More than a third of Brits are jealous of a work colleague, family member, or friend, it was revealed yesterday (27th January).

A new study found that those who bring home bigger salaries, enjoy good social lives and always look amazing spark the ‘green eyed monster’ within us.

Thin people, owners of big houses and workers who are particularly skilled at their jobs also ignite resentfulness from others.

Indeed, just under half of people polled admit to being envious of work colleagues on a higher wage.

And a quarter of people can’t stand it when family members land a better job than them.

Interestingly, 36 per cent of people say they constantly compare themselves to others, and just under a third admit the amount of time they spend doing so is probably unhealthy.

A spokeswoman for Gocompare.com, which conducted the study of 3,000 people, said: “It is only natural for Brits to compare themselves to the people around them.

“We wouldn’t be human if we didn’t look to see what other people are wearing, what kind of lifestyle they have and what they have achieved.

“And sometimes drawing comparisons can be a good thing – if seeing someone else do well in their profession spurs us on to work harder, that’s great.

“But if comparisons about wealth, materials possessions and relationships become an unhealthy obsession, it can be damaging for everyone involved.”

The survey shows success isn’t the only thing which gets people’s goat – good looks also make us distrustful or jealous.

A fifth of those questioned are bitter about family members who are more attractive, while 31 per cent are envious of friends who are thinner than them.

Work colleagues with lovely clothes, friends with nicer shoes and family members who always look great also get our backs up.

Even people with a good sex life are the envy of their friends, while couples in seemingly brilliant relationships trigger negative emotions.

Unfortunately, 12 per cent admit they aren’t very nice to people they are jealous of, and 14 per cent say their feelings have got in the way of a previously good friendship or relationship.

While one in 20 people have actually been dumped by a partner because they couldn’t control their thoughts and feelings about another person.

The Go Compare spokeswoman continues: “This is where jealousy becomes a negative emotion.

“It’s all very well wishing for things friends and family members have, but it’s another thing altogether when you start to resent others for having nice things or looking a certain way.

“We would encourage people to take a long hard look at their own lives, assess what they are most unhappy with, and do something about it rather than going all green-eyed.”

TOP 20 JEALOUSY TRIGGERS
1. Better salary
2. General wealth
3. Great social life
4. Friends / colleagues’ good looks
5. Great figure
6. Bigger house
7. Professional brilliance
8. Handsome relatives
9. Cooler job
10. Boss’s favourite
11. Jet-setters
12. Great fashion sense / wardrobe
13. Parent’s favourite
14. Workshy colleagues
15. Those who gain attention from the opposite sex
16. Great sex life
17. Those who have a better relationship
18. Nicer car
19. Fitter people
20. Better organisers