15 Signs Your Friend Might Be Jealous of You

Friendships should be built on mutual trust, respect, and support. Unfortunately, jealousy can sometimes creep in, and if it goes unchecked, it can create tension and damage the relationship. So, if you’re noticing changes in your friend’s behavior, jealousy could be the underlying cause. Here are 15 signs that your friend might be jealous of you and how this jealousy might show up in everyday interactions.

They Downplay Your Achievements

Instead of celebrating your successes with you, a jealous friend may try to minimize or dismiss your accomplishments. For example, if you land a great job or get a promotion, they might say something like, “It’s not that big of a deal,” or “Anyone could do that.” This is often their way of coping with feelings of inadequacy or insecurity about their ownachievements.

They Give Backhanded Compliments

Backhanded compliments are a subtle way of expressing jealousy. Instead of giving you a straightforward compliment, they may say things like, “You’re good at that, for someone with no experience” or “Wow, you’re lucky you don’t have to work as hard as I do.” These statements may seem like compliments on the surface, but they carry an underlying tone of resentment.

They Seem Disinterested in Your Success

A jealous friend may show little to no excitement when you share the good news. This news can be a personal achievement or a positive life event. Your jealous friend may act uninterested, change the subject quickly, or respond with indifference. This is a sign that your success makes them uncomfortable.

They Copy Your Style or Interests

If your friend starts mimicking your clothing choices, hobbies, or even career path, it could be a sign of jealousy. While imitation can be a form of flattery, in this case, it might reflect their desire to compete with you or feel as successful as you. Remember, imitation becomes problematic when it’s driven by envy rather than admiration. 

They Act Competitive

Jealousy can also lead to unnecessary competition in areas that shouldn’t be competitive. Your friend might try to outshine you or turn simple, everyday interactions into competitions. Whether it’s comparing salaries, relationships, or accomplishments, they might constantly try to prove they’re doing just as well—if not better—than you.

They Seem Happier When You Struggle

It’s natural for friends to offer support during difficult times, but a jealous friend might seem more invested or engaged when things aren’t going well for you. They may even express a sense of relief when you’re facing challenges because it puts them in a more favorable position by comparison. 

They Avoid Celebrating Your Milestones

If your friend frequently makes excuses to skip your celebrations—whether it’s a birthday, promotion party, or personal milestone—it could be a sign of jealousy. They may find it too difficult to watch you succeed and feel left out of your accomplishments. Avoiding your milestones can feel hurtful, especially if your friend is absent during important moments in your life. 

They Try to Sabotage You

In extreme cases of jealousy, a friend can start undermining your success. This could involve giving you bad advice, discouraging you from pursuing opportunities or even sabotaging your efforts to succeed in subtle ways. So, if your friend is deliberately trying to bring you down, it indicates deep-rooted jealousy and insecurity. 

They Make Everything About Themselves

When you share something significant, a jealous friend might quickly shift the focus back to themselves. Instead of listening to or celebrating your news, they might talk about their own life or compare their experiences to yours. Friends who constantly redirect the conversation back to themselves may be seeking validation or attention to combat feelings of jealousy. 

They Gossip or Spread Rumors

Jealousy can sometimes lead to toxic behaviors, such as gossiping about you or spreading unflattering rumors. A jealous friend might share personal information or make hurtful comments behind your back in an attempt to damage your reputation or relationships. Gossiping or rumor-spreading reflects a deeper insecurity in your friend.

They Dismiss Your Problems

A jealous friend might downplay your struggles or act like your problems aren’t significant. If you’re going through a tough time, they may not offer support or might say things like, “It’s not that bad,” or “You’re overreacting,” dismissing your feelings entirely. When a friend dismisses your problems, it invalidates your emotions and experiences. 

They Avoid Spending One-on-One Time with You

If your friend starts to distance themselves or avoid spending one-on-one time with you, it could be a sign that they’re struggling with jealousy. Being around you might make them feel uncomfortable or inadequate, leading them to pull away from the friendship. 

They Give You Unhelpful Advice

Jealous friends might offer advice that seems intentionally bad or discouraging. They may tell you to take risks that they know won’t work out or offer guidance that doesn’t align with your best interests, hoping that you’ll fail. Unhelpful advice can ruin trust in the friendship, as you may begin to question whether your friend truly has your best interests at heart. 

They Always Try to One-Up You

If your friend constantly tries to one-up you—whether it’s in conversations or achievements—it’s likely a sign of jealousy. They might frequently compare their accomplishments to yours, trying to prove that they are just as, or more, successful. One-upping creates a competitive environment in what should be a supportive relationship. 

They Make Passive-Aggressive Comments

Passive-aggressive comments are often a sign of underlying jealousy. Your friend might make sarcastic remarks or say things like, “It must be nice to have everything handed to you,” implying that your success isn’t deserved. Passive-aggressive comments can create tension and confusion in the friendship.