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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

What makes you jealous of other people?

227 replies

Cuppasoupmonster · 12/01/2023 18:30

Just wondering. I’m jealous of people in good health with high energy levels. I want to be that kind of person so badly 😫

OP posts:
Cocochai · 12/01/2023 20:03

-People who are slim (I was a long time ago)
-Those who have carved out a successful career or have found a job they really enjoy
-People who have genuine friends who value them
-People who have found a hobby/interest that they enjoy and are really good at. I have no talents for anything.

-People who have decent parents who love them and don’t criticise everything they do

Autumnnewname · 12/01/2023 20:03

I appreciate what I have. I am relatively healthy and have a home and job

But I'm jealous of those who have had traditional families and have given their children a good upbringing

I'm jealous of those with loving, supportive partners. I'm looking forward to a very lovely retirement

GlitteryUnicornSparkles · 12/01/2023 20:04

People who can afford to live comfortably without working almost 7 days a week and are able to afford to do things other than sit at home in their spare time. I’d love to have some hobbies or go for a night out more than once a year but unless you like walking there is very little opportunity.

Whatwhatwhatnow · 12/01/2023 20:04

People with a vocation / who love their job. Mine is boring and just pays the bills. I'd love to be fulfilled!

Dramaalpacas · 12/01/2023 20:07

WeWereInParis · 12/01/2023 18:39

People who seem at ease in various social situations, can talk to anyone, good at small talk etc.

This. And people who can keep their house tidy and presentable at all times even with young kids.

I like this thread as it seems that I have qualities that some people are jealous of (only a couple 😁) I’ve never thought of myself that way.

SicParvisMagna · 12/01/2023 20:07

My shin bones are the same length as my forearms so anyone with long legs is usually someone I'm extremely jealous of 😅I've always wished I was taller. Or at least a cute petit rather than just stumpy petite.
People who can just jet off anywhere they want when they want for as long as they want.
People who can learn new languages easily or are bilingual.
Like another poster, people that live in places where outdoor pursuits are the cultural norm. Like being able to forest hike, or going skiing/ice skating because it's on your doorstep or a short drive away. But also at the same time, I am jealous of people that live in places like London, or Paris. Where amazing eateries, museums, galleries etc are a stone's throw away.
I wish my husband and I were more frugal, sadly we're both as bad as each other when it comes to money or our lack of savings but I guess we've had wonderful trips and memories from our chronic inability to save so there's that.
However we do all have our health, we have two healthy children and parents so there's that to absolutely be thankful for.

whumpthereitis · 12/01/2023 20:08

in reply to those that have mentioned singing: if you want to, you can in all likelihood learn to sing to at least a decent standard. Some people are more naturally talented, but even they require training. I’ve met a lot of people that think they can’t sing but actually they just need to understand and develop their voice, and how to sing.

Imo the best way to do it is by learning opera singing. A good tutor will help you train, develop, and care for your voice

PlayDohDots · 12/01/2023 20:09

People with normal executive function. Those who effortlessly manage to attend a full day of appointments, eat on time, pick their children up, return phone calls, make appointments, reply to emails and complete cooking and chores in between.

Thepeopleversuswork · 12/01/2023 20:12

Very little makes me jealous (or envious). I’m old and ugly enough to know that people who look like they have everything rarely do and that I have everything I need for my own happiness inside me. And comparison is the thief of joy.

I may sound like a wanker but life is too short to worry about how you stack up against someone else.

Purpleparsley · 12/01/2023 20:13

I'm jealous of people who have their parents and and in laws. My parents moved abroad and my in laws have died.

AutumnIsHere21 · 12/01/2023 20:14

People with a healthy work life balance. I’m a teacher and what I wouldn’t give to be able to go and watch some TV now instead of prepping for tomorrow!

Fairislefandango · 12/01/2023 20:15

Isn’t it interesting that the things people seem to envy aren’t stuff, but relationships?

People envy what they don't have! I don't envy relationships, because I'm fortunate enough to have good ones. I'm a little bit jealous of people who can afford to travel abroad a lot, and to exotic places!

