<h1>Am I the only one who pretends to be happy for someone's success, but secretly feels jealous?</h1>

It's a very common human experience to feel a pang of jealousy when someone close to you achieves something great, even if you care about them. Our brains are wired to compare, and sometimes that comparison can bring up uncomfortable emotions like envy or a sense of falling behind. What you're feeling is a natural, albeit challenging, reaction that many people keep to themselves.

Research indicates that feelings of envy are experienced by over 75% of adults at least occasionally, often triggered by social comparisons.

See other perspectives

<h1>Does everyone pretend to be happy for someone's success?</h1>

Does Everyone?

Is it normal to pretend to be happy for someone's success when you feel jealous?

Is It Normal?

Is it weird to pretend to be happy for someone's success when you feel jealous?

Is It Weird?

Why do I pretend to be happy for someone's success when I feel jealous?

Why Do I?

Real stories from the community

A really, really dumb impulse that I can’t undo now, and it’s just sitting there, out in the open, for anyone to see. …

jealousy hiding

I still remember the way my smile stretched for Mark when he got that scholarship, the one to State for track. …

jealousy hiding

What I didn't verbalize, of course, was the pervasive sense of internal discord. …

jealousy hiding

I just sent Mark the nicest email, congrats on winning the firm's design thing, and all I can think about is how my plans were so much better, like WAY more original, and it just feels so stupid to… …

jealousy hiding

Like my car is ancient, practically a relic, and I'm still trying to figure out how to make ends meet with my art, and I guess I just felt this huge pang, like I've maybe missed something really… …

jealousy hiding

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I feel jealous of friends even when I love them?▾
Feeling jealous of friends you care about often stems from comparing your own progress or circumstances to theirs. It's a natural human tendency to measure ourselves against others, and sometimes that comparison can trigger feelings of inadequacy or envy, even when your bond is strong.
How can I stop feeling bitter about other people's achievements?▾
Shifting your focus to your own path and celebrating your small wins can help reduce bitterness. Practicing genuine appreciation for others, even in small ways, and understanding that their success doesn't diminish yours can also make a difference over time.
Is it normal to compare my life to others on social media?▾
Yes, comparing your life to others, especially on social media, is very common. Platforms often showcase highlights, not the full picture, which can create an unrealistic sense of everyone else's perfect life and intensify feelings of comparison or dissatisfaction.

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