Friendships are meant to be sources of support, joy, and camaraderie. However, some may harbour toxic elements that can disturb our mental and emotional health. Jealousy and competition are two toxic traits in friendships that can erode trust over the years. In this article, we want to unravel their toxic effects and offer strategies to cultivate a healthier and more fulfilling friendships that support us on our journey through life.
Jealousy and Competition: The Toxic Duo
Jealousy and competition often go hand in hand, creating a toxic cocktail of resentment, insecurity, and mistrust. In friendships, jealousy may come up when a friend perceives the other as a threat to their self-esteem or sense of worth. This feeling can manifest in multiple ways, from passive-aggressive comments to outright sabotage the other person’s happiness. Similarly, competition in friendships may arise when one friends feels the need to compare themselves to the other, wanting to outperform them in possessions or social status.
Consider the following scenarios that illustrate jealousy and competition in friendships:
- Sarah feels envious that her friend Emily’s success in her career and finds herself unable to genuinely celebrate Emily’s achievements. Instead, Sarah makes subtle remarks that undermine Emily’s accomplishments.
- Amanda and Lily have been friends for years, but recently, Lily has been acting distant whenever Amanda shares good news of her daughter. Amanda senses an slight hint of jealousy in Lily’s behaviour but doesn’t know how to address it without causing further drama on their friendship.
- Alex constantly compares himself to his friend Michael. He often feels inadequate whenever Michael posts good things in his social media. To compensate for his insecurities, Alex turn to bragging about his own life or belittling Michael’s efforts.
The Impact of Jealousy and Competition
The toxic effects of jealousy and competition in friendships can negatively impact the overall dynamic of the relationship. For the friend experiencing jealousy, it may lead to feelings of inadequacy, resentment, and bitterness. Especially, as they struggle to come to terms with their own insecurities. Meanwhile, the friend on the receiving end of jealousy may feel hurt, betrayed, and unsure of how to navigate the strained dynamic. Over time, if left unchecked, jealousy and competition can erode the foundation of trust and mutual respect that friendships rely on.
I too have experienced the sting of jealousy in a friendship. When a close friend of mine got promoted, I tried my best to be happy for her. But deep down, I couldn’t shake the feelings of envy that gnawed at me. I felt guilty for weeks, balancing the internal conflict between wanting to support my friend and struggling with my own insecurities.
It wasn’t until my friend shared the realities of her new role that I was able to confront and overcome my jealousy. She shared about the immense demands that came with her promotion. She often found herself working late into the night and sacrificing weekends to meet deadlines. As I listened, I gained a new perspective on her situation. I realised that while her promotion brought professional success, it also came with sacrifices and challenges. I couldn’t help but feel empathy and compassion for her. Jealousy turned to be respect and support in the end. I admire her to be able to go through all of that demands.
Looking back on that moment, I no longer feel the pangs of jealousy. Instead, I feel grateful for the opportunity to support my friend during a challenging time. Our friendship grew stronger because of this. I told her about my feelings months later, she laughed and explained that she too felt jealousy of me!
Strategies for Healthy Friendships
While overcoming jealousy and competition in friendships can be challenging, it’s not impossible. Here are some strategies to consider and move from a toxic to healthy friendship. We divide these strategies into two categories, first if you are the one who feels jealousy or competition towards your friend:
- Open Communication: The foundation of any healthy relationship is open and honest communication. If you’re experiencing jealousy or competition in your friendship, it’s better to address it with your friend. Choose a time and place where you can have a calm, honest conversation, and express your feelings without blaming the other person. Share how their behaviour makes you feel and express your desire to maintain a supportive relationship. Embracing your own vulnerability can deepen connections and overcome jealousy or competition in friendships.
- Practice Self-Compassion: Recognise that feelings of jealousy or competition often come from insecurities or self-doubt within yourself. Instead of ignoring these emotions, practice self-compassion and kindness. Remind yourself that it’s natural to feel envious or competitive at times. But these feelings don’t define your worth as a friend or a person. Treat yourself with the same kindness and understanding that you would offer to a friend in similar situation. Be gentle with yourself as you navigate these emotions.
- Focus on Personal Growth: Use feelings of jealousy or competition as opportunities for personal growth. Instead of comparing to others, shift your focus inward and identify areas where you would like to develop. Set goals for yourself that are aligned with your values and aspirations, and take steps to work towards them. By focusing on your own journey, you can overcome feelings of jealousy or competition.
Consider exploring self-reflection journals, a tool for fostering mindfulness. Click here for our recommendations!
As for you who become the object of these toxic traits, here are several strategies to consider:
- Set Boundaries: Establish clear boundaries around topics or activities that trigger jealousy in your friendship. For example, if your friend compares themselves to you or feels threatened by your successes, make it clear that you won’t tolerate this behaviour. Be firm but also compassionate in setting these boundaries. It is important to protect your emotional well-being.
- Focus on Mutual Growth: Encourage a mindset of collaboration rather than competition in your friendship. Instead of viewing each other as rivals, focus on supporting each other’s goals and celebrating each other’s successes. Remind your friend that their achievements don’t diminish your own, and vice versa. Tell them how happy it makes you feel to see them with their accomplishments.
- Surround Yourself with Positive Influences: Maintain friendships with people who uplift and inspire you, rather than those who bring out feelings of jealousy or competition. If all else fails, seek out friends who celebrate your successes, offer encouragement and support, and genuinely want to see you happy.
Jealousy and competition have no place in healthy friendships. By recognising the signs and learning how to address them with empathy and honesty, we can have more fulfilling friendships. Remember, true friendship is built on trust, respect, and mutual growth, and it’s worth fighting for!
Author: Mia
A writer and researcher who also a tech-addict and internet-junkie. Loves quirky stuff.The Haptic Room is supported by our readers. Our site may contain links to affiliate websites, and if you make a purchase through these links, we receive a commission to support our site.