As I See It, The Difference Between Envy and Jealousy is Most Likely a Nice Shade of Turquoise

Winter Blues

My 16yo dreams of being a famous photographer and it shows.

I'm a pretty tolerant mom.  I don't have very many rules when it comes to my kids picking and choosing their friends.  In fact, if anything, my husband and I try to encourage our children to be as open-minded and non-judgmental as they would want others to be.

Until, one of them has a falling out and, well, easier said than done, right?

On the one hand, it's difficult to remain objective while watching your child's heart break, as she drenches your shoulder with snot, believing that the world is indeed coming to an end and not want to rip their so-called bestie a new one.

Then again, speaking as an adult (mostly) it's a little easier to understand that we each carry our own pain which, more often than not, influences the decisions we make in life, good and/or bad.

Until, someone I care about inadvertently breaks my heart and, well, have you seen The Grudge?

A black, inky sort of BLECH! creeps over my insides and NO amount of bleach or disinfectant can keep me from being swallowed up by its toxicity.

I could always blame it on the winter blues.  Or, being a woman (enough said)  and claim jealousy on their part.  Then again, I cannot honestly admit that I have never been envious of others, for reasons that would probably sound very silly or childish, to say out loud, anyway.

"So, have you spoken to So-and-So since, well, you know?"

Then, one of my kids turns around and says something profoundly adult-ish, like this:

"No, I've come to the decision that no matter what I do it will NEVER be good enough."

Aaaaaand, I WANT TO BE JUST LIKE HER when I grow up.

Morale of the Story:   Never miss an opportunity to make others happy, even if you have to leave them alone to do it.

Then again, happiness is highly subjective (I think) and thank goodness for small favors, right?

© 2003 – 2012 This Full House

Comments

64 responses to “As I See It, The Difference Between Envy and Jealousy is Most Likely a Nice Shade of Turquoise”

  1. ascapecodturns Avatar

    I can’t imagine anyone hurting you.
    I love the picture at the top, tell said 16 year old for me 🙂

  2. ascapecodturns Avatar

    I can’t imagine anyone hurting you.
    I love the picture at the top, tell said 16 year old for me 🙂

  3. ascapecodturns Avatar

    I can’t imagine anyone hurting you.
    I love the picture at the top, tell said 16 year old for me 🙂

  4. ascapecodturns Avatar

    I can’t imagine anyone hurting you.
    I love the picture at the top, tell said 16 year old for me 🙂

  5. ascapecodturns Avatar

    I can’t imagine anyone hurting you.
    I love the picture at the top, tell said 16 year old for me 🙂

  6. ascapecodturns Avatar

    I can’t imagine anyone hurting you.
    I love the picture at the top, tell said 16 year old for me 🙂

  7. ascapecodturns Avatar

    I can’t imagine anyone hurting you.
    I love the picture at the top, tell said 16 year old for me 🙂

  8. ascapecodturns Avatar

    I can’t imagine anyone hurting you.
    I love the picture at the top, tell said 16 year old for me 🙂

  9. Melisa Avatar

    That picture is indeed gorgeous.
    And…WHO HURT YOU??? Let me at ’em!!!

  10. Melisa Avatar

    That picture is indeed gorgeous.
    And…WHO HURT YOU??? Let me at ’em!!!

  11. Melisa Avatar

    That picture is indeed gorgeous.
    And…WHO HURT YOU??? Let me at ’em!!!

  12. Melisa Avatar

    That picture is indeed gorgeous.
    And…WHO HURT YOU??? Let me at ’em!!!

  13. Melisa Avatar

    That picture is indeed gorgeous.
    And…WHO HURT YOU??? Let me at ’em!!!

  14. Melisa Avatar

    That picture is indeed gorgeous.
    And…WHO HURT YOU??? Let me at ’em!!!

  15. Melisa Avatar

    That picture is indeed gorgeous.
    And…WHO HURT YOU??? Let me at ’em!!!

  16. Melisa Avatar

    That picture is indeed gorgeous.
    And…WHO HURT YOU??? Let me at ’em!!!

  17. Liz@ThisFullHouse Avatar

    Hey Melisa!  I was speaking more in general terms of holding onto the disappointment of my not measuring up to the expectations of others and why I it bothers me so much.  Especially, as my 16yo pointed out, whatever I say or do will never be enough.  I don't want my kids (especially, my girls) to carry that kind of guilt.  Clearly, they are way smarter than their mother.  Just felt good to write it out old school.
    Hugs,
    Liz

  18. Liz@ThisFullHouse Avatar

    Hey Melisa!  I was speaking more in general terms of holding onto the disappointment of my not measuring up to the expectations of others and why I it bothers me so much.  Especially, as my 16yo pointed out, whatever I say or do will never be enough.  I don't want my kids (especially, my girls) to carry that kind of guilt.  Clearly, they are way smarter than their mother.  Just felt good to write it out old school.
    Hugs,
    Liz

