I recently read a post that included the sentence: I think she’s the kind of person who likes to have friends that are worse off than she is, because it makes her feel better.

It was a good post by someone who is very wise for such a young age. It got this silly old woman to thinking.

First of all, anyone who chooses friends based on that criterion is not a friend. Not even close. She’s disposable.

Then I got to thinking about the phrase: worse off. Hmmm. Worse off by what comparisons.

I taught my children a lesson a long time ago. I don’t know if it took. Essentially, I explained that in this big world of ours there is always going to be someone who has more, so get over it. There will also always be someone who has less, embrace the responsibility.

Jealously is really a sad illness. I let go of 99% of that urge about 18 years ago. I had a remarkable lesson in smoke & mirrors. I’ll share it with you another time. It was a stunning *aha* moment for me.

Another valuable lesson is that we should never assume other people’s thoughts and feelings and assets. Assets are a vague commodity. How important do you think Linda McCarthy’s millions were to her? Wasn’t the asset of good health far more valuable? Recently I stood by my mother as she barely survived surgery. So what if she has a few extra dollars in the bank. If not for me she would have been alone. There is no price tag for the precious love of family. Sure, wouldn't we all like to have it *all*, but life ain't like that. How happy was Howard Hughes at his demise? How happy is Britney Spears? How happy is Madonna? Bleh.

So back to the *worse off* good feelings at others’ expense. Worse off than what? Does one laud over more money, loving children, a loving relationship, education, a size 6 figure, musical aptitude, creature comforts, good health, linguistic ear… how did this woman feel superior? I tell ya what… I’m TOTALLY bankrupt in most those areas and much, much more. And that’s what people forget when they covet. They never look at the clichéd big picture.

There’s a lovely woman at JS whom I admire. Her name is Lisa. She’s going through some pretty tough times, but no matter what, she’s always there with a kind word. She’s always there to be happy for someone no matter how sad she might feel in the moment. She rises in glorious true friendship. She soldiers on with grace even when she rants. This is a gift she has, because I’ve noticed that many others have trouble being happy for others and I find that sad. They don’t look at the big picture.

I think I’ve missed my sore point here, but it’s a huge sore point with me and I hope some of it made sense.

And thank you wise person for you gutsy sharing and observations. This gutsy person’s link at my place is GC. Lisa is too.

I know I’ve annoyed some good folk here. Too bad.