Stop The Comparisons
I don’t know what’s wrong with the human race but they just like comparing one person with another. And that, very often, is the cause of unnecessary stress and unhappiness.
When US President Barack Obama received the Nobel Peace Prize, he was immediately compared to other past winners such as Martin Luther King and Nelson Mandela. People wondered if he was worthy of the peace prize and if he should even be regarded in the same league as these great forefathers. This was his response.
“Compared to some of the giants of history who have received this prize – Schweitzer and King, Marshall and Mandela – my accomplishments slight.”
Closer home, do we similarly not pile on undue pressure on ourselves and the others around us when we start making comparisons? XYZ’s boyfriend does this so you must also do this for me. Our neighbour has upgraded to a new landed property, so we must follow suit. Why can’t you be more understanding like my ex?
Sons get compared to fathers, daughters to mothers, current partners to ex partners, present leader to retired leader. Comparison, comparisons, comparisons.
Why can’t one understand the fact that we are all unique individuals? There will never be two completely similar human beings in this world. Even twins differ in personality and temperament.
We should instead be treating each other with more love and respect. This is because the very moment we start comparing, we are highlighting the supposed inadequacies in someone else. It may be a weakness in your eyes, but in their eyes, it is a strength. For example, the person is messy and does not bother to clean up his workplace or room. But to him, the creative chaos is necessary for him to generate innovative ideas and solutions.
Too often we see things from our own perspective. We want people to change for our sake. People are never enough because we are all so full of ourselves.
Unnecessary comparison do not lead to healthy relationships. In fact, they threaten to destroy the fabric of it. Instead of accepting someone wholeheartedly, we attempt to mould him or her into the image of the perfect man or woman we have conjured in our minds.
You can start comparing who is smarter, richer or more good-looking. To me, it doesn’t really matter. I won’t become smarter or less smart overnight. Neither will I get richer or lose everything. I’m happy just being me.
