Living vicariously

"I live vicariously through you"
I first heard that phrase when Ula said that to Henry in 50 First Dates. I had understood the phrase, but I never understood it until tonight.

Charlie was sitting opposite Matt and me. He looked at us, and said "I really envy you guys". Matt and I looked at each other, then at him.
"Why?"
"Cos you guys have earrings"

Something small and so insignificant, but I doubt he'll ever get a piercing of his own. Living vicariously indeed.