Ego & Jealousy
-
Features
-
Ego constantly compares itself with others, determining how it stacks up in terms of talent, appearance, intellect and accomplishments.
Function
-
Ego's primary goal is to avoid feeling vulnerable by convincing the individual that her fears are rational and true.
Significance
-
Ego defends itself by either attacking the self through doubts or by attacking others through unfounded accusations.
Considerations
-
Possessiveness temporarily soothes the ego by making it feel closer to the person or thing desired, but jealousy quickly arises if that relationship is threatened.
Warnings
-
Ego can be ashamed of its jealousy, which increases self-loathing and insecurity. Typical manifestations of vulnerability include illogical reactions to situations, assumptions not based on facts, an inability to spend time alone and obsessing over problems.
Treatment
-
Ego can be strengthened or reassured through talking with impartial friends or counselors, finding time to relax in peaceful settings, keeping and reviewing a journal and distancing yourself from the troubling situation.
-