10 Phrases That Give Away Envious People. How to Recognize an Envious Person

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Envy is the green-eyed monster, no offense to those with green eyes. It is an emotion that everyone experiences at some point in their lives. It is a complex mixture of admiration, longing, and resentment towards another person’s possessions, qualities, or good fortune. This monster can ruin friendships, drive a wedge between family members, and seriously damage relationships.

Envy is very well disguised. Sometimes the green-eyed monster does not roar; but whispers seemingly innocent remarks and phrases.

We would like to think that the people around us are telling the truth about how they feel. But unfortunately, this is not always the case. Envious people usually say things they don’t mean at all. And worst of all, the hidden meanings of the phrases envious people say can mislead us, making us doubt ourselves. To help identify and confirm our suspicions, here are some phrases that envious people commonly say.

1. "You are so lucky"... "People are so lucky..."

For some, I guess, this sounds like a good thing. But, you see, envious people often use this phrase when you have achieved something significant in your life.

You are proud of your work and dedication, but they are not… not really. What the envious person really means by this phrase is that luck is what got you there, not your effort, work, years of training, and persistence. They are devaluing what you do with this phrase.

2. "I wish I had that too"

Expressing a desire to possess someone else's possessions or accomplishments is a classic indicator of envy. While this may seem like a harmless expression of longing, it may reveal deeper feelings of inadequacy or resentment toward the person who possesses what the envious individual desires.

3. "Ha, I could do that too if I wanted to."

This phrase is often used by envious people to claim their own abilities while simultaneously dismissing the achievements of others. By suggesting that they could accomplish the same feat if they wanted to, they seek to downplay the significance of the other person's success.

4. "They don't deserve this."

With this phrase, a person denies the strengths of another, does not want to notice the obvious qualities and advantages of the one he is discussing.

When someone belittles or undermines another person's achievements or good fortune, it may be a sign of envy. By questioning another person's worthiness, the envious individual seeks to justify his or her own feelings of hurt or disappointment.

5. "I'm, of course, happy for you (for them), but..."

Typically used as a preface to a backhanded compliment or thinly veiled criticism, this phrase is often a clear sign of envy. By professing joy at another person's success or good fortune, the envious person subtly undermines that person's accomplishments or finds fault with their circumstances.

6. "That's a great idea! But what if it doesn't work?"

Before you even try something new, the jealous person has already planted seeds of doubt in your mind. They belittle your goals and use passive-aggressive language. They make you doubt things you were previously sure of.

These statements are very convincing, so it seems that they are concerned about your plans. In fact, they want you to forget about your plans, because they know that it will most likely be successful.

7. "I'm not sure about this color. It makes you look tired."

Jealous people often try to criticize your appearance. They will talk to you about what you wear or your weight, pretending to be a supportive friend. Real people will be kind, offering constructive criticism, and will also offer solutions. Unfortunately, it is sometimes difficult to distinguish real criticism from false. You must trust your intuition in this matter.

8. "I'm so proud that you got this job, it's a good thing I insisted on your decision."

You can never fully enjoy your achievements when it comes to an envious person. Whether you get a new job or get married, the envious person will insist that he played a key role in your happiness.

9. “I won’t tell you, otherwise you’ll envy me.”

An envious person wants others to envy him, so he constantly talks about how he is afraid that they will envy him. But he often talks about how great he is, lists his achievements, and tells about the price of these purchases. This is how he asserts himself and tries to prove, first of all, to himself that he is worth something.

10. “Why do they try so hard and show off?”, “They’re just showing off.”

When someone accuses another person of showing off, it may be a veiled expression of envy. By attributing the other person's behavior to vanity or arrogance, the envious individual deflects attention from his or her own feelings of insecurity or resentment.

What else would you add? Do you often hear phrases like this? Share your experience in the comments.