Why Do Some People Resent the Success of Others?

Why Do Some People Resent the Success of Others? | Not Dressed As Lamb

Something I’ve been thinking about this week is the success of others and people’s attitudes towards it.

Sharing my thoughts for the week on this link up is a great way to get some really interesting discussions going – this is a gem methinks…!

I got thinking about this for two reasons: One, because of my win at the UK Blog Awards a couple of weeks ago, and two, because of a very interesting post written by Vicki of Honest Mum just this week (if you don’t know Vicki, she’s one of the UK’s biggest parenting/lifestyle bloggers – double award-winning, very successful, lots of TV appearances. But I’ve met her IRL and she’s absolutely lovely, and as a fellow blogger she couldn’t be more generous, thoughtful and kind).

Vicki’s post was entitled, How I Earn Six Figures Blogging and Vlogging and You Can Too. Just let that sink in for a minute… SIX figures. Those are some serious, serious earnings – and one that I’m not at all surprised by, considering how hard that woman works.

But when she emailed the link to her (link up) post on Wednesday, it came with a message that said how she’d hesitated for a very long time about publishing the post. As she says at the beginning of the post, it’s not very British, is it? – and no, talking about money isn’t. At all. But the reason she wrote it was to show that it can be done, and it explained how she did it. It wasn’t to show off – she’s not at all like that – it was to inspire.

However, the fact that she had to mention that it’s ‘not British’ to talk about something like success struck a chord with me. I was very hesitant about telling people about my Blog Awards win, as if I were showing off. I published one post before the awards saying wish me luck (though I won’t win anyway), another post featuring the red gown I wore on the night, and another celebrating my win and to say thank you to my readers and loved ones.

Too much? I wondered if it was.

 

The increase in unsubscribes

And the strange thing was, I noticed that the unsubscribes from my newsletter (that included news about my win) and the subscription emails to my Blog Awards posts rose dramatically compared to other newsletters/emails. More than twice as many unsubscribes compared to the average, in fact.

As a blogger you ALWAYS have people unsubscribe when you send something out for all sorts of reasons, and they’re not all negative. They could have changed their email address, they may want to read your blog on a different platform, they may find that they just have too many emails coming in, or they simply don’t find your content interesting or relevant to them any more. It’s not a big deal, if I’m not appealing to someone then I can’t force them to like my content.

And yes, it could have been coincidence that there were more subscribes that week, but it did get me wondering whether me “bleating on about” (my turn of phrase, no one else’s!) my win didn’t inspire as was the intention, but instead made people resentful. It is known to be a very British thing to not celebrate the success of others – there’s nothing better that the British tabloid press loves, for example, than to parade the downfall of a celebrity. Social media revels in bringing down anyone who’s enjoyed some sort of success.

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How Vicki’s post about her earnings made me feel

Vicki’s post about her six-figure earnings did, of course, make my heart sink very briefly (in a Why can’t I be earning that sort of money, waaaah… way). It’s no secret that I struggle as a full-time blogger to even pay the mortgage, and although things are slightly better than last year’s financial crisis, I’m still barely earning five figures if you take away what I spend on blogging and look at my actual profit.

But that doesn’t mean I resent Vicki’s success – far from it. She’s an inspiration, and solid proof that hard work, determination and a huge amount of self-belief can get you everywhere.

It’s a shame when people can’t see that the success of others is something to be celebrated, especially when they started from exactly the same place. Today’s throwaway, celebrity-obsessed society breeds this culture of expecting-everything-for-nothing, and that in turns breeds resentment – so many people seem to be afraid of hard work these days.

It’s great to see someone who works bloody hard achieve those sorts of levels of success. I’d like to think that my blogging award is a result of my hard work and determination, and I hope that it definitely inspires more than any resentment it may create.

There’s NEVER a need for anyone to apologise for their efforts, least of all in blogging. I wish many successes on all of you, and many more for Vicki too.

As the wisest of wise ones Yoda said, “Fear is the path to the dark side… fear leads to anger… anger leads to hate… hate leads to suffering.”

Never fear hard work, guys. Yoda says so.

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Why Do Some People Resent the Success of Others?

WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON THE FACT THAT SOME RESENT THE SUCCESS OF OTHERS? TELL ME IN THE COMMENTS…

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42 Comments

  1. 27 May 2017 / 5:14 pm

    Coming to this a bit late as usual as I'm catching up with my blogs. But first of all many congratulations on your well-earned win! ��

    I truly dislike resenting another person's success. Mostly because they've no doubt worked towards it and it's been a slog to get there. But even if they haven't and have just been in the right place at the right time, who are we to make them feel bad about their good news? That's just life. As women I think we're especially susceptible to feeling guilty when we shouldn't, and we need to stop.

    Crikey, I once felt awful because the local press came to interview and take photos of the artwork in a new gallery. There were three of us taking part, but only my photo got in the paper. Rather than enjoy it and see it as a great thing for the CV, I felt slightly guilty! I also had to watch what good news I shared with a family member as she'd always be sure to shoot me down, even though she'd long endured a vicious father doing the same to her and we'd all fought in her corner.

    Sometimes I may feel a tinge of envy, but it's never in a negative way, only in a sense of hoping I can sell more artwork or improve my technique to match theirs. And being resentful is exhausting – all that energy you could be focussing on upping your own game!

  2. 15 May 2017 / 2:51 pm

    I don't think you published about the blog awards too much. I feel happy for you and I enjoyed reading your posts. If there were more I'm sure I would have loved reading those too. But it's a really good question – why do people resent the success of others? Jealousy? Unhappiness in their own lives? Who knows what goes on in someones head. People are strange. In my world I'm happy for the success of others. I take inspiration from those who do well and succeed. I'm sure you won't, but please don't go into your shell and think you can't keep talking about your win. It's a big deal that came from working hard. This is your time. Don't let anyone else bring you down. xx

    ♥ Carly Susanne ~ A Beauty & Lifestyle Blog

  3. 13 May 2017 / 7:31 pm

    I will keep it simple: lots of people are mean and small minded, jealous and resentful. Those are not the people we like. Their own character will get them in the end. As the saying: "you get what you give" is also a very true one. Not always immediately but it comes. If you are mean to people, in the end people won't like you and you will end up a lonely, grumpy, complaining old person. That is your punishment.
    Greetje

  4. 9 May 2017 / 1:58 pm

    Great words and very thought provoking. I am like you I get that instant waaaa why not me and then love to celebrate the individuals success. I personally did not think you shared too much, in fact I think people should celebrate their successes more. Let others know their are positive rewards for the hard work that they do.

  5. 9 May 2017 / 7:25 am

    Bah, some people just don't like success, for whatever reasons. I'm actually surprised at the difference between earnings here, 6 figures is a hell of a lot more than 5 – from the outside I would have thought your two blogs a similar 'level'. I know that you work so hard Catherine, I hope that your earnings start to reflect that a bit more! X

  6. 7 May 2017 / 2:20 pm

    So after reading this post I just checked my email and I only seem to be getting Saturday Share link up email from you? It's possible I unsubscribed without realizing it, if so I apologize! I was so happy you won, I know I haven't commented recently but you really deserved it! I fear maybe a lot of smaller bloggers have gotten caught up in the Instagram fraud furore – rightly so, but maybe are tarnishing all bigger blogs with the same brush unfairly. I have had rather a lot of big bloggers on Insta follow to unfollow, and seen people I really liked using bots, and I have unfollowed people I was previously enjoying the content of for that, because I don't think it's fair to cheat the system when there are so many of us merely grafting away at what we do. This is maybe slightly off topic but I do think there are a lot of unhappy rumblings in the blogosphere just now, which wasn't timed very well for the U.K. Blog Awards. Anyone who reads your blog knows you are a very worthy winner and are especially helpful to other bloggers as well with so many of your posts with helpful advice, don't sweat it Catherine! It is not bragging to talk about when good things happen for you, you are always honest about so many experiences at your level of blogging, warts and all (so to speak!), and we have all rooted for you to win for awhile now, sorry if it was tarnished by a few bad apples! xo

  7. 7 May 2017 / 1:53 pm

    This is a really interesting post Catherine and something that makes me feel sad.

