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Greatmartyr Nicetas the Goth · Philotheos the Righteous
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15 years old. I envy other people's appearance. What should I do?translated

September 28, 2026 · 1 min read

Reader question:

Hello!

I am 15 years old, and I have a strong sin - envy. Previously, I rarely encountered it, but now it’s like I’m choking. I envy other people’s appearance: a beautiful face, figure, bodily qualities that I would like to have myself. I'm obese, and the people around me are mostly slim and beautiful. I'm sad that I'm the only one in class, at school. People rarely laugh at me, but I empty myself inside with envy and sadness. I know that everything is in the hands of God, I am a church-going Christian, but sometimes thoughts of grumbling come to me: “Why them, and not me? I want too". I feel “special” and “sick” among the “healthy” and “beautiful”. I cannot express my sadness in words. I feel inadequate. I'm afraid to go to a priest with such a “worldly” question.

Ilya

Priest's answer:

Priest Evgeniy CHEBYKIN

Hello, Ilya.

As a matter of fact, it is quite natural for a person of your age to experience all those feelings and emotions that you write about in your letter, so I kindly ask you not to worry too much about this. Everything will definitely be fine!

It seems to me that in order for this situation to begin to improve, you need to start every morning, lunch and evening...

Source: Журнал ФОМА  ·  Read the full story →
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