Jealousy Doesn't Have To Ruin Your Friendship

What if our female friendships were more like those of our male counterparts'?

Prepping for a night on the town would require only a change-of-shirt and a six-pack of Heineken. Cryfests over a breakup would be replaced by cigar-fueled poker nights. If our sisterhoods were like bromances, gone would be the jealousy and cattiness that so often pervades our relationships with other women.

The fairer sex is under societal pressure to have it all - the career, the family, the house, the looks. Subconscious competitiveness is often at work in our female friendships, which can result in deep envy and even catty confrontations.

Whether you're trying to handle a jealous girlfriend or looking to squash your own sour grapes, the following tips will help you maintain a healthy, happy, and supportive friendship.

Be A Cheerleader
Be your girlfriend's biggest fan at every chance. Let her know that you think she's the smartest, hottest, and most-kickass woman you know. Being positive and encouraging will help you both feel good.

Communicate Consistently
Plan to have regular phone chats once or twice a week. Balance the time spent talking and listening. Keeping on top of what's happening in each other's lives will help you feel close and connected.

Think Consciously
Being close allows you to talk openly; sometimes, however, we go too far and don't realize that our words and truths have the potential to sting. If what you're about to say might touch a sensitive nerve, think before you blurt. Instead of saying "If I got a raise, maybe I could vacation in Mexico too," say congratulations - and mean it.

Be Honest
If your BFF's constant cattiness is dragging you down, let her know. Chances are she didn't realize how much she was hurting you and will make a conscious effort to change. If you're the one battling a case of envy, confess to your friend. She'll appreciate your honesty and in the future, you'll be more aware of your words and behaviour.

Spend Time On Yourself
Clichéd but true: you gotta love yourself first. Personal insecurities are often at the root of envy. Work on the things about your life that you want to improve. How can you keep jealousy at bay and be truly happy for your gal pals if you're not happy with yourself?

Jaclyn Tersigni
		About the author:
		Jaclyn is a 20-something journalism student at Ryerson University. She traded suburbia for the big city two years ago and enjoys navigating life as a single woman in Toronto. She’s a burgeoning foodie, a borderline music snob, a news junkie, and constant explorer of the world.
	Read More >>