    It is a very special (and quite rare) thing to be surrounded by other women who want to build you up and celebrate your successes.
    In all walks of life people will feel resentful and envious and want to drag other's down.
    "How come SHE won that award/has that contract/ made that money…she's (insert nasty comment)"
    Usually because they feel crap about their own lives.
    In this case envy about your success could be down to a lack of success.
    BUT
    Success does not happen overnight or without effort.
    Bloggers like Vicki (and yourself), with her great/decent income and seemingly glamorous blogging life don't get that by sitting around doing nothing.
    You work your ass off!
    {I know how much effort goes in to my blog as a hobby, so the mind boggles as to how much work 6 figures involves!}
    AND not just hard work either… you need a real talent. A gift for writing /photography as well as a gift for style!
    Hard work form a talented person deserves reward, whatever form that takes.
    You are right to speak out as is Vicki to (generously) share her tips and try to slowly break this awful habit we have of almost apologising for our success.
    XXX
    Samantha
    Fake Fabulous | Fashion & Style, over 40

  8. 7 May 2017 / 3:07 am

    I am not sure why anyone would resent another's good fortune. I guess that I was born with out that gene. I am thrilled when someone else does well. I kind of feel that if they did well, then so will I. I am thrilled for you and quite honestly, why wouldn't you want to tell everyone that you won? I just don't get it. I hope that you make lots and lots of money and get all the attention! Plus you looked marvelous in that red gown! I did not feel that you were bragging at all. I just thought that you were excited and enthusiastic as well you should be. Congratulations. Best to you always!

  9. 7 May 2017 / 12:41 am

    I'm not British, but I get weird about the idea of 'bragging'. It's hard to talk about good news and not seem like you're showing off, but we deserve to enjoy success! I think it's the tone and attitude. You rly went out of your way to be inclusive in how you talked about winning—sort of like a team. But you won!!! So full on congrats again 😀

  10. 7 May 2017 / 12:20 am

    First of all, it's sad that you had more people unsubscribe. I was truly excited when I saw that you won on IG (via Greetje's post).

    Second, I do think it's true that people are jealous in all industries (as stated above), but for some reason I think there is more envy in blogging. So many people have blogs and many look very similar on the "outside." Yet successful bloggers clearly do things very differently "behind the scenes." I started my blog 8 years ago as a healthy living blog and witnessed a few bloggers rise to the top. It was very clear to me that they worked extremely hard (outstanding photography, great blog design, consistently inspiring and helpful content, etc.). Plus, they all were constantly experimenting and changing things as they figured out what worked best. Their blogs are constantly evolving. To me, there is a real difference between their blogs and other blogs. I also know someone personally who has a very successful style blog, and she also works extremely hard, constantly adjusting things, etc. Plus, she blogged for years before she made it her full time job. I know she experienced some backlash when she very hesitantly announced that she was blogging full time. Now, there are also many, many not-very-well-known blogs that I enjoy very much. And they deserve more recognition than they get. But I don't understand why anyone would resent the success of others. After all, it doesn't do anything for your own success…

  11. 6 May 2017 / 9:46 pm

    In no way do I think you were bragging about your win. I first read about it on Greetje's post and then popped over to your site.You should be proud of your accomplishment and that you are making a go of it, even if it is not hugely profitable. You are doing what you enjoy, and how many folks can say that…However, I do understand the grumpiness of others. I am a public school teacher (US version) and I constantly hear about how "much" money I make compared to the others in my community. What folks don't understand is that it cost a lot of money for me to go to college, to remain licensed, to return to college for a post baccalaureate degree, and to pay for supplies that are not in my school budget. They think my job is 8 am – 3 pm; not so-more like 7:30-6:00. Then there are the concerts, shows, family nights, and parent conferences. I have the summer off, well, not quite-I'm cleaning my room for the summer, taking courses to remain licensed, writing curriculum, and setting up my classroom at the end of the summer. So although it seems I am complaining, I am not-I chose this profession. I just wish people would be supportive of my work…supportive of your work…and supportive of each other. We all walk different paths and that is what makes life interesting! Carol

  12. 6 May 2017 / 2:19 pm

    I think it's great that you admitted Vicki's article made you a little "Wha.. what?!" but that's totally natural. We can't help but compare ourselves and being a little envious is good for our drive. Initially, I had problems sharing my wins on social media too – Will people think I'm showing off? After hitting the publish buttons a few times for small wins, it feels totally ok to share big wins and successes now. After all, if you don't toot your own horns, who will?

