Friendships

I don't understand?

People are all different

The only measure of real success is happiness

Envy is the enemy of happiness

Well I admire people who aim to look smart and polished. But there is more to a person than the appearance in fact it might cover a very shallow personality.
Don't put yourself down where is your confidence gone and why? You have had a good working life and a good marriage hold your head up high and just be yourself.

Comparing ourselves to others only leads to unhappiness.

I agree, loopylou. Friendships are funny things. My closest friends all come very different in background to mine. Some are much more comfortable financially, some less so. Some have big families, some don’t. Most dress very differently to me, I like the way some look, some I don’t. It doesn’t matter. We’re good friends, we connect and don’t have to be the same.

This post makes no sense

When is a friendship based on how you look compared to your friend, marriage and career?

I think the OP is saying they are friends despite the differences.
There are many ways to measure success, what you do and the impact you have on people.
OP you are a nurse with a long marriage I would call that successful. Your friend is probably successful too, just in a different way. Enjoy the difference.

I don't think you like her very much.

Comparison is the thief of joy

A confusing post. You sound rather sneering towards your friend - as in she might be taller and slimmer, but I'm the one with the happy marriage and career.

Also you're amused by her 'middle class veneer', whatever that is.

And whatever do you mean by

And I find myself thinking I've been married so long and can't stand just looking at clothes in shops for ages.

Agree , it’s a very confusing post , not lot makes any sense whatsoever!

Yes, a very strange post which doesn’t really go anywhere.