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

It's a common human experience to feel a mix of emotions when others achieve something great, sometimes including a pang of jealousy. Many people might offer congratulations while privately wrestling with feelings of inadequacy or envy. This doesn't mean their congratulations are entirely insincere, but rather that human emotions are complex and often contradictory. It's a natural reaction to compare ourselves to others.

Research published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology suggests that a significant majority of individuals report experiencing envy at least occasionally, often triggered by the succes

See other perspectives

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

Am I the Only One?

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

Is it normal to feel jealous of a friend's success?▾
Yes, feeling jealous of a friend's success is a very common human emotion. It doesn't diminish your care for them, but rather highlights our natural tendency to compare ourselves to others and desire similar achievements.
What's the difference between envy and admiration?▾
Envy often involves a desire for what someone else has, sometimes accompanied by a feeling of resentment or a wish they didn't have it. Admiration, on the other hand, is a feeling of respect and approval for someone's achievements, without necessarily wanting to possess what they have or feeling bad that they have it.
How can I genuinely feel happy for someone else?▾
Focusing on your own path and celebrating your small wins can help reduce the sting of comparison. Shifting your perspective to see their success as an inspiration or a sign of what's possible, rather than a personal slight, can also foster more genuine happiness for them.

Have your own experience to share?

Share Your Story