But when I would see the surrogate, my first instinct, my first reaction would be jealousy, because she was doing what I wanted to do.

The quote by Cheryl Tiegs, "But when I would see the surrogate, my first instinct, my first reaction would be jealousy, because she was doing what I wanted to do," reflects on the deeply personal and often conflicting emotions surrounding desire, aspiration, and unfulfilled ambition. Tiegs candidly acknowledges that even when someone else is fulfilling a role or opportunity she yearned for, her initial response is a natural, human feeling of envy. This illustrates how jealousy can arise instinctively when confronted with others’ successes or experiences.

By emphasizing instinct and reaction, Tiegs highlights that jealousy is often an immediate, emotional response rather than a deliberate or rational judgment. The quote underscores the universality of this emotion: even accomplished individuals can feel threatened or frustrated when witnessing others achieve what they desire, particularly in highly competitive fields like modeling or acting.

The origin of the quote comes from Cheryl Tiegs, an American model and fashion icon known for her pioneering work in the 1970s and 1980s. Tiegs’ reflections often provide insight into the pressures and psychological challenges of high-profile careers, where comparison and competition are frequent, and emotions like jealousy are both inevitable and revealing.

Ultimately, the quote illustrates the human nature of envy and the tension between personal ambition and admiration for others. Tiegs reminds readers that acknowledging jealousy as an instinctive response is a step toward self-awareness, allowing individuals to process these feelings constructively rather than letting them dominate actions or attitudes.