“Honestly, I’m a little jealous. Congrats though” is more real than a fake smile. Most friends appreciate it.

Envy and gladness turn up together constantly, and pretending only one of them is present is exactly what makes congratulations sound hollow. Naming the jealousy lightly takes the charge out and tells your friend you are not performing at them. It is also an admission that you wanted the same thing, which most people find flattering. The fake version is the one that damages a friendship.

Next time somebody gets the thing you wanted, say the honest two-part version and then ask about it properly. Keep it light instead of making it your moment. The congratulations needs to be the louder half.