Taking pleasure in others' sin

I often here people say things like, "It is a relief to hear that he actually argues with his wife." My question is, "Why?" It seems like we really should be sad. Our brother is suffering under the power of sin. Ought we not pray for him and urge him toward good.

Why is it that we need someone else's failure validate our own? I believe it ought to be a Christian's regular practice to confess his sin to God and to others. Does not our revelry in our brothers sin discourage him from obeying scripture and continuing to confess? Have we not yet confronted our own sin enough to see that we are truly unworthy without Christ. Should it not be Christ's obedience and sacrifice that is our comfort and not our brothers sin?

I suppose it is sad that we so poorly practice grace with one another that we are still under the illusion that this is some sort of contest and that the one who exceeds the deeds of his brother or sister will win. And, that if we can win, at least we might make the cut if some obnoxious do-gooder doesn't ruin the curve.