The problem with social media is that we’re forced to compare ourselves. We don’t want to but it’s inevitable. But the issue with comparing ourselves has always been there. And there’s absolutely no benefit. Ever.
You should only compare yourself to you yesterday.
But comparisons and trying to keep up is why we spend money we don’t have on buying stuff we don’t need to impress people we don’t like.
Other people only show us their outside. So we’re forced to compare how we’re feeling on the inside with the external projection of others. And here’s the other thing - you’re comparing their priority order with yours. That’s crazy. They are not you.
I remember a client asking (in a judgemental manner) why I drove the car I did. I explained I needed an estate car for the children’s activities and the dog. I’m not a car person. As long as it is comfortable whilst reliably getting me from A to B that’s enough for me. And I don’t like to borrow money to purchase a depreciating asset. I prefer to deploy my wealth for other purposes that carry more meaning for me. A lump of metal on my driveway does deliver meaning into my life. They got it. My priority order was different to theirs. What made them happy didn’t float my boat.
It turns out they loved their car but it was costing a fortune, and they had no way to repay the balloon payment in 2 years time. Fur coat no knickers.
The Joneses aren’t as rich or as happy as you think they are