Poison | Envy
We’ve all felt that slight pang of "I wish I had that" when a friend lands a promotion or a sibling buys a new house. But sometimes, that pang turns into a festering wound . Poison envy isn't just about wanting success; it’s about feeling pain at the good fortune of others.
Psychologists generally distinguish between two types of envy: poison envy
Envy is often described as the "green-eyed monster," but there’s a darker, more corrosive version that experts often call or malicious envy . Unlike the "benign" variety that might inspire you to work harder, poison envy doesn't want what someone else has—it wants to take it away from them . We’ve all felt that slight pang of "I
Remarks like "It must be nice to be so lucky" or excessive sarcasm when you share good news. You see someone’s success and think, "How did they do that
You see someone’s success and think, "How did they do that? I want to do that too". It serves as a learning opportunity.
How to Overcome Envy So It Doesn't Poison Your Relationships
If you feel poison envy taking root, or if you're dealing with an envious peer, try these strategies: