The Importance of Affirmation in Protecting Ego

There's a big difference between jealousy and envy. Jealousy is about protecting something you already have; envy is about desiring something somebody else has. Sometimes they say they're just envious. I don't think I've ever heard somebody use the word envious there, but if they did, that would be a particularly canny parent. There's something to be said for burgeoning fragile egos wanting to hear a bit of affirmation.