  19. Liz@ThisFullHouse Avatar

    Hey Melisa!  I was speaking more in general terms of holding onto the disappointment of my not measuring up to the expectations of others and why I it bothers me so much.  Especially, as my 16yo pointed out, whatever I say or do will never be enough.  I don't want my kids (especially, my girls) to carry that kind of guilt.  Clearly, they are way smarter than their mother.  Just felt good to write it out old school.
    Hugs,
    Liz

  20. Liz@ThisFullHouse Avatar

    Hey Melisa!  I was speaking more in general terms of holding onto the disappointment of my not measuring up to the expectations of others and why I it bothers me so much.  Especially, as my 16yo pointed out, whatever I say or do will never be enough.  I don't want my kids (especially, my girls) to carry that kind of guilt.  Clearly, they are way smarter than their mother.  Just felt good to write it out old school.
    Hugs,
    Liz

  21. Liz@ThisFullHouse Avatar

    Hey Melisa!  I was speaking more in general terms of holding onto the disappointment of my not measuring up to the expectations of others and why I it bothers me so much.  Especially, as my 16yo pointed out, whatever I say or do will never be enough.  I don't want my kids (especially, my girls) to carry that kind of guilt.  Clearly, they are way smarter than their mother.  Just felt good to write it out old school.
    Hugs,
    Liz

  22. Liz@ThisFullHouse Avatar

    Hey Melisa!  I was speaking more in general terms of holding onto the disappointment of my not measuring up to the expectations of others and why I it bothers me so much.  Especially, as my 16yo pointed out, whatever I say or do will never be enough.  I don't want my kids (especially, my girls) to carry that kind of guilt.  Clearly, they are way smarter than their mother.  Just felt good to write it out old school.
    Hugs,
    Liz

  23. Liz@ThisFullHouse Avatar

    Hey Melisa!  I was speaking more in general terms of holding onto the disappointment of my not measuring up to the expectations of others and why I it bothers me so much.  Especially, as my 16yo pointed out, whatever I say or do will never be enough.  I don't want my kids (especially, my girls) to carry that kind of guilt.  Clearly, they are way smarter than their mother.  Just felt good to write it out old school.
    Hugs,
    Liz

  24. Liz@ThisFullHouse Avatar

    Hey Melisa!  I was speaking more in general terms of holding onto the disappointment of my not measuring up to the expectations of others and why I it bothers me so much.  Especially, as my 16yo pointed out, whatever I say or do will never be enough.  I don't want my kids (especially, my girls) to carry that kind of guilt.  Clearly, they are way smarter than their mother.  Just felt good to write it out old school.
    Hugs,
    Liz

  25. Tara R. Avatar

    I am the queen of passive/aggression, I don’t hold a grudge, I just get even. That said, it takes a lot to get on my bad side.
    I’m also good at pitchfork and torch duty… just in case you’re in need of an angry mob.

  26. Tara R. Avatar

    I am the queen of passive/aggression, I don’t hold a grudge, I just get even. That said, it takes a lot to get on my bad side.
    I’m also good at pitchfork and torch duty… just in case you’re in need of an angry mob.

  27. Tara R. Avatar

    I am the queen of passive/aggression, I don’t hold a grudge, I just get even. That said, it takes a lot to get on my bad side.
    I’m also good at pitchfork and torch duty… just in case you’re in need of an angry mob.

  28. Tara R. Avatar

    I am the queen of passive/aggression, I don’t hold a grudge, I just get even. That said, it takes a lot to get on my bad side.
    I’m also good at pitchfork and torch duty… just in case you’re in need of an angry mob.

  29. Tara R. Avatar

    I am the queen of passive/aggression, I don’t hold a grudge, I just get even. That said, it takes a lot to get on my bad side.
    I’m also good at pitchfork and torch duty… just in case you’re in need of an angry mob.

  30. Tara R. Avatar

    I am the queen of passive/aggression, I don’t hold a grudge, I just get even. That said, it takes a lot to get on my bad side.
    I’m also good at pitchfork and torch duty… just in case you’re in need of an angry mob.

  31. Tara R. Avatar

    I am the queen of passive/aggression, I don’t hold a grudge, I just get even. That said, it takes a lot to get on my bad side.
    I’m also good at pitchfork and torch duty… just in case you’re in need of an angry mob.

  32. Tara R. Avatar

    I am the queen of passive/aggression, I don’t hold a grudge, I just get even. That said, it takes a lot to get on my bad side.
    I’m also good at pitchfork and torch duty… just in case you’re in need of an angry mob.

  33. Heather Avatar

    Tara is right- She’s always offering to shiv or shank someone, even shin kicks. Hahahaha. I am also a little too passive aggressive. I’m glad that you wrote this and got it out. We all have to let go of the “happy” every now and then and feel the more deeper feelings.

  34. Heather Avatar

    Tara is right- She’s always offering to shiv or shank someone, even shin kicks. Hahahaha. I am also a little too passive aggressive. I’m glad that you wrote this and got it out. We all have to let go of the “happy” every now and then and feel the more deeper feelings.

  35. Heather Avatar

    Tara is right- She’s always offering to shiv or shank someone, even shin kicks. Hahahaha. I am also a little too passive aggressive. I’m glad that you wrote this and got it out. We all have to let go of the “happy” every now and then and feel the more deeper feelings.

