Envy vs. Jealousy

I've never really paid much attention about the difference between envy and jealousy. Let's say that I vaguely assumed that envy was a more desirable, rather acceptable, form of jealousy until I dug more seriously into the subject.

According to psychologists - not dudes like me - envy happens when we're desiring an object or attribute enjoyed by someone else. On the other hand, jealousy rears its ugly head when something we already enjoy, like a special relationship, is threatened by a third party.

As a result, envy involves two parties while jealousy is a three-party situation. Envy is a reaction to missing an object or an attribute. Jealousy is a reaction to the menace of losing something (usually someone).

Like most people, the reason I got all mixed up with the two meanings, is that there's a huge confusion with the word “jealousy”, but not the word “envy”.

Many people say they feel jealous of their neighbor's Porsche when they should be just envious. Being jealous is only applicable if your spouse dances with someone that is overtly flirting.

Now, I'm no longer envious of folks who know the difference between the two words!