OP, while your friend seems "blessed" in certain ways, try to put things in perspective here. You are blessed as well, just in different ways. Blessings come in many different forms and while it may look great on the outside, you never really know from the inside like another poster stated.

Who knows what will happen later down the line?
She may have a serious health condition + depend on you for support. Then you will realize how truly blessed you are in ways that she isn't.

Anonymous wrote:Understandable, BUT keep in mind that "everyone has a story," and nobody REALLy knows what is going on in another person's life behind closed doors, or in another person's life.

How true.

* some who have charmed lives*

Anonymous wrote:Carolyn Hax or someone wrote about a woman who was jealous of her sister who married a rich man and whose life did not seem to be the same struggle as hers. Then she found out her sister had MS.

I really believe that there are some who just have a charmed life that is not marred by any sort of misfortune. They are really rich and really happy. It makes some feel better to believe that there must be something wrong somewhere. Illness and misfortune do not favor the rich disproportionately like the biblical thorn in their side.

Many people at rich, healthy and happy. Deal with it.

Let me tell you something to think about.

I have all of the above including massive new house, nanny, expensive cars etc... and am always working so I don't get to really enjoy anything. Maybe once the company is launched I can but I am basically living in my home office, bedroom bathroom and kitchen.

I have learned that unless you are a trust fund baby making more money means you end up working more and can enjoy it less. I do see joy in my children and hope they are having a good and enjoyable life with what we have provided them.

Totally normal, but remember that everyone has their issues and struggles and those with "perfect" lives you envy are probably hiding something, or are unhappy themselves because they envy someone with even more.

Yep, I'm jealous - maybe envious is a better word since jealous implies hard feelings towards the person some and that's not the case. One of my closest friends is a SAHM in a huge beautiful house in a great school district, nice neighorhood. She has regular me-time, regular date-nights and a low enough level of traffic that it does not take eons to get the kids to their various activities. She's awesome so I love her to pieces, but it's hard not to wish for some of that....Another friend lives in a post-card perfect New England town in an adorable house full of character, works 3 days a week, and has energy to burn for lots of projects (home improvement, artsy stuff, cooking, etc).

part of me would like to be each but I also know each has some stuff that's harder than I have to deal with (non-immediate family issues).

Carolyn Hax or someone wrote about a woman who was jealous of her sister who married a rich man and whose life did not seem to be the same struggle as hers. Then she found out her sister had MS.

I try not to be jeaous, but it can be hard. For many years my kids were in a private school where many of the families were rich. I used to really feel it at the annual parent social, which was always hosted at someone's fabulous 6000 sq ft exquisitely decorated home, catered of course. I'll never forget one such event where the family's wine cellar was literally the size of our entire upstairs floor! The mom, who had a personal trainer and didn't work, was wearing a designer dress equivalent to a month of my salary... Too bad she was the nicest person ever -- I wanted so much to hate her but just couldn't. We're still friends to this day. Keep hoping some of her wealth will rub off on me but so far this hasn't happened, lol...

I do get jealous occasionally. Mostly of my younger brother, who has a huge house, many cars, etc. but his life is really hard. He has his own business and works horrible hours. It involves a lot of physical work and his body is starting to suffer. Then I feel badly for him.

Everyone's life is a mixture of priorities, hard work, and a good deal of luck. Nobody (or almost nobody) has a perfect life. I make sure I appreciate what I do have.

The older I get the more I realize it really doesn't matter. My best friend is in Europe right now, her nanny is watching the kids, and while shes gone shes getting an extra bedroom converted into a shoe closet. I am at home by myself 11 hours a day with 3 kids under 5 and as we speak I have throw up on my shirt. Different lives, still a cherished friendship.

please excuse the poorly written sentence above =)

Signed 7:20

You are shallow.

Understandable, BUT keep in mind that "everyone has a story," and nobody REALLy knows what is going on in another person's life behind closed doors, or in another person's life.

I'm a SAHM mom too but I don't have a weekly cleaning lady, my husband travels, can't take girls weekends, nor do we go out to eat frequently. I am greatful for my life and family but sometimes I can't help myself. My girlfriend doesn't boast in my face but shares info like all friends do. I do my best, usually smile but inside I am so envious.

We grew up together so it would be hard to space our friendship plus she is a good friend. I am just venting. Thanks for letting me get it out!