JEALOUSY IMPROVES FRIENDSHIPS

It’s super-hard to admit to envy but new research suggests that a hint of the green-eyed monster could help to strengthen friendships. A study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that jealousy in friendships is related to the value we place on that friendship and motivates behaviours that maintain the bond with the other person. It can sometimes be a sign that a friendship is threatened, which then spurs us into action to nurture it.

‘Let’s remember that jealousy is an emotion based on what we think we understand about someone’s life, rather than what is actually the case. Having open conversations about friendship jealousy can open up truthful conversations about what it is actually like being the one on the receiving end of it; and in this way, stronger bonds can be formed,’ says Kate.