SafeMove · 12/01/2023 20:16

MartinCraneAstronaut · 12/01/2023 19:31

Ha ha, SafeMove, we are opposites! I took myself very seriously as a teenager and wish I had loosened up and slept with unsuitable boys and snogged people I fancied. I was so boring and restrained!

I am jealous of people who had a fun rebellious youth with the stories to tell and cringe at!

Show quote history

It's my current 3am horror - waking up and stressing about my past indiscretions. I have had a lot of fun in my life - I partied like it was 1999 far too often (especially on millenium NYE haha) but I do think I was a bit much.

I would love to have had your youth where you behaved with maturity, dignity and wisdom. It speaks of a deeper character IMO. I really admire quiet, cautious and calm people I just want to be them.

Abcdefu · 12/01/2023 20:16

People who are naturally slim

People who have enough money to not have to worry!

Tabitha1960 · 12/01/2023 20:16

My list would be a very very long one.

citychick · 12/01/2023 20:18

People who have partners who cook well and enjoy it.
People whose kids do not have ADHD and all that goes with it.
People who are tall and have an attractive profile and nice nose. I have a flat face and pronounced nose. I've always loathed it.

But if I spent all my time thinking about what others have, I'd be wasting my life.
So I just get on with my life as best I can. I have a lot that maybe others are jealous of. Swings and roundabouts.

Janblues · 12/01/2023 20:19

People in healthy loving marriages. Women who are desired by their husbands
People with great social circles with long term friendships
People with genuine loving sibling relationships
People who had happy childhoods without knowing all the parents problems in minute detail.

Can you guess I'm crap with people.

I do have a lot to be thankful for though.

myusernamewastakenbyme · 12/01/2023 20:24

Im jealous of people with parents...i lost mine at the age of 26.

Tastemaker · 12/01/2023 20:24

MarcelEtCeleste · 12/01/2023 19:22

People who had parents who gave them a good foundation in life - love, healthy habits, nurtured their hobbies, a good education, practical career guidance etc. - and who showed a genuine interest in their lives as they grew up.

When I was a child, I was also jealous (but in a curious and longing way) of any friend who had a good relationship with their siblings.

My sister bullied me brutally for the whole time we lived together and I so desperately wanted a loving relationship with her. I can’t explain the feeling I had inside whenever I saw my friend and her sister. It was was like it was a great honour to witness it; I felt joy for them both that they had such a close bond with each other, and at the same time, I felt such a terrible loss inside that I would never have the same for myself.

Oh I am so sorry to hear this. Has your relationship improved over time? I really hope so. If not, take courage, the relationships you do have will sustain you. A hug to you.

Icecreamandapplepie · 12/01/2023 20:25

Anyone with good teeth who haven't suffered chronic toothache on and off through their lives.

Anyone who has got a house to live in with no rent or mortgage.

Small feet. Love being tall but it brings big feet!

Oh, and skin that tans.

Pretty content otherwise.

💐for anyone with health problems

LetsAllGoOnStrike · 12/01/2023 20:25

I am envious of people who have a lot of patience and can ignore behaviour that winds them up and deal with it every single time in a cool calm way.
Similarly those that can listen and give objective calm arguments/advice.

Geometricaesthetic · 12/01/2023 20:26

People’s whose homes are fully renovated and decorated.

BinauralBeats · 12/01/2023 20:27

People who can work fewer days per week, who aren't always rushing and moaning at their children. Who can enjoy walking along to school with them instead of cajoling and worrying about the traffic and snapping.

Butchyrestingface · 12/01/2023 20:28

As a child, I always wanted to be the kind of person who SUCKED their hard-boiled sweets rather than crunched through them the moment you put them in your gob. But I lacked the willpower.

Reader, after adult braces, I am now the kind of person who sucks their hard-boiled sweets instead of crunching them. It ain't all that.

pinkpotatoez · 12/01/2023 20:34

People who don't have to think about money, people who can eat shit and not gain anything

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