Jealousy: potential harms

• A response to jealously is aggressive and offensive behavior. You may want to hurt the person.
• Becoming avoidant may lead you to abuse alcohol or drugs.
• Through withdrawal, you may hope that the person you have a relationship with will notice and re-establish your bond.
• A perceived threat can induce anxiety that leads to insecurity.
• Uncertainty about a relationship and the fear of shame can lead to an obsessive preoccupation with its status.
• Your own self-perception will become amplified.

Jealousy often involves a social comparison where the other person appears more desirable.

It is a drama of shame and pride. You may employ one or more of the typical coping defensive responses, which can involve withdrawal, avoidance, attacking yourself, or attacking the...