    Michelle at The Chill Mom

  13. 6 May 2017 / 2:17 pm

    We should celebrate and encourage each other. Find inspiration in each other.
    Im not an idealist and I know from personal experience that people resent what you do because you dare to do something different from the norm.
    I find pure joy in meeting virtually and in the flesh blog friends and so I push the unsettling thoughts aside and just get on with it. The people who want to be around us will be and the rest …. awh well.

  14. 6 May 2017 / 2:06 pm

    Catherine, this is another informative, thought-provoking post. I shared it on The Fierce 50 Revolution Facebook page because I think it is a good post for all of us to read and think about ( it is a group of mostly over 50 women bloggers).
    I have to say that I truly support other bloggers and am never jealous. But I am happy with my life. Those who judge and resent are usually insecure, unhappy and have low self-confidence. I have experienced some interesting things from other bloggers but at the end of the day I just surround myself with people who are kind, honest and compassionate. I know successful bloggers out there that are greedy and mean. I know other successful bloggers that are true and would never hurt another person if their life depended on it. I can say through blogging I have met some of the best friends I have ever had. So I’ll take the good with the bad.
    I guess I don’t know where I am going with this but to say thank you for pointing out truths. I’ve already congratulated you are your win and I voted for you for the last couple of years ever since I started reading your blog. You are amazing in how much you have helped other bloggers. I have learned so many technical things from you. You are a gem! Peace! Cheryl Tucker

  15. 6 May 2017 / 2:02 pm

    Firstly a big heartfelt congratulations on your award.
    I think not talking about money and success is very (northern) European trait. I'm British but live in Denmark and here there is 'Janteloven' which basically means that nobody is better than anybody else, or worth more/less than anybody else. In a lot of ways it's true, as everybody has their place in society. But some people have success and some don't, it's just the way it is.
    I work in a profession where there are incremental wage increases, occasionally the system has been changed so that people with less experience moved up the scale quicker than I did. Some collegues were bitter about this, feeling they'd been done out of something, where I was happy that collegues who were doing the same job, were getting the same wage.
    Some people's nature means that they will always be envious of someone, that's just the way they are. And if you do happen to mention your success (it's perfectly normal to want to share the triumphs in life in my opinion), then there will always be someone who thinks you deserve to be taken down a peg or two.

  16. 6 May 2017 / 12:57 pm

    Brilliant post Catherine, I hear your voice clearly. Although it's your readers comments I find incredibly inspiring. You've built a community that feels confident to speak the truth in an open forum so to hell with the unsubscribers I say!
    xxx

  17. 6 May 2017 / 12:48 pm

    You made me smile with this comment x

  18. 6 May 2017 / 12:13 pm

    I can't really explain the reasons for others. For myself, I don't resent anyone's success. As for success in blog land, the only time I question someone's success is if I don't understand it. If someone's blog is a huge success and I think their fashion style or photography is terrible and the content is empty I just don't get it. If someone works hard to get something, good for them.

  19. 6 May 2017 / 12:07 pm

    Such a great message, Catherine! And I just read Vicki's comment here and clearly she is an amazing supportive woman. I don't get it either. How cruel and unsupportive others can be. Jealousy has never sat well with me. I do believe that I may be the least jealous person on the planet in every aspect of my life, for real. And any little bit of success that I have had in life is due to my own efforts and dedication and hard work. And I am always, always willing to share what I have learned along the way if it can help anyone in the slightest. So as I read that Vicki makes 6 figures and that you make 5 figures, I am thinking, good for them…doing what they love and making some money in the process. I have made a grand total of $70 through my blog in 2 years of blogging! Ha. Yes, 2 figures. Those are my earnings. But all I am thinking is what can I learn from you amazing women to support myself doing what I love! I know I am missing pieces and I know I could be working harder, but I just continue to take the steps that I need to take to better myself. Some of those steps include learning from others. Never being jealous or knocking others down. What good does that do anyone? Women must support and empower other women. It really is the only formula for success! Thanks again for always creating inspirational and helpful content. I have learned so much from you already and your well-deserved blogger award win (including your "bleating on about it") has only made me respect you more and want to learn more from you! So bleat on, my friend, you are completely entitled to it!
    Now I must hop on over and check out Vicki's post. I have a lot to learn!

