a better exam grade than you. Irrational jealousy is much more powerful. Maybe you go green when your boyf talks to another girl or you envy everything your sister ever does. Irrational jealousy is harder to control.

Why are you jealous?

You need to work out why you’re feeling the green-eyed emotion. If you feel a pang of rational jealousy occasionally, don’t feel too bad - everyone gets a twinge sometimes.
We’re rarely satisfied with what we’ve got and sometimes feeling a bit jealous inspires us to work harder towards the things we want. However, if reality is out the window and you’re insanely jealous about everything and everyone, the problem is more complex.

Insecurity = jealousy

Jealousy makes you think that other people are in the wrong, when most of the time the problem is in your head. Do you really think every girl in the world fancies your boyf? Do you honestly believe that your sis has it better than you at home? Perhaps you need to face up to the facts: the jealousy is being caused by your own insecurities. You’re lacking confidence in yourself, your abilities and the people around you. That’s why you’re jealous.

 Beat the green-eyed monster