Guys talk about success, dating, fitness, money, confidence, and work. The one thing we never talk about is jealousy. Not because it never happens, but because it feels embarrassing to admit. So someone wrote in and asked me a question every guy secretly wrestles with: Is it bad to be jealous of my friend?

In this conversation, I break down the truth about jealousy. When it helps you. When it hurts you. And what it reveals about the parts of your life you keep ignoring.

A lot of guys think jealousy means something is wrong with them. I disagree. Jealousy shows up for a reason, and most of the time it is pointing you toward something you want but have not admitted yet. Like I said in the episode, “Jealousy is rooted in insecurity. And I mean deeply rooted.”

jealousy-jealousy-final

Instead of judging yourself for it, you can use your jealousy as a map. You can let it show you what you care about, what you want next, and where you feel behind. You can also let it motivate you. “If they have that thing, so could you.”

jealousy-jealousy-final

But jealousy can turn dark fast. It can make you resent your friends. It can make you minimize their wins. It can make you act in ways that do not reflect who you actually are. And that is when jealousy becomes harmful.

The episode walks through the three most powerful ways to understand jealousy:

1. Jealousy as an indicator
It tells you something is missing.
It shows you what you want.
It pushes you to notice your desires instead of burying them.

2. Jealousy as a mirror
It reflects the insecurities you do not want to admit.
As I said, “It is deeply rooted in insecurity.”

jealousy-jealousy-final

Most guys never stop long enough to uncover what the jealousy is actually saying.

3. Jealousy as a motivator
This is where jealousy becomes fuel. When you take the feeling and let it pull you forward instead of shut you down.
“If they got that thing, surely it can be something you can accomplish or do or get.”

jealousy-jealousy-final

The episode ends with what I think is the most underrated skill in your 20s: being genuinely happy for your friends while still acknowledging the part of you that feels behind. That inner honesty is what keeps your friendships strong and your growth real.

If you want to go deeper, read these related posts:
• Is Jealousy Bad in Relationships
• How Do I Stop Overthinking Everything
• How To Build Real Confidence When You Feel Behind

Listen to the full episode for more.

Links to the 3 Supporting Posts

• Feature Article: Why Jealousy Shows Up and What You Can Do About It

• 7 Lessons From Jealousy And What It Is Trying To Tell You

• Practical Q&A: How To Handle Jealousy Without Hurting Your Friendships

  
  

Notes From Josh

Jealousy does not make you a bad guy. It makes you a real one. The more honest you are about the things that sting you, the easier it becomes to build the life you actually want. And the more supportive you can be toward the people you care about. That combination is what makes strong men and strong friendships.

Want more like this? Listen to the episode for the deeper version of everything in this post.