Called schaudenfreude. I'll be the first to admit, I am insanely jealous of people are more wealthy than me. I guess what I find interesting about this side of human nature is that everyone experiences it and it can often feel good. What are your opinions on the ugly side of human nature?
I wouldn't say I'm happy about others' misfortunes...I just often feel nothing. I've dealt with so many horrible situations, and strong emotions (both in my personal and professional lives) that I have become numb to it. I am very good at being a support for people, being their shoulder to cry on. Logically, I understand their pain. But I don't feel it.
Schadenfreude is something I have some experience with. I find it darkly humourous when my straight friend complains about her unfulfilling relationship with her gay boyfriend (that she talked into breaking up with me). You knew going in it wouldn't work, you said so and I told you as well, and years later you don't get what you want out of the relationship and expect me to feel bad for you? I guess when I experience schadenfreude it is almost always connected with irony of some sort, as I don't like seeing/hearing about people being hurt, killed, or experiencing unfortunate events--there has to be some sort of comeuppance element to it--otherwise I'd worry about being a sociopath.