  36. Heather Avatar

    Tara is right- She’s always offering to shiv or shank someone, even shin kicks. Hahahaha. I am also a little too passive aggressive. I’m glad that you wrote this and got it out. We all have to let go of the “happy” every now and then and feel the more deeper feelings.

  37. Heather Avatar

    Tara is right- She’s always offering to shiv or shank someone, even shin kicks. Hahahaha. I am also a little too passive aggressive. I’m glad that you wrote this and got it out. We all have to let go of the “happy” every now and then and feel the more deeper feelings.

  38. Heather Avatar

    Tara is right- She’s always offering to shiv or shank someone, even shin kicks. Hahahaha. I am also a little too passive aggressive. I’m glad that you wrote this and got it out. We all have to let go of the “happy” every now and then and feel the more deeper feelings.

  39. Heather Avatar

    Tara is right- She’s always offering to shiv or shank someone, even shin kicks. Hahahaha. I am also a little too passive aggressive. I’m glad that you wrote this and got it out. We all have to let go of the “happy” every now and then and feel the more deeper feelings.

  40. Heather Avatar

    Tara is right- She’s always offering to shiv or shank someone, even shin kicks. Hahahaha. I am also a little too passive aggressive. I’m glad that you wrote this and got it out. We all have to let go of the “happy” every now and then and feel the more deeper feelings.

  41. Liz@ThisFullHouse Avatar

    Nail meet hammer.   You are very, very wise and excellent way to bring it home, Heather!
    Hugs,
    Liz

  42. Liz@ThisFullHouse Avatar

    Nail meet hammer.   You are very, very wise and excellent way to bring it home, Heather!
    Hugs,
    Liz

  43. Liz@ThisFullHouse Avatar

    Nail meet hammer.   You are very, very wise and excellent way to bring it home, Heather!
    Hugs,
    Liz

  44. Liz@ThisFullHouse Avatar

    Nail meet hammer.   You are very, very wise and excellent way to bring it home, Heather!
    Hugs,
    Liz

  45. Liz@ThisFullHouse Avatar

    Nail meet hammer.   You are very, very wise and excellent way to bring it home, Heather!
    Hugs,
    Liz

  46. Liz@ThisFullHouse Avatar

    Nail meet hammer.   You are very, very wise and excellent way to bring it home, Heather!
    Hugs,
    Liz

  47. Liz@ThisFullHouse Avatar

    Nail meet hammer.   You are very, very wise and excellent way to bring it home, Heather!
    Hugs,
    Liz

  48. Liz@ThisFullHouse Avatar

    Nail meet hammer.   You are very, very wise and excellent way to bring it home, Heather!
    Hugs,
    Liz

  49. Headless Mom Avatar

    That girl of yours is smaht. Just like her mama.

  50. Headless Mom Avatar

    That girl of yours is smaht. Just like her mama.

  51. Headless Mom Avatar

    That girl of yours is smaht. Just like her mama.

  52. Headless Mom Avatar

    That girl of yours is smaht. Just like her mama.

  53. Headless Mom Avatar

    That girl of yours is smaht. Just like her mama.

  54. Headless Mom Avatar

    That girl of yours is smaht. Just like her mama.

  55. Headless Mom Avatar

    That girl of yours is smaht. Just like her mama.

  56. Headless Mom Avatar

    That girl of yours is smaht. Just like her mama.

  57. Corrin Avatar

    I think if someone inadvertently hurts you, that you owe it to yourself to let that person know why. If it’s been a fulfilling relationship in all other aspects, you kind of owe it to that person too, because it was unintentional.

  58. Corrin Avatar

    I think if someone inadvertently hurts you, that you owe it to yourself to let that person know why. If it’s been a fulfilling relationship in all other aspects, you kind of owe it to that person too, because it was unintentional.

  59. Corrin Avatar

    I think if someone inadvertently hurts you, that you owe it to yourself to let that person know why. If it’s been a fulfilling relationship in all other aspects, you kind of owe it to that person too, because it was unintentional.

  60. Corrin Avatar

    I think if someone inadvertently hurts you, that you owe it to yourself to let that person know why. If it’s been a fulfilling relationship in all other aspects, you kind of owe it to that person too, because it was unintentional.

  61. Corrin Avatar

    I think if someone inadvertently hurts you, that you owe it to yourself to let that person know why. If it’s been a fulfilling relationship in all other aspects, you kind of owe it to that person too, because it was unintentional.

  62. Corrin Avatar

    I think if someone inadvertently hurts you, that you owe it to yourself to let that person know why. If it’s been a fulfilling relationship in all other aspects, you kind of owe it to that person too, because it was unintentional.

  63. Corrin Avatar

    I think if someone inadvertently hurts you, that you owe it to yourself to let that person know why. If it’s been a fulfilling relationship in all other aspects, you kind of owe it to that person too, because it was unintentional.

  64. Corrin Avatar

    I think if someone inadvertently hurts you, that you owe it to yourself to let that person know why. If it’s been a fulfilling relationship in all other aspects, you kind of owe it to that person too, because it was unintentional.