In a way I guess it can stimulate competition, and that way you've got to really work for something if you want it.
Some of the great achievements in history probably happened because that guy was jealous of anything that another guy did before him.
Though, there has a be an obvious distinction between healthy competition and petty vendetta.
After all, it's not one of the seven deadly sins for nothing...
Unseen and untreated, a feeling of envy can become dangerously consuming.
The feeling of watching someone get exactly what you wanted, while you're left to look on from the side lines, in some cases can be nothing short of traumatic.
It becomes more than jealousy: it becomes a fiery rage.
In reality, it's probably just the way the cookie crumbles, but you can't help feel as though that person is taking something away from you with the worst intentions, as if they intentionally meant for you to feel that way.
Because, from the other side of the coin, that's hardly the case.
The times in my life where I've found myself as the subject of other peoples jealousy, I had been blissfully unaware of such an ugly manifestation of envy.
I was merely taking the steps in my life towards something that I wanted, and I discovered sides of hostility in people that I never would have imagined or expected.
And while I would love to feel some kind of sympathy, the ridiculousness of the way things pan out leave me with a combination of bemusement and pity.
I've also had the displeasure of feeling a little green lately.
Watching one of your close friends obtain something you would've killed to have: it's hard to not feel as though sometimes they're rubbing it in your face.
But then I try to take a step back: why should they be punished with my negativity for doing something that they've wanted for just as long, and worked hard enough to actually obtain?
The answer is, they shouldn't.
As envious as I may feel, I harness the feelings enough to be genuinely happy for them.
Because I am. And I think that's a true sign that you can tame the green-eyed monster.
Jealousy can make people do terrible things, say things they'll most likely regret.
It can also motivate people to take a more noble road to achievement.
I'm just glad that at least I could make that distinction.
"Jealousy, turning saints into the sea" - Mr. Brightside, The Killers
