Why Are Women So Jealous of Other Women?

Jealousy is something that everyone experiences from time to time, and it’s not just limited to women. However, it’s true that women can often experience a high level of jealousy towards other women, and there are a variety of reasons for us wanting to be Queen Bee of the hive.

Society

Jealousy between women is often attributed to societal and cultural factors that create competition and comparison between women.  Society often places a great amount of value on a woman’s form, youthfulness, and desirability to men. This can bring about a sense of competition between women to be seen as the most sought after in a room, which can lead to feelings of jealousy or insecurity when another woman is perceived as more attractive.

Also, societal norms frequently pit women against each other in the workplace, in social circles, or in romantic relationships. Consequently, women feel a need to compete for limited resources, such as attention, a promotion, or the affections of a highly desirable partner. This creates a sense of rivalry, as women may view other women as threats to their own success or happiness.

Social Media

What’s more, social media can exacerbate feelings of jealousy among women. That’s by providing a constant stream of curated and idealized images of other women’s “perfect” Instagram bodies. Furthermore, Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) is a common phenomenon that social media can also worsen. Seeing others’ posts about fun events can make women feel like they are missing out on exciting experiences. As a result, they may feel envious of the ones others are having. They are left feeling like they are not living life to the fullest.

Personal Factors

Jealousy can be a complex emotion that may stem from a variety of personal factors. That includes past experiences, feelings of inadequacy or low self-esteem, and fears of rejection as well. So, while societal and cultural factors can contribute to feelings of jealousy, it’s important to recognize that the reasons behind it can vary from woman to woman. 

But how can a woman work to overcome her jealously of other women though?

This can be a challenging process, but there are a few strategies that she can use to cope:

1. Build positive relationships: Building positive, supportive relationships with other women can be an effective way to combat jealousy. By cultivating a strong sense of community and supporting each other’s goals and accomplishments, women can shift their focus away from competition and towards collaboration and mutual support.
2. Cultivate gratitude: Focusing on the positive aspects of one’s own life and accomplishments can help shift the focus away from feelings of jealousy. Women can try to cultivate gratitude by making a daily practice of reflecting on things they are thankful for and acknowledging their own achievements.
3. Identify the root of the jealousy: It can be helpful to take some time to reflect on the underlying cause of the jealousy. Is it related to a sense of insecurity or feelings of inadequacy in a certain area? Is it related to an experience that has not been fully processed? Identifying the root of the jealousy can be the first step in addressing it.
4. Practice empathy: Recognizing that other women may also be experiencing their own struggles and challenges can help to reduce feelings of jealousy. Women can try to practice empathy by putting themselves in the shoes of others and considering the different factors that may be impacting their lives.
5. Practice self-compassion: It is important to be kind and compassionate towards oneself when experiencing difficult emotions. Women can try to practice self-compassion by being kind to themselves, acknowledging their feelings without judgment, and treating themselves with the same understanding that they would extend to a close friend.

Overcoming jealousy may require lot of time and effort. If it becomes chronic, severe, or interferes with daily life, it may be then wise to speak with a mental health professional