The Other Dish is Better

My two dogs are funny creatures. They teach me so many important life lessons. Take when I put treats in their respective dishes.

I will drop an identical handful of goodies in each dish, simultaneously. You know exactly what’s going to happen, don’t you?

Of course– Holly bolts for Meic’s dish, while Meic dashes over to Holly’s. Why? Well, clearly, to get the good stuff, because Dad loves the other one best.

It’s not as if these dogs aren’t intelligent, and it’s not as if it’s the first time. In fact, if I intervene and switch the dishes, a crossover happens as they race back to the dish which actually has their name and colour on it. The doggie rule is simple: no matter what, the other guy is getting the better deal. It’s an article of faith.

Now, you can see where this is going, because you and I are exactly the same. Not that we play musical chairs at the restaurant, but in general each of us has a pretty sure notion that the other guy is doing better than us. And it’s not fair.

Edith’s job is more fun than mine. Billy’s house is nicer than mine. Mary’s kids behave better than mine. Rory gets all the hot dates. Whatever… if only I could have what they have, I’d be happy.

Actually, no. Edith probably wishes she could go home at 5:00 like normal people, Billy has no idea how he’s going to meet mortgage payments, Mary’s kids are pumped full of Ritalin, and Rory gets STDs like you and I get colds. So, no, if you knew the other half of the story, you really wouldn’t trade places. At least if you were wise.

A little bit of envy is probably a good thing. It can be a great motivator. But more than just a pinch can make us sour and set us off on silly, unhealthy behaviours. Gratitude and contentment, not unbridled jealousy, are the keys to a long, healthy, and happy life.

Meic and Holly can’t help themselves. They’re dogs, and they’re hard wired to be jealous. But us? Well, the literature says we have more control over our natures…

Don’t we?