What is joy if not the right to go through life with a smile on your face? For if you have not felt
joy, could you earnestly say you have lived at all?
Every human being’s sole desire is to be able to sincerely say “I am happy!”. That being said,
why do some people stay in the way of their own joy? That is what I am here to talk to you all
about.
One of the most hurtful actions that drains the happiness from the depths of our human essence is perpetual comparison. It creates pride, arrogance, jealousy, desperation and many other countless negative emotions. It will always serve its purpose, which is to bring down another human being, no matter the case in which it is used.
But what is comparison? Well, I could quote the dictionary and say that comparison is “a relation
based on similarities and differences” or “an examination of resemblances or differences”, but Iprefer to view it as the biggest limitation of human kind, in light of the fact that you shall nevercome across two people who are truly identical, for each individual is unique in his own way,thus there being no point in trying to mix the two. These being said, there are two main sources where comparison springs from. One of them is the famous, addictive and overwhelming internet and the other is the very place where one feels the safest, their own home. Let’s see how hurtful each of them are and how to escape having a limited mindset where you are constantly trying to become someone else, instead of just being
your own person.
In the first instance, a lot of people use the internet. Whether you are eight or fifty-four years old, social media and browsers are always in the palm of your hand. However, this is not always a
good thing. People tend to see influencers, friends or just random individuals that choose to share their way of living on social media as having a great, fulfilling life. This makes them feel bad for themselves, for even though they have a good living, they aren’t as successful as other people.
These people start gathering frustration and anger directed to the world for “not being fair” and they forget to enjoy life as they have it.
Moreover, it is a known fact that teens tend to care more about their looks than any other age
group, so when they start comparing themselves to the “fake personas” they see on the internet, it ultimately leads to different disorders, bad health (both mentally as well as physically), depression, anxiety about how they are perceived and many more. The craving of looking perfect
is constantly there, though unachievable, for there is no such thing. In cases such as these, there is joy no more, and the meaning of life itself is foolishly lost, when it is now during our teens, more than ever, that we should cherish every day.
Furthermore, it is not uncommon for parents to compare their children. However, this does not
necessarily imply that it is a beneficial course of action. Many children are tired of coming home
and getting compared to a smarter girl from class or her nicer neighbour whom they don’t even like. No matter what, parents and relatives will always find someone they can compare their
children to. Sometimes, there is no ill in this. It simply states the parents’ desire that their own
child become even better.
This type of comparison can create one out of two outcomes. The first and most desired one is
that the children will be motivated to do better, and they will become a better version of
themselves proving that they are better than others. The second, more realistic version, the
children can’t meet their parents' expectation and they slowly lose hope to ever make their
parents proud. This type of behaviour slowly drains the joy out of children and destroys their
self-esteem, making them think that they will never be enough.
To conclude with, I think that, in some situations, comparison can help you become a better version of yourself, but in most cases, its harshness destroys happiness and brings unnecessary pain into a person’s life. We are all unique and we mustn’t suffer because of other people, for we all are here to enjoy ourselves and to be full of bliss, each in their own, unique way. I come here to tell you: Be your own person and do not comply with fake internet standards! It is alright to be different and you don’t have to care about everyone’s opinion. Listen to what you like, write with passion and follow your interests. The most important thing is your happiness!
Sesureac Alisia-Gabriela,
Clasa a 9-a A
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