“Community over competition” is often touted as a guiding principle in personal and professional circles, symbolizing solidarity, shared victories, and collective growth. However, beneath this well-intentioned slogan often lies performative support. As women transition through different life stages– career advancements, relationships, motherhood, or personal growth – the dynamics of friendships and professional relationships can shift. Sometimes, applause feels more like a polite obligation than a genuine celebration. Without addressing personal insecurities or embracing self-reflection, these shifts can reveal unspoken jealousy and quiet competition, subtly impacting relationships and growth. For some, these words serve as a tool to enhance personal image rather than a true reflection of support. Applause may stem from a desire to be associated with success rather than genuine celebration. Without addressing personal insecurities or engaging in self-reflection, this surface-level encouragement can mask deeper layers of jealousy and quiet rivalry, affecting relationships and growth.

The Dream vs. The Reality

The Dream:

Imagine women standing shoulder to shoulder, cheering each other on without hesitation or hidden agendas. One woman’s success is everyone’s success. Collaboration thrives, and the collective glow never dims. It’s the ideal world where confidence is contagious, and no one’s light flickers because someone else may reach certain goals or milestones- whether in business or in life. Friendships remain steady even when life moves at different paces—like celebrating a friend’s engagement while navigating your own heartbreak or supporting a friend’s new business despite facing personal setbacks.

The Reality:

While the vision is inspiring, the execution can be… complicated. Jealousy and insecurity, often lurking in the background, occasionally slip into the foreground. Support is whispered in private but suspiciously absent in public. Some women are eager to be seen alongside success, but only from an angle where the spotlight doesn’t cast too much shadow.

It’s a tale as old as time – the friendships that seem rock solid until one person’s rise feels just a little too steep. Vulnerabilities shared in confidence become whispers in new circles. The same hands that once offered applause sometimes feel like they’re measuring how far ahead you are. The hard truth? Some women want to be part of the journey, but not if it means standing behind someone else’s success story.

The Real Culprit: Jealousy and Insecurity in Disguise

Jealousy rarely storms in, waving a red flag. More often, it tiptoes in politely – disguised as advice, concern, or that casual, “Oh wow, good for you!” comment. It’s subtle. Women are conditioned to compare, constantly measuring themselves against each other, even if unconsciously. And let’s be honest – it’s not entirely their fault. Society has long reinforced the idea that there’s only so much room at the top, making success feel like a limited resource.

Insecurity shows up in various forms:

• Performative Praise: Compliments flow in private, but in public? Radio silence.
• Curiosity with Strings Attached: Questions disguised as care but designed to gather intel.
• Blurred Boundaries: Personal details become social currency when friendship slips into nosiness.

Unchecked, these behaviors quietly erode trust and shift potential collaboration into passive competition.

Real Empowerment: What It Actually Looks Like

Empowerment isn’t just a perfectly lit photo op. It’s rooted in authenticity, which sometimes means standing in uncomfortable spaces. True empowerment looks like:

• Making Space: Recognizing and celebrating others’ success, even when their moment in the spotlight feels brighter than yours.
• Loud Applause: Cheering in public as loudly as you do behind closed doors.
• Individual Paths: Respecting that not everyone’s journey looks the same – and that’s a good thing.
• Graceful Exits: Knowing when to step away from relationships that no longer align without bitterness or guilt.

Here’s the kicker – not everyone will understand or reciprocate your support. And that’s okay. Over time, those who engage in quiet rivalry often reveal themselves, clearing space for those who genuinely want to see you win.

Lessons from the Trenches

Empowerment isn’t just about collective wins; it’s about safeguarding your energy. Some valuable lessons come from those who couldn’t handle your growth.

Key Takeaways:

• Not All Cheers Are Genuine. Sometimes, applause is laced with comparison. Accept it, but don’t let it distract you.
• Boundaries Are Essential. Guarding your peace isn’t selfish – it’s a form of self-respect and a vital part of growth.
• Celebrate Quietly. Some victories are best kept within trusted circles. Not everyone who watches your journey wants to see you win – some seek opportunities to twist your success into their own narrative or undermine it to diminish your shine.
• Align with Integrity. Real collaboration happens when respect and trust are mutual, not transactional.

Shifting the Narrative

At EQ COACHING LLC, empowerment isn’t just a buzzword – it’s a lived experience grounded in emotional intelligence, empathy, and resilience. Authentic leadership means embracing the highs and lows, setting healthy boundaries, and recognizing that growth sometimes means walking alone.

Women have the power to reshape this narrative. We create lasting change by celebrating each other authentically, stepping away from spaces that feel draining, and fostering communities grounded in integrity. Empowerment isn’t something bought or borrowed – it’s cultivated through experience and intention.

Ultimately, the women who thrive aren’t those who bypass jealousy or insecurity – they’re the ones who face it, grow through it, and keep rising anyway.

Blossom from your battles – the brightest growth happens when you lead with authenticity, integrity, and courage to lead with empathy.

Feel free to connect with EQ COACHING LLC or Tarmim Khan HHP on Instagram at @empathyqueen for more insights and updates. Follow them for empowering content and stay engaged with their community!

Published by Elle G.