Mumsey responded May 19, 2008 at 6:06PM

  

Ok, I have a friend who is stunningly beautiful - when we used to go out together, I got ignored (and I must say, I looked pretty darned good back then.) She married a guy with a Super Bowl ring, really nice fellow, and they bought an over a million dollar "fixer-upper" in Napa. PLUS she LOVED to go shopping - my daughter's fav thing to do for awhile. While I hated shopping. Their home was amazing, their kids got everything, and yup, we're still friends. No way could I keep up, and was I jealous sometimes? You bet! But we're still friends, even though I moved away, and my dd often asked why she didn't get what my friend's kids got, but it didn't stop their friendship nor ours. It ain't always easy, tho'.

  rohansmama responded May 20, 2008 at 1:58AM

  

Who wouldn't feel jealous if your neighbor or friend is doing well or if you cannot afford the toys that your friend buys for his toddler. We just accept the fact and live along. I would say be like the kids. They always pretend to be in their own imaginary world most of the time. Its fun.

  laurasutherland responded May 20, 2008 at 5:26PM

  Your life is the sum of the choices you make.

When I was a little girl, my Mom told me about her best friend, Carolyn, growing up. My Mom's family was poor, but Carolyn's was rich. Carolyn had lots of beautiful dolls and dresses. I asked my Mom how she handled the jealousy. She said it never even occurred to her to be jealous - she just felt extremely lucky because she had a friend who had all these dolls she could go play with, and dresses she could dress up in.

  Kelmcmom responded May 22, 2008 at 9:17AM

  Diggin the motherhood gig

Growing up, we were usually strapped for cash and I could not have everything I asked for. I remember how other kids had fun stuff in their lunch boxes and I had boring carrot sticks and they had cupcakes and juice boxes. But now I know that I appreciate everything I do have. Sure I still get jealous but I also try to think of people who dont even have a roof over the heads etc. I would like to think I turned into a grateful person, and hope to raise my daughter that way...but what the-wait a minute...is that a BMW next door! ah man!!!! ;o)

  dustbunny responded May 22, 2008 at 9:38AM

  dishing the dirt, cleaning the chaos

thanks for the personal stories...that makes this feel more"normal"