Envy is 'a human nature' which we reckon to be no more; when in fact the truth is that it legit exists much worse and stronger than ever before.
This emotion subsists inside us and all around us. While some people counterbalance for their emotions of envy whenever something delightful happens in their life, another few who cannot contain this emotion within themselves and are always unsatisfied with the unfairness of life; find joy in the destruction and infliction of pain upon others who get better than them in life.
Long back, jealousy could be expressed or articulated by seizing anything the envier wanted or even by resorting to killing. Take the biblical example of Cain and Abel where Cain killed Abel because he could not tolerate his brother. From the legendary story 'Padmaavat', you'll know how Sultan Alauddin Khilji tries to destroy a prosperous Kingdom with the sole aim of pursuing Queen Padmavati. The emotion jealousy could be unleashed and let free even if it was to the extremes!
Today, the scenario has completely metamorphosed. Childish emotions like 'envy' cannot be expressed just as freely and extravagantly, because it disrupts the social image of the envier. That would ultimately repel people from them. Hence, envious people have now evolved with completely new facades that makes them verily hard to identify.
Why is it important that we identify an envious person?
If you've ever been in a relationship with someone envious of you, then probably you know how toxic or malicious it could get - almost similar to housing a blood-sucking leech. Such relationships can sabotage you, devastate you, and make you feel guilty, worthless and confused!
This is exactly why I'm writing this blog today - so that anybody who hasn't been through such relationships doesn't happen to fall into them, and anyone who has already been there finally finds solace, knowing that you aren't alone.
So here goes the seven surefire ways that are going to help you identify an envious person:
They are among your peers - Watch out for your peers or co-workers as chances are your envier hides amongst them. Science says that jealousy peaks especially during adolescence and environments where competitions are in plenty.
They seem so nice - Ever met someone and wondered how are they so understanding and nice? Well, then it's time to keep your feelers straight up! Everybody's not so nice as they seem. Be on the watch for people who seem unusually polite and strangely keen about your life at the very first meeting. Absolutely! there could be genuinely nice people who just want to be good to you. But that should not conjure you up with a vision of no evil-minds in the world. Just don't be so naive and confide with anybody unless you are really sure they wouldn't harm you.
They erratically avoid you for no particular reason - An envious friend could stop talking to you, every now and then. This happens without grounds and leaves you confused and perplexed. When questioned, they provide justifications which don't make much sense. Occasionally, they could even direct the arrows back at you leaving you wondering whether you were, in reality, the true instigator behind the circumstance.
You lose some friends that used to be in good relation with you - So, if you've been wondering why a couple of friends you were close to, have suddenly become cold, distant and annoyed at you; chances are your envious friend has written their plot. As I wrote previously, an envious person can go to any extreme to denigrate you. Some of their underground line of business lies in spreading rumours about you.
Watch out for gossipmongers - The above point brings me to this - Envious people love gossiping and their stories always give the person they talk about, a negative image. If you've been witness to such gossips by a certain person, then chances are that you are not in safe hands. Probably, you could be news to another one of their telltale right now!
They loathe your successes - When you achieve something good in your life and share those moments of joy with an envious person, they frown. They try their best to conceal this first reaction of theirs, by giving you the broadest grin possible. And this would be followed by 'a feigned praise' that always has a tinge of secret loathe towards your triumph, concealed in it. When you receive such praise, it feels sweet and bitter at the same time.
They are constantly encouraging you to do something you don't want to do - Your envious friend will always find a way to sabotage your image. You can always find them encouraging you to do stuff you wouldn't do if it weren't for them. They want you to deliberately do bad things so that the story they finally construct for you matches up well with your deeds.
Jealous friends seem to be there through some of your tough times. They would intently listen to every word you say during your times of despair. And then, they wreck you completely with whatever they have accumulated during your confession, another day. We do not want to envision an earth scattered with such beings. Nevertheless, this primal human emotion hasn't been effaced completely from many among us.
When I say jealous friends, jealous peers, jealous people; I refer to each and every one of us and that includes me too. We are all victims of this emotion every now and then. No matter how well-wishing and appreciative we always try to be, once in a while envy overtakes - and that's normal! However, what isn't normal is - treachery, treason, and betrayal! Never ever go too far down the rabbit hole where you ultimately cripple another person mentally or physically.
Love everyone just as you love yourselves. And then, you'll see yourself slowly being lifted up. Fly free and break all chains if you are a victim of such relationships. If you've identified envious people among your relationships, follow what your gut-instincts tell you.
Happy Independence Day!
