Let's be honest with each other for a hot minute. We've all been bitten by the jealousy bug at one point of our lives, and we all noticed how bad it really feels to be jealous of something. Many people have said things along the lines of "I know it's stupid" when they admit to jealous feelings and there have been many that told others how unhealthy jealousy is. I will openly admit to feeling stupid whenever I feel jealous about something. But feeling jealous is a normal human emotion and is just as valid as an emotion as any other, and you don't have to feel stupid about feeling jealous. Here are five reasons it's okay to be jealous sometimes.

1. It can act as a warning sign.

Trust is a critical part of any relationship, but jealousy can sometimes act as a warning sign if your relationship is taking a wrong turn. For example, let's say that you're with your significant other, and you both see their ex and their ex starts to get weirdly clingy in front of you. This can be a warning sign that their ex is still not over the relationship and clearly wants them back. This can be an example of when it's okay to be jealous.

2. It can teach you to deal with these emotions in a healthy manner.

The most critical part of understanding your own emotions is learning how to deal with them in a healthy manner. Being jealous can do exactly that, since experiencing any emotion can give you a wide range of solutions. You can either let that jealousy get to you and live an unhealthy life, or you can find ways to deal with it so you can still live a happy life.

3. Suppressing jealousy is as unhealthy as suppressing anger.

Everyone knows that suppressing anger is unhealthy and can lead to serious consequences. The same thing goes with jealousy. Suppressing jealousy can cause many people to lash out at the people they love because they don't know how to express their jealousy in the best way they possibly can. I would never even suggest to anyone to just ignore their feelings because they can be telling you something, so you have to be aware of it and react to it.

4. It can be a motivational tool.

Many people let their jealousy get the best of them and don't bother doing anything about it, but not everyone necessarily has to be that way. Jealousy can also be a motivational tool to help you be better. I'm one of those people that uses their own jealousy as a motivational tool to do better, rather than a tool to pit others against each other. If you want something or someone that someone else has, you can use those feelings to motivate yourself to get to that point.

5. It can teach you to be grateful for what you have.

I know, it sounds like an oxymoron, but if you're feeling jealous, just look at all the amazing things you have done in your life and be grateful for that. If you need help seeing what you have done, there's nothing wrong with reaching out to a friend and having them remind you of everything you've accomplished.