emotions - What's a word for a positive kind of "envy" without the sense of resentment?


Imagine your college buddy is now running a multi-billion dollar company, while you're still stuck at the same white-collar day job 5 years after graduation. You chat with him and want to express the idea that you're happy for him and fancy having his lifestyle--something like "I wish I could buy a yacht and cruise around the world like you do; I'm glad you're doing really well!"


Basically, it's the feeling of envy when you take out the resentment from it. Is there a word for it?


(I thought about "admire", but found it too strong and broad)



Answer



You can say he inspires you. Or, you aspire to succeed as well as he has.




inspire : to make (someone) want to do something : to give (someone) an idea about what to do or create
Merriam-Webster





aspire : to want to have or achieve something (such as a particular career or level of success)
Merriam-Webster



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