Can seeing a body transformation from someone strike jealousy?

[Anonymous]

I have been working out for almost 2 years and there's definitely been changes. I noticed a lot of people looking at me oddly. Outside of saying that I am going to the gym after work I really wouldn't talk about it. I would just go have fun at the gym after work. Eventually

I got major results (all naturally) and people started acting different toward me. I didn't really realize my results until I put photos together side by side. My family loved seeing the results but then some people at my job were giving me odd reactions. The main thing that got my attention was 2 different people getting mad at me for not saying hi to them. They were just people I didn't notice really or honestly talk to all that much but the anger was definitely there. It was like they made it a point to go out of their way to rage at me for not saying hi to them. I don't brag or flex or any of that so I don't fall under the "cocky gym guy" stereotype.

There was also one really major situation this obese guy made where he was trying to act tough to this other guy who lifts weights so the weight lifter challenged him to a bench and I jokingly made a comment that I wouldn't talk to him if he didn't do it. Well apparently, this ticked him off big time and everytime we passed by he took offense when he saw me until he tried confronting me and I told him to leave me alone. He then saw me on the way to lunch heading to the bathroom to wash up, ran into a stall, vomited, left work early and started ranting on my Facebook wall.

Is stuff like this jealousy?

[HandsomeRaj]

1. The obese guy statement my friend was in bad taste :) even if unwittingly stated with no intention to hurt someone's pride which obviously it did. I think you should try to make it up to him. We all are prone to gaffes but it serves well to try & make the other person feel better. It may not always work but there's no harm in trying till it doesn't hit your self respect :)
2. OH YES people do feel intimidated when they see someone transform for the better by body, mind or career / wealth etc, it's a part of life. I've faced this on many counts since long. Chill out and take it in your stride while ensuring that this realization doesn't intentionally make others feel worse about themselves. If they do want to continue feeling so nothing much you can do about it.
3. Even women at times get intimidated & insecure if she feels you are a case of sour grapes or she wants your attention & there are other women who are now giving you attention

I've been there, faced it from both men & women :)

[Hans222]

I think it's the typical issue of people not realizing how good it may feel when they're exercising, until they do it.
It's probably more frustration than jealousy.
It would have been better if your joke would have triggered him to start sporting.
One thing you could consider is to tell him kindly that although you're sorry to have shocked it, it would be wise to do an effort to lose weight.

[Asker]

There was somewhat of a reconciliation but I still don't talk to him. I did it more as a way of staying polite at work. He has a lot of issues like depression, not wanting to see his family, etc. Thing is, I totally forgot about the sporting he was having with the other guy and went on with my days not realizing what I said bothered him. I think he continued to argue with the other coworker while I was doing my own thing.

[16drumstix]

You work with some overly-sensitive people. Since your change was gradual, I don't think all of that negativity was directed at you due to you getting buff. I mean if you got toned in a space of a couple of months, they might have been surprised, but years?

It could be jealousy, but probably of your situation in general. You're happy and doing good, and some people feel that they deserve that, too, even if they're not working for it like you did. So they project their negativity onto you.

The first 2 sounded a bit pompous and attention-seeking. Why couldn't they have said hi to you first? As for the obese coworker, he might have had his pride stung or he getting agro to show you how tough he is.

[Anonymous]

Exactly. They are unhappy with their own lives and while jealous isn't the word I would use to describe their behavior, I do believe they are reacting to your self-improving. Perhaps they feel that you think you are becoming better than them. They want to take you down a notch off of your white horse... even if you aren't riding one. It's totally not you fault. Probably the only thing you can do to make the odd behavior stop is to try and be super personable and friendly. It may not be well-received at first, but keep trying.

[sixstring85]

I bet that guy doesn't even lift. Yeah people can get jealous. Have you ever heard of Elliott Hulse? He talked a little bit about how when a person sees you a certain way they put you into a certain category. When you start to improve yourself people are going to get angry at you because they don't know how to deal with the change.

[Asker]

Oh yeah! I watch him from time to time!

[sammy_31]

Depends, I mean I don't get jealous when I see someone look A LOT BETTER. Maybe in high school I would be like this but not now.
You worked hard and look good, they are jealous, maybe a little. You worked hard so if they have a problem, well they just need to work on it. Simple.

[Shyguy_1988]

I'm in the same situation as you. But all I have is family but not much jealousy that takes place. Except one guy at work seems a little jealous. I've been working hard and I looked at pictures before I started working out, pretty big difference but you don't notice it because its a slow process change. Until you look at differences from years ago.

[Paris13]

It's called "green with envy," and you may as well get used to it..
Oh, by the way , you Need to block your Facebook bud, if You sicken him this much.:)) xx

[Asker]

I think he actually blocked me after writing it because I got the email of his comment but when I logged onto Facebook it was not there.

[Paris13]

Yes, that could have happened.. xx

[ironeddie]

The woman? No it's not jealousy. She wants attention to make herself feel better. She thinks you look good, and she wants you to feel the same towards her.

The Guy? Immaturity, not jealousy.

:-)

[JamielovesKU]

It can but if the person wants a body transformation, theyd have to work for it just like that person has.

[AnonymousGlRL]

I'm not sure if the vomiting was a reaction to the jealousy but sure some people are insecure and get jealous over other's success.

[abundantlyrich]

If there is someone who is always trying to better themselves, watch out for medicore people who are not used to change.

[abundantlyrich]

Spelling corrected: mediocore

[CasaNorba]

of course! if you are transforming and dropping excessive fat and becoming leaner those who aren't getting this done them selfs will hate your guts

[Asker]

I wish I was losing fat but instead I have kinda gained. I started out super skinny and shot up with muscle mass and unfortunately I gained some fat along the way. Definitely looking for ways to cut the fat but it's tough on a weight gaining plan.

[palek]

In the words of Gore Vidal, "Every time a friend succeeds I die a little inside".

[ivoryvixen]

Jealousy, no. Envy, YES. (: