Does it make you feel better to know that other people are worse off than you?

United States
May 19, 2007 6:10pm CST
I don't think it really helps way down on the gut level. It is something we can console ourselves with, and it makes us feel better intellectually. But everyone has his own brand of misery or comfort, no matter what your situation is in life. When I watch the show Intervention, I think... well, at least I don't have a family member addicted to drugs and stealing from me. But it only helps as much as a Band-aid on a broken leg. You have to find a way to be happy where you are.
1 person likes this
2 responses
34momma
@34momma (13882)
• United States
20 May 07
it doesn't make me feel better knowing that i am doing better then the next person. being happy that you don't have any addicts in your family is not being better off then the next person. in a perfect world we would all be able to take care of our families without worry.
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96vidalias
@96vidalias (344)
• United States
20 May 07
Thanks for your response. Doesn't it make you feel a *little* bit better, to at least remember what to be thankful for? You look very young in your picture, too! And very cute.
1 person likes this
34momma
@34momma (13882)
• United States
20 May 07
LOL that is my little girl. and i don't get pleasure from other peoples lack of having.
96vidalias
@96vidalias (344)
• United States
20 May 07
I didn't mean do you get pleasure from another person's misery. I mean, for instance when there is a fire, flood or hurricane in the news, just for a minute I would think..."Whew! Things might be bad, but at least I am not there." I still feel sympathy for them.
mama4kids
@mama4kids (690)
• United States
20 May 07
it helps me to know that i am not alone. although,i dont wish anyone to be miserable in any way. so i think that most people just feel better if they realize that they are not alone in a situation. alone is a scary place.
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34momma
@34momma (13882)
• United States
20 May 07
i think it helps that others have been through the same thing and came out shinning. that gives you hope and hope is very important
96vidalias
@96vidalias (344)
• United States
20 May 07
Yes, you're right. I wasn't really thinking of that, but it does help to know that other people have been through the same situation, and that they know what you are going through.
1 person likes this