6 Obvious Yet Subtle Signs of a Jealous Friend

Jealousy is a common phenomenon in social settings, whether it's comparing test scores with a lab partner or seeing a friend get engaged before you. It's a human trait, fueled by the competitive nature ingrained in our society. While you might have experienced jealousy towards others countless times, have you ever found yourself in the position where friends envy you? Recognizing the signs of jealousy in friendships is crucial.

Jealousy isn't confined to romantic relationships; it frequently rears its head in friendships too.

Fortunately, addressing jealousy among friends is possible once you identify its root cause, though that's often easier said than done.

If you suspect either yourself or a friend of harboring jealousy, it's imperative to address it. Such dynamics are detrimental to both parties involved. Firstly, the envious individual must confront their internal struggles and focus on personal growth.

Secondly, the unaffected party should seek relationships characterized by authenticity and sincerity. Prioritize self-improvement over entangling yourself in unnecessary drama; the world already has plenty to spare.

A true friend doesn't succumb to jealousy. When you observe signs of envy in those around you, it might be best to maintain some distance.

# They excel at delivering backhanded compliments

Ah, the timeless art of the backhanded compliment. It's never a straightforward you look beautiful or those jeans suit you perfectly. No, their statements always come with an added twist.

Rather than simply affirming your appearance, they'll throw in a subtle jab like, That color suits you well, but it gives off a cheap vibe, or Those jeans would be great if not for your, um, generous proportions. See the pattern?

# They shy away from discussing your achievements

You're riding a wave of success, and rightly so. Naturally, you want to share your accomplishments with your friends.

However, when you do, your friend fails to offer support or congratulations. Instead, they redirect the conversation towards your past failures. A glaring indicator of jealousy in a friend is their reluctance to uplift you; instead, they aim to drag you down.

# They exhibit insecurities

This is a key sign of jealousy within a friendship and lies at the root of jealousy itself. You're increasingly noticing that your friend is riddled with insecurities, which isn't surprising.

Behind every envious person lies a heap of unresolved insecurities. Rather than addressing their own issues, they bolster their self-esteem by diminishing those around them.

# They indulge in mean-spirited jokes

While jokes often carry a grain of truth, even in their humor, there's a line between amusement and insult. Some jokes aren't meant to elicit laughter at all; instead, they serve to belittle and degrade. These aren't the failed attempts of a comedian; these are deliberate attempts to undermine you.

# They flaunt their successes

They'll go to great lengths to ensure you can't relish in your achievements. However, when it's their turn to bask in success, they expect you to celebrate with gusto.

That's the unfortunate reality of having a jealous friend; the relationship is heavily lopsided. You're expected to give your all, but reciprocity is nonexistent.

# They perceive life as unjust towards them

It's natural to occasionally feel downtrodden and perceive life as unfair. We all experience moments of self-pity.

However, for your friend, every twist of fate seems unjust. Perhaps you received a promotion, and instead of sharing in your joy, they lament why they weren't similarly rewarded despite their perceived equal efforts.