Envy and Jealousy, the difference

Envy is a gnawing want for what someone else has. Jealousy is fearful, possessive anxiety about losing what is already yours.

Each in a line

Envy

Envy is the gnawing want for what someone else has. Their job, their body, their ease. The body registers the gap between their possession and your lack. Few emotions are harder to admit. Envy wants; jealousy fears losing.

Self-conscious family

Jealousy

Jealousy is the fear of losing something you have to someone else. Fear, anger, and possessive vigilance mix to protect the bond. It lives mostly in close relationships. Envy wants what another has; jealousy guards what is already yours.

Self-conscious family

Pleasantness and energy
high energylow energyunpleasantpleasantEnvyJealousy
Where each lives in the body

Envy

Head
Pressure, fullness, mental load
Moderate
Stomach
A sinking pull or knot
Moderate
Chest
A faint pull
Quiet

Jealousy

Head
Pressure, fullness, mental load
Moderate
Chest
Tightness or warmth
Moderate
Stomach
A sinking pull or knot
Moderate
Face
Slight warmth
Quiet
How long they last

Duration has not been measured for these words.

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