    Keep inspiring!
    Shelbee
    http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com

    • 6 May 2017 / 12:40 pm

      Dayum woman! I need to go read YOUR blog. I earned the same amount as you! You actually made me spit out my coffee from laughing so hard!
      Catherine
      http://www.atypical60.com

    • 6 May 2017 / 12:52 pm

      Bahahahaha! That sounds about right 😉

    • 6 May 2017 / 1:47 pm

      OMG! Catherine and Michelle! Thanks for seeing the humor in it all! I am glad to know that I am not alone! Rock on, girls, rock on! You are fabulous and brilliant and amazing…every single day! Coming your way now!

      Shelbee

  20. 6 May 2017 / 11:19 am

    This is a great post–and great food for thought and I shall give you my honest opinions because my own blog is based on realness, no smoke and mirrors and honesty.
    As a blogger, I don't resent anyone's success–I find it inspirational and it gives me something to work toward. However, and a huge however, I want my readers to read about me and not see three billion ads pop up. I provide links. I do not receive sponsorships and that's fine. I receive "gifts" from time to time and products to review and I do that in earnest.
    But I find that it IS a full-time job to blog and I just can't do that right now. I need my salary–especially since that b$$tard in the white house and his cronies just turned America into one huge death camp–but that's another story!
    Back to the subject matter.
    My better half is a Frenchman. He is discreet. Something I am not. He refuses to talk about money in public and he's very –um, rather surprised at some of my blog posts. I am thankful he has a strong heart! He also gets his French on when I repeat my successes over and over. He usually says "Ohhhhhh keeee. Zhat eez enufff. 'Ou ken stop nowwwwww".
    When my middle son was in high school, there was a mom who would not let up that her daughter was in "honors" classes. It was the most annoying thing on earth. I wanted to tell her to just shut up about it. One day a group of us moms were in a little "coffee clatch". She started in rambling about her daughter and how brilliant and smart she was and the teacher in her "Honors" class was speaking at a meeting ……. Then she made a grave mistake. She turned to me and asked how my son was doing. I turned to her and said "Well, if you got out of your bubble, you would have noticed that the "Honors" teacher read an essay by one of his best students. My son wrote that essay" "Did you not see me at the meeting?". Sometimes people cannot see out of their little bubble. She was dumbstruck. I didn't end my friendship with her. I just pointed out a little something something.
    I enjoy your blog. A lot. I look forward to your photos because mine suck. I look forward to the fact you write for somewhat older women (I'm 62–you are but a teenager my love). I love your outfits and I love the generosity you display in your Saturday shares–you allow many of us to have exposure that we ordinarily would not.
    But you are also that "best friend" that we all have. While I'm thrilled that you won-I was rooting for you so much–and that dress you wore–I covet it. And everyone here is genuinely happy for you–if they aren't then it's jealousy. Plain and simple. But–but, but, but. It's time to move on from writing about the win and work towards making it a repeat!
    And while I'm being honest. I used to follow you on Instagram. But I have a thing–if someone follows to unfollow–I unfollow them. And if I follow and don't receive a follow back after a while, I unfollow. My unfollow of you in IG had absolutely nothing to do with your win–it was either you followed to unfollow or I unfollowed because you didn't follow back. It's cool though. Perhaps you don't care for my photos–they are a special breed, or you don't care for my outfits. Whatevz. I still enjoy your blog. Keep up the great work!
    Best,
    Catherine http://www.atypical60.com

    • 6 May 2017 / 1:06 pm

      Michelle…you roll! Together we both rock and roll!!!

    • 6 May 2017 / 1:52 pm

      Catherine, how I have not known of you before now? Heading your way to follow your brilliant self!

      Shelbee

  21. 6 May 2017 / 8:55 am

    The thing is that when it comes to blogging I admire the success of bloggers and youtubers who I see work incredibly hard to get to the top and earn the money that they do. The time I get resentful is when I see that they've cheated their way to that. In light of the recent Instafraud drama and bot gate it's those kind of people I resent and it does rile me up.

    You are definitely an inspiration and big congratulations on the well-deserved award!

