Friendship VS Enmity

What happens if friendship is suddenly threatened by competition or jealousy?

Jealousy arises very quickly, e.g. because someone always has more chances in love, the other has a better figure or simply has better sayings. And then there is competition between you and your friends.

A little competition is okay

There is a little competition in almost every friendship. A little competition is no problem for a well-functioning friendship. It can even inspire a friendship.

However, it is important that each of you has your “areas” where you are good or where you are better in turn. Because then each of you tries to do the best you can. You may even develop such ambition that you achieve goals that seemed unattainable before. Helping each other can really deepen your friendship.

Beware – competition can be dangerous!

Competition is only good as long as both of you in a friendship are about equally strong. If, on the other hand, one person is always the better one, this can trigger feelings of inferiority in the inferior person. This can put quite a strain on a friendship.

Above all, excessive competition can lead to you only being opponents and in the process completely lose sight of your friendship. Envy and jealousy can build up and ruin your friendship. But it should never come to this among real friends. Pull the emergency brake in time.

TIP — Keep your friendship despite competition

With these tips you can keep your friendship despite or even because of some competition.

• If you notice that you are constantly competing with your friend, talk about it openly. Talk about it!
• Losing is okay! Give in sometimes. In return, you will win again in other areas.
• If you are better again, then be happy together. Let the others share in it instead of constantly rubbing your success in their faces.
• As a “better half” you should also offer help. This defuses competition.
• If you feel really in the shade, sit down and reflect consciously on what you have achieved recently. That builds you up.

We hope that the level of competition in your friendship is right. If it doesn’t, then just give us a call.

For further help and support  — Speak with a licensed therapist today.