Jealousy is a natural emotion that many of us feel from time to time. It’s heavily looked down upon, which is why it’s not talked about or acknowledged enough. We may be jealous of people we don’t know, but see through social media, or family and friends.

Jealousy is not just displayed in grand ways, it’s the little moments too. It can be a forced smile after a friend told you they got a well-paying job while you’re living paycheck to paycheck. Or it’s the little pang you feel in your chest that you mentally tell yourself is wrong, or that you mentally deny feeling at all.

But why is that a big deal? Why does jealousy need to be acknowledged if it can be denied?

Because jealousy impacts our connection to ourselves and to others. It causes us to feel shame and it leads us to hiding our true emotions and feelings.

Have you ever had a friend that made you feel inferior, and you never got why? That may have been jealousy. They never said it because it’s wrong, but they still felt how they felt, and it impacted your relationship.

So yes, jealousy is wrong, but it’s natural. You first have to be honest with yourself about the jealousy you feel, and then you can begin to move away from the emotion. You have to accept that you’re human and a part of being human is experiencing human emotions, and jealousy is one of them. You don’t need to shame yourself for it, but instead acknowledge it and work through those emotions in the moment.