I too feel happy when something good happens in someone's life. I am sure a lot of people do. That is not by itself the origin of envy. So where do I look next? Once the spectacle is over - at myself of course! I see my shortcomings and from there begin the possibility for all kinds of problems and at the same time improvements in my life. What course does my mind take though? I can certainly hear the voice of resentment in my head when I see something I think is "good for them!" But I must quieten that voice and turn to what is the better approach - to improve myself. This takes effort. So no it is not as simple as you put it here. I am sure you are aware of this struggle. This is not something new.

What is new is the frequency with which one is presented with things that reproach ones sense of well-being. Are they eating better food? Living better, happier lives? Having more beautiful babies? And why?

So it is only probable that one will slip into a stupor- with so many shortcomings and so many people out there.

Hope that made sense.