I hate my pals and their perfect lives
FRIENDS MAKE ME JEALOUS
I SECRETLY hate my mates.
They think that I’m their pal. I pretend to be delighted when one meets a gorgeous bloke or another bags a fantastic promotion, but I’m a seething mass of jealousy and resentment.
The eight women in my circle assume I’m a nice person, but I’m not. I’m bitter and twisted.
I smile sweetly and say things like: “You are so brilliant,” or: “I adore your outfit,” but I don’t mean it.
I love it when they fail. I’m never happier than when one of my mates gets dumped or another is ripped off.
If I had my way, I’d have a massive clear out and not see any of them again. But I’m stuck in a place where I’m surrounded by everyone I grew up with and I don’t have the money or the confidence to get out.
One girl (who was a complete moron at school) has just announced that her rich boyfriend is flying her to Australia on the trip of a lifetime.
Another has got engaged to a guy with more money than he can count. Her diamond ring is so expensive that they’ve had an alarm fitted and safe installed in their flat. The ring has to be on her finger or in the safe. I could spit. How come she gets all the
goodies while I get nothing? My boyfriend says that we are blessed and lucky. But we’re not lucky enough as far as I’m concerned.
Where are my fantastic holidays? Salary hikes and diamond rings? Why do I have to pretend to be happy for other people when no one does anything nice for me?
Christmas is coming and the usual round of showing off and bragging is just about to begin.
I can’t stand it.
JANE SAYS: You’re only human. Feeling envious may not be an attractive emotion, but it is a common one. The
problem is that you take all of your friends (and what they say) at face value.
But you have no idea what goes on behind closed doors. They might not be having the fantastic time you imagine because a lot of people also exaggerate and lie.
It’s very honest and brave of you to admit that you have a problem. You’re still making your way in the world and the chances are that, through hard work and tenacity, your situation will soon change.
If you’re not happy in your job, then what are your options regarding moving on?
Draw up a plan of everything you wish to achieve and start making things happen. Do you need to go in for further education or retraining? Do you need to meet new friends through clubs or associations? Are you eating healthily and getting plenty of exercise?
However, if you worry that you have serious problem, then speak to your GP. Ask to be referred to a mental health expert who will hopefully help you to see the good in life and people, while helping you to confront your demons and calm down.