  22. 6 May 2017 / 7:40 am

    What a brilliant post, Catherine. I was sad to read that you had more unsubscribers after writing about your win at the blogging awards. It's a sad fact that some people just can't accept other people's success, whether it's due to jealousy or just a lack of self-belief. Actually, that's one of the big issues, isn't it? Self-confidence, self-belief, self-esteem, whatever you want to call it. Seeing that others have 'made it' when they think they're nowhere near that kind of success can make people somewhat bitter. It really does sadden me because I know that self acceptance and self love equals success. I know that it won't be long until you're earning the kind of money that Honest Mum is earning because you deserve it. Pure and simple.
    Big hugs from a rainy Algarve
    Suzy xx
    http://www.suzyturner.com

  23. 6 May 2017 / 7:07 am

    What a great post, thank you! I agree that we should take inspiration from those who are successful and learn from them. Sometimes asking them for help and guidance is the biggest compliment and show of support we can give, I know it feels like that if someone comes to me.

    I once worked for a company run by a husband and wife team, and it saddened me to see the growing resentment of the woman in charge as I become successful, had interesting ideas and in the end pursued my ambitions. Her growing negativity towards me made me feel so sad. She was someone I greatly admired and had always wanted to work with because of her success and drive, only to discover she didn't want to see that in others. It was ultimately why I left the company, and another female friend did the same six months later. It was a good life lesson as it taught me to always embrace and support those around me, and delight in their achievements alongside my own.

  24. 6 May 2017 / 7:01 am

    Envy is a very real part of creative endeavour and isn't talked about enough – understandably, because it's a difficult topic. (And one that you handle in your usual admirably tactful way.) But it's real and it exists and it doesn't make people bad, it's an emotion on the range of emotions we all feel as human beings! One good way of dealing with your own feelings of professional and/or creative jealousy is to address the elephant in the room with trusted individuals. They usually laugh at you and tell you to stop being silly and suddenly everything gets back in proportion. But envy is just one side of aspiration, and there's no harm in wanting to succeed and having people you aspire to mirror is a good way of motivating yourself. And equally, there's no shame in sharing success. I was riveted by the stories of your award win! Honest Mum's blog post touches on the stories in your life and that was a heck of a great story to share!

  25. 6 May 2017 / 6:34 am

    What a great post Catherine! I am so happy for your award and you should be proud of it. You are a prefect example that also mature women are able to conquer the world of bologosphere:). Unfortunately I have to agree with you that many people do not celebrate the success of others, same situation is in Poland. In our country speaking about success and being proud of it is a kind of embarrasing situation and most people are jealous of other people success. Have a great weekend dear Catehrine, Renata xox

  26. 6 May 2017 / 6:08 am

    I think it's a shame some resent others success – nothing comes without a lot of hard work. Many people would never be prepared to do the hard work and so can't imagine anyone else working so hard. All they see is the success and then get jealous.

    I am so proud of you Catherine…am also proud of the growth in my own blog (oops not modest at all) but I work all the time – something people don't realise…

    Have a wonderful weekend dear.
    xoxo

    • 6 May 2017 / 12:45 pm

      That is so true Yvonne! I think you've hit the nail on the head there.

  27. 5 May 2017 / 9:47 pm

    Oh my gosh Catherine, I've welled up reading this post, it means so much to me (and thank you to everyone's kind comments, I'm blown away). Firstly I am so sad that others unsubscribed after your win. Shame on them (I've been there and even from those I felt I was close to too). Your award so well deserved and you inspire me and so many others, daily. You are beautiful inside and out and you are successful because you are talented- and you'll get to 6, heck 7 figures, I know it. I genuinely love helping others, I'm always recommending people to those I work with and I was told that I the only person to ever hand in a list of director friends' details in at the production company I worked at when I went off on maternity leave. What is wrong with people? Why do some fear seeing others shine. I gravitate to those diamonds, I want to be their friends. Of course it's normal to want what others' have, therein lies inspiration but I genuinely want to see others succeed and I take so much pleasure in helping them do so too. I don't just talk the talk, I walk the walk and someone I recommended to my literary agent just got a book deal. How amazing is that?! There will always be haters Catherine, it's the way of the world but whatever you do or win or wear, someone won't like it. You can't please everyone but you must please yourself and be yourself because the love and support will always outweight the negativity. We must forgive the dingbats (!) too so they no longer hurt us and we must realise that so much of that malice comes from a place of insecurity. It comes from a place of fear that they can't achieve or follow their dreams. We have to keep drumming into others to not be scared. To kind fear with love and compassion where possible. Not to trolls obvs, there's no help for them! Did you watch my FB Live with Constance Hall yday because we touched on the fact that sometimes women can fear strong women? I feel low some days too and I've had some very dark times, particularly after the birth of my first child but I've learnt what and who matters because of these times. I've seen faux friends come and go (thankfully) and owe so much to the support of other women like yourself, true friends I've made online as well as my oldest buddies whose love is unconditional. I can't express how touched I am to feature on your blog here, truly, it's honestly something I will treasure (I'm off to put it on my press page because your site is as powerful and prestigious as any press). Many congratulations and here's to many, many more awards and achievements for you, this is just the beginning lady so jealous subscribers watch out xx

