To think they’re jealous of me?

[BeekyChitch]

Hometown is a small idyllic remote English town. Everyone knows everyone but not many people leave and go for a career/big dreams. I left a couple of years ago to pursue a career. Since leaving, friends have been acting odd with me ie making comments about what I wear or how my voice has changed and degrading anything I I had to say. They have been very distant which to an extent I understand but after several attempts at contact none was reciprocated until recently which was when the comments were made. I met up with said friends and their friend who I vaguely know who also made a comment about my clothes and a few nasty looks which she thought I didn’t see. SO AIBU to think they are jealous of my lifestyle or am I being Utterly ridiculous and think the world should revolve around me!? They were/are my dear old friends but maybe I should just accept it’s over everyone has changed and cut ties?

They maybe jealous or they may simply not value the things you do. I spent 10 years doing an international job after I graduated and life was different, not necessarily better but different places, food, interests, problems. Different plans for the future too. I loved it but it meant I had less in common with friends who had stayed at home.
There’s no need to “cut ties” abruptly but some will drift away, one or two may come and join you.
I have one friend who got back in touch after her divorce, as she had moved, retrained and was building a new life. Also, keep in mind that you might one day want to go home to raise a family. Leave the door open and try not to be hurt.

Some friendships are for life, others are only for a season.

Unfortunately it’s not always easy to tell in advance which are which.

Moving away inevitably strains friendships. If your life as changed significantly you may not have as much common ground.

It’s not necessarily jealousy. In fact it’s probably not.

I lost a very good friend when we moved abroad. No falling out, no drama, she just stopped contacting me as soon as I left the U.K.

Maintaining long distance friendships takes some effort, not everyone is able to manage that.

I think they are jealous but not of you per se, but the fact you have moved on. It’s about them, not you. Don’t chase after them. Make new friends.

Probably not jealousy. But more of you don't have things in common anymore.

Is anyone ever jealous of what someone has done or achieved. Dirty looks and talking about your clothes, it sounds a but immature? How old are you all?

Providing you are not lording it up with your new clothes and 'persuing a career/big dreams' I agree with the others perhaps you have outgrown each other. It doesn't make either lifestyle better or them 'jealous' you have just taken different paths.