I Have Everything—A Handsome, Wealthy Husband, a Beautiful Home, and Kids. So Why Do I Envy My Friend and Sister? What Should I Do, and How Should I Ask for Forgiveness?
Start with a 30-day journal, but remember, this is a lifelong journey:
- Be honest with yourself – How happy were you when you got married? Was it truly for love, or was money a factor?
- Were you feeling pressured by time? – Did it feel like your clock was ticking? Were your friends and cousins already married?
- Understand your reasons – The real reasons behind your actions will help you understand why you feel or behave a certain way.
- Why are you comparing yourself to your friend or sister? – Is it true envy or jealousy? What is it you're jealous of?
- Can you do what they are doing? – Would that give you satisfaction, or are you meant for something else?
- Accept your path – If you can’t do what they do, it’s because your journey is different from theirs, and that’s okay.
- List your own achievements – Focus on what you love about yourself and what you’re proud of, no matter what others have accomplished, and grateful for?
- Cherish your family – Appreciate your husband, children, and friends. If you feel lonely, join a new activity like cooking or painting to make new connections and shift your focus away from comparison and jealousy.
- Strengthen your relationship – Plan a weekly date night with your husband, and avoid talking about work or the kids. Focus on each other, remembering the early days of your relationship and what you can build together in the future.
- Control your thoughts – Every time you catch yourself comparing, stop. Be honest and ask for forgiveness from your friend and sister—they likely already sense how you've been treating them.