I’m jealous of all my friends.
Everyone at one point in his or her life is jealous of a friend. It could be over a test grade, a new job, a new relationship, better shoes, whatever. I can accept that at certain times I may be jealous of a friend. I just never expected to be jealous of all of them at once.
Everyone wants the perfect job, the perfect partner and the perfect place to live. We may not have all of them right now, but we hope that one day we will have all Three, the final sign that we’ve “made it.”
As a single 20 something living with my parents and working at the Gap, I obviously have none of the elusive Three. It wouldn’t be so hard to deal with if my friends were in the same boat. But all of them have at least one of the Three. Sarah, Jon and Sam have great boyfriends, the kind of guys you want to pick out china patterns and have babies with. Adam, Jon and Angie have ACTUAL jobs, ones with healthcare, 401(k)s and paid vacations. When it comes to the last of the Three–living accommodations–the only one of us who is really secure in that is Jon. Anyone noticing that he’s getting off quite well? Him with his adorable puppy, perfect boyfriend, great job and wonderful old house. But even Sam, Angie and Chelsea have managed to get out of their parents’ homes.
So let’s tally the scores shall we? Jon: 3 (lucky bastard) Angie: 2 Adam: 1 (but since that 1 is the perfect job, it’s a high 1) Sarah: 1 (Did I mention her boyfriend bought her two Coach purses?) Samantha: 1 (As soon as she moves to Cleveland to be closer to her bf, you can bet he’ll put a ring on it before she’s unpacked) Chelsea: 1 (All of us know Chelsea is destined for great things. She’ll be living in France while I’m still at the Gap.)
If I sound incredibly bitter, I apologize. My friends know I love them and want nothing but the best for all of them. But … when will it be my turn? Right now I would settle for one of the three. I know I should be grateful. I graduated college. I have no debt to my name. I managed to find a part-time job at one of my favorite stores, and I’m blessed with two amazingly patient and understanding parents who haven’t kicked me out. But it’s not enough. I want more. Then again, who doesn’t? Which leaves me to wonder, when I do acquire The Big Three, will it be enough?
Are any of us ever happy with what we have?
