The jealousy is ridiculous. I think people don't want to work for rewards hence all the "quick fix" solutions. If someone gets to where they are by working for it, there is criticism. I also think people subconsciously compete and if someone betters themselves by diet, exercise, education, or a combination thereof, other people see it as magnifying their flaws. If that makes sense!!!

A wee bit off topic but before I met DH, I was going out with a guy who felt threatened when I rode my bike. It finally came to a head when I went back to school and he said "you will probably get an education and leave me". HUH?! I did but it was before school even started

While it's two different situations, I think it shows an underlying problem in people.

of course, this was the guy who wanted me to get a boob job because it was "improving" myself while riding my bike or going to school was different, somehow. And no, I didn't do it!