PERILS OF COMPARISON

People generally tend to compare others who have got certain qualities, traits, Material, Knowledge, etc that they do not possess.  There is a thin line between reference and comparison.  During the normal course of life, all of us at some point of time fall in the trap of Comparison.  Never do we really realize the perils of it. 

 

A Parent compares their child with another Child who gets good grades.  A Coach compares a player with another with greater abilities.  A Wife compares her husband with the love, affection and understanding shown by her friend’s husband towards her friend.  A Husband compares his wife with the behaviour, beauty, understanding, etc show by his friend’s wife to his Friend.  People compare their standard of living with friends who have a better one.  Residents compare their Apartment with another well-conceived community with all facilities and that too in working condition. There are people who compare even our Country with another country.  The list goes on.  

 

The Comparison is born out of frustration, intolerance and impatience.  There are cases where comparison is intended to Inspire.  But the intended purpose is not achieved.  Comparison also camouflages the deficiencies one might have.  It also helps many supress their wrong decisions.  Irrespective of the reasons, Comparison is an easy ventilator for many.

 

Comparison leads to Enmity in many cases, more so with Children.  When it comes to Comparison of Players, it leads to destruction of Teamwork.  Comparison of Spouse leads to Jealousy.  Comparison also leads to inferiority Complex.  

 

Comparisons are of two types, the Upward Comparison and the Downward Comparison.  Upward Comparison is a state where we compare something which is not in our reach.  This is where more problems are created.  The Upward Comparison is very harmful and, in most cases, lead to envy, jealousy and low self-esteem.  The Downward Comparison is a state where we compare something which is lower than our present situation.  This is healthier in nature and less harmful.  Downward Comparison makes one feel better as they are above someone else and this will boost the self-esteem.  Though we cannot generalise this statement, as the situation of each person may be different.  But from the outside we all tend to see only what is visible and the comparisons are only based on that.  

 

We must live with what have in front of us and make best use of our Situation.  Comparison will only help you vent your frustration or boost your ego.  Be focussed on what you are doing without worrying about what others are doing.  Everyone has a different life and are running a different race of success.   

 

Learn to convert Comparison into reference to inspire.  This will create a better mood.  Everyone must go through the struggles of life to succeed.  There are no shortcuts.  Comparison will not help in anyway.  Inspiration will help but still the focus should always be to lead our life from our present situation.   Inspiration will help you understand the way others handled their odds.  Comparison only does more harm.  

 

So, think twice before you compare something or someone the next time.

 

(The above article was written as an Editorial for publication in Sep. 2019 issue of PRINCE’S VOICE – A Community eMagazine)