Quote: At times in the past I have had the feeling of there being almost a competition with her.
How does this manifest?
I know someone who is such a fount of negativism, that even when good things happen to him as a result of someone else, he's pi$$ed and resentful of the person who had been a conduit for the good thing. For ex., he recently purchased a vehicle but because of his sucky credit (entirely a result of his own poor choices) his interest rate was pegging 20+. He bitched about it one day, a relative overheard and mentioned that he might could help on that. So, the relative called a banker acquaintance, explained the situation and asked if he would consider a lower-interest loan. The bank did consider it, had the papers filled out and ready to sign and brought rate down so much that the monthly payments were $100 less per month.
Sounds like a recipe for happiness all around, however, Mr. Pi$$y was angry at the relative (for being able to call up and get him a better deal when he couldn't do it for himself) and he was angry at the banker (for doing it for the relative based on just a phone call).
