Schadenfreude Revisited

Really, Marie Claire? You too!

While reading an article about schadenfreude in the January issue, I came upon this:

"Who doesn't break into a smile when condescending would-be lifestyle guru Gwyneth Paltrow's perfect marriage is reported to be on the rocks... ?"

We don't -- that's who! (We'll refrain from mentioning the celeb slip-ups that we do enjoy.)

Even Gwyneth herself admitted to a case of schadenfreude-itis in a past GOOP newsletter:

"I tried to take the high road. But one day I heard that something unfortunate and humiliating had happened to this person. And my reaction was deep relief and… happiness. There went the high road."

(At the time, there was lots of speculation that the alleged "frenemy" was Winona.)

So "why do people become energized when they say or read something negative about someone else?," G.P. asks. Take a look back at what some wise folks had to say.

Gwyneth, Fresh From the Shower(and GOOP-Free)

Get an up-close-and-personal peek of Gwyneth in the NYC exhibition, Entre Temps, by photographer Thomas Dozol.

"The Paris-born, New York-based Dozol began the series three years ago, and each time he shoots his subject after they've taken a long, hot shower to recreate that moment where a person has lost the control of the color and texture of his or her own skin."

Talk about starting out 2010 with a clean slate...

[Source: interviewmagazine.com]