12. Social media jealousy

What to do when you see a post that you envy

I recently noticed an unhealthy social media habit of mine. I tend to feel a pent-up jealousy when I see a friend having a better life than mine. Posts about them getting a new glorious job, winning a competition or reaching a new milestone in their life.

When I stumble upon these posts, I quickly scroll down to not know further. Or read further and wallow about what I’m missing.

This is a fucked-up attitude. If I were their friends, I should feel excited for them. Instead of feeling bad about myself, I should feel good for them. The more I deny the goodness happening in their life, the more miserable I feel about mine. I should accept where I am, be fine with that, and know that my time will come just like theirs have for them.

At the same time, I should understand that for every amazing thing they posted, there were loads of hard work, struggle, and pain behind it. I should be glad instead then, to be surrounded by people who are so driven to accomplish great things.

Besides, this is their time for limelight and adulation. That’s what you do as part of the social media community. You congratulate people, acknowledge their success and make them feel good. I would have expected the same treatment should I post something great about my life. As vain as it sounds, the validation from social media does make you feel good.

So instead of rejecting people’s success, I should embrace it warm-heartedly. Truly be happy and genuinely wish for them. Maybe even learn a thing or two that I can apply to my own life. Feeling happy for others will lead to a happier life.