People who are the envy of all their friends usually share these 12 characteristics

Do you envy people with these traits?

A person with long, light brown hair smiles while looking out of a window. They're wearing a gray sweater, with a background of blurred greenery and bright natural light.

Most of us know at least a couple of people whom others talk about with envy and awe. Interestingly, no matter where you go in the world, those who draw the most envy from others tend to share a number of similar traits.

1. They retain an aura of youthful vitality.

A smiling man with short dark hair and a beard is wearing a yellow shirt and a black jacket. He is standing outdoors with a blurred background of buildings and trees on a cloudy day.

They may not look like they’re still 20 years old, but they’re still vibrant and vital, and take part in things regularly that fill them with joy. They’re active and playful, and have a number of pursuits that they’re passionate about, which keeps their energy effervescent—often contagiously so.

2. Healthy relationships and friendships.

A group of smiling people raise their glasses for a toast inside a warmly lit space. Some hold champagne while others have whiskey. Festive lights in the background add to the celebratory atmosphere.

These are people who not only have friendships that have lasted for decades, but also forge new ones easily. They generally have healthy, loving relationships with their partners and children, as well as extensive, supportive social circles. People recognize them everywhere they go, and are invariably happy to see them.

3. A wide range of practical skills.

A person in a leather jacket and gloves is crouched down on a road, using a wrench to adjust the wheel of a parked car. The background shows a blurred view of trees and a clear sky.

Some of the most envied people around are those who have a wide variety of skills. How cool is it if a person can carve their own bow and fletch arrows to go with it, then cook a gourmet meal with foraged foods, play music they’ve composed themselves, and maintain the solar batteries they rigged up?

4. Low stress.

A person with long hair is smiling and leaning back with their hands behind their head. They are wearing a colorful striped sweater and sitting against a light blue background.

Those whose lives are immensely stressful inevitably envy those with low stress levels. They see the calm face and the carefree attitude, and they wish they could be the same. It’s not that all stress is bad, but it’s not fun for anybody involved when that stress is ever-present.

5. Unconventional lifestyles.

A person stands leaning against a vintage camper in a snow-covered field, surrounded by mountain scenery and forest. The sky is cloudy, and the landscape features patches of grass peeking through the melting snow. Power lines extend across the scene.

You’d likely be amazed to discover how many people you know who seem to be happy in their standard, conventional lives—like married homeowners with 2.5 kids—would prefer a more unconventional arrangement. They often envy people with nomadic lifestyles, polyamorous relationships, or freelance jobs for the freedom and authenticity they enjoy.

6. A great sense of humor.

Two women are laughing joyfully outdoors. One has curly hair and wears a light jacket over a pink top, while holding a smartphone. The other has long hair and wears a black top. Bright greenery is blurred in the background.

They’re the types who will crack jokes in even the darkest situations, and who manage to remain in good spirits no matter what hands life deals them. They rarely if ever get offended, which belies a great sense of internal toughness. Additionally, their humor manages to make everyone else around them feel better by extension.

7. Resilience, even in the most challenging circumstances.

A woman with wavy dark hair and light makeup stands outdoors on a wooded path wearing a bright red hat and a light gray-green coat. The background is blurry with autumn foliage in shades of green, yellow, and brown. She gazes off to the side with a serene expression.

They may consciously know how to spell “defeat”, but they’re not going to do it. These are the people who, even if it takes 30 tries and a great deal of profanity, will manage to get a bonfire going in a blizzard. They will not relent, and people respect and look up to that.

8. High intelligence.

A person with short, reddish-brown hair and a beard is looking at the camera, adjusting black-rimmed glasses with both hands. The background is a plain blue.

There are different types of intelligence, but those who tend to draw the envy of others are often quite well-rounded. They may be great at problem solving, may speak (or even just understand) a few different languages, are well-read in a wide variety of subjects, and can learn new things quickly and easily.

9. Creativity.

A fashion designer in a gray suit sits in front of a board displaying various garment sketches. They are looking thoughtfully at the drawings, which include designs for dresses and outfits in different colors and styles.

Many people get jealous of friends who have creative talent, be that with some type of visual art, music, or a traditional craft of some kind. The ability to create something beautiful out of the ether is seen as mystical alchemy by many, and a fair dose of envy is certain to follow.

10. A charismatic reputation.

A group of five people, diverse in appearance, are sitting around a table in a cozy, industrial-style coffee shop with brick walls and exposed pipes. They are smiling, laughing, and enjoying their drinks while engaged in conversation.

This is often magnified by a pursuit that they’re passionate about. For example, a local chef who’s in love with foraged foods might be recognized everywhere they go. Similarly, artists and musicians who share their work enthusiastically often end up with a dedicated following, and receive gifts and free benefits on a regular basis.

11. Faith/spiritual practice.

An elderly person holds a wooden rosary with both hands close to their face, appearing to be in prayer. The background is a softly lit, blurred white. The individual wears a grey sweater and a white shirt, with focus on their clasped hands and the rosary.

There are many who—despite what they actually say to their friends—are envious of those who have deep faith. They’d love to be able to feel secure in the knowledge that all is happening for a reason, and put their faith in the Divine.

12. They live in an enviable location.

Two women relax at a rustic wooden house. One stands on the veranda, leaning over the railing, while the other sits on the edge, one leg hanging down. The setting is surrounded by greenery, creating a serene and natural atmosphere. Both appear engaged in conversation.

One person’s dream might be a condo in downtown NYC, while another’s is a stilt home next to a bar on a Tahitian beach. Those who live in locations that make them happy are often the envy of others who feel as though they’re stuck in unhappy circumstances.