NB, my opinions on the matter:
We are afraid that if we aren't number one in their lives, we've started down a slippery slope into becoming invisible.
Once we realized a friend or lover's attention has shifted it's focus, being number two means we could fall to number three. Or disappear off their radar altogether.
Those who are closest to our hearts are an integral part of our lives, the columns that hold the roof up. They are often a part of our identity, a release of pressure and stress, their opinions matter and are felt deeply, their perspective alters our view, they are a part of our eternal environment, their presence changes our daily existence. Loosing them shakes the foundation of our private worlds.
It sucks. Nothing makes the hurt of being rejected by someone you care about easy to take.
So any sign of possible rejection - even if it is imagined - fills us with fear.
I have experienced jealousy over clients (though they never knew it), but I invest a lot emotionally with those who are comfortable delving a little deeper. I realize that's hardly the norm, and does indeed blow up in my face every now and again. Alas that is part of the adventure, we learn each time and become better explorers.
Your friend may be changing, and so he's shifted his attention to a place that suites his internal head space. Sometimes people just drift, but come back. It is also possible that they will never return.
Regardless of what's happening in the mind of a partner or friend, I think all we can do is let them know they're truly appreciated and cared for, be there for them in what ways we can, and hope they can find a place for us in their lives.
Don't act on your jealousy. Just continue to be the best friend you know how to be. The rest is his choice.
Now in the cases where people become jealous of those they do not love: It comes down to being self absorbed or having a weak sense of personal identity.
Originally Posted by Lauren Summerhill
That was PERFECT!!! You really hit on some key points.
On a different note, as this has played out he and I are still best friends and I let him know where I stand. But, now I understand the games some people (not my friend) play. For example, if he had wanted me as more than a friend, this sort of thing could have made me decide to step things up to a more intimate level. As we stand, best friends works best for both of us, especially in this point in both of our lives and he wasn't playing any games.
However, I can see someone using the fear of loss to get someone to commit. I hate games in relationships, but I realized that making someone jealous could force their hand and make them more involved in the relationship.