  28. 5 May 2017 / 8:31 pm

    Very thought-provoking Catherine and you're right that it doesn't seem very British to speak about personal success. It's so sad!!! I too read Vicki's post and found it inspirational in the same way that I find you inspirational! xxx live Liz xxx whatlizzyloves.com xxxx

  29. 5 May 2017 / 8:26 pm

    This is a great post, and sadly, very true in a lot of industries. I think peoples insecurity, and lack of confidence in their own ability can make the green eyed monster come out. We can all have moments of feeling a little envious if we are honest, but jealousy/resentfulness is a negative emotion and serves no one. Until January this year I was the owner of a successful beauty salon and was lucky to have a group of other salon owners as friends. We were supportive, encouraging and each others biggest cheerleaders. Thats what us women should be doing, loving and being inspired by our peers. I too wish you seven figures if thats your desire, we can all see how hard you work and your blog rocks!

    • 5 May 2017 / 8:43 pm

      You're absolutely right about resentment being prevalent in so many industries, Kerry. But that's so great to hear about the support you had in your beauty salon circle – I think older women either go one way or the other, supporting others or being highly resentful. If only the latter knew the power of support, eh?!!

      And thank you for those lovely compliments, I don't wish for success in terms of making millions, just enough to be able to move to an area where I'd *like* to live, rather than where I can only afford to live would be nice. I'll just keep slogging…! x

  30. 5 May 2017 / 8:14 pm

    It's actually nice to know there are women out there making money off blogging, and those are exactly the ones who should be telling up what to do, I think!!
    Of course there will be those that are jealous, but that's the case in everything I think. Or as Mother Teresa said, "If you are successful you will win some false friends and some true enemies: succeed anyways!!"
    Jodie
    http://www.jtouchofstyle.com

    • 5 May 2017 / 8:33 pm

      Yesss! It's great that Vicki chose to share her secrets with us, isn't it Jodie… How fantastic to have made such a success out of such a new profession. She's an inspiration, that's for sure 🙂

  31. 5 May 2017 / 8:12 pm

    I know my Brittish husband will only point out the bad News and will say nothing about good things. I take it that emotions showing is not a done thing. Now, coming to the subject. It is only human to think It could have been me like a child but it should takes a second the adult within to take over and be honestly glad. I was very surprised at how American women compliment you in the street without a second thought. We should back and be happy for each other achievements. If we don not nobody will.
    Great post dear Catherine

  32. 5 May 2017 / 8:04 pm

    Very thought provoking post, Catherine. I looooooved Vicki's post! It was frank, helpful, and inspirational. She doesn't have a mean bone in her body, and I respect her drive.

    I think the only time I ever resent someone's success is when I genuinely don't like them (Donald Trump, for example). Even if they didn't work for it and won the lottery or inherited it… doesn't bother me, as long as they seem like a decent person. I know that isn't a great reason, but I'm just being honest. I don't think it is unreasonable to want success for people who are good and wish failure for people who are nasty. That's basically Star Wars, isn't it?!?!

    I certainly wish you SEVEN figures, because I adore you and you deserve it. xxx

    • 5 May 2017 / 8:39 pm

      And I forgot to say THANK YOU for such a darling thing to say… you's the sweetest!!!

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