1. It’s only going to end one way
We’ve all been there – you’re having one of those days where you just feel a bit rubbish. Things aren’t going your way and you wallow in self-pity. Don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing wrong with feeling like this, it’s completely natural. What you shouldn’t do though is start trawling through Facebook and Instagram, comparing yourself to other girls. You’re just going to make yourself feel worse! Doing this will only end in tears!
2. You Don’t Know What’s Going on Behind Closed Doors
We’re all told that social media is not an accurate representation of people’s lives. I can certainly admit that I only post a fraction of things that happen in my life on Instagram! So please remember, whether you’re looking at an ex’s new girlfriend or just stalking someone from your seminar group, they look different without make up and have days in bed sometimes, just like you.
3. It can damage relationships
It’s very common when you’re in a relationship to compare yourself and your relationship with your partner to one of their past relationships. When you see pictures of them with a former flame, you ask yourself if they look happier than you two do in pictures together? Nine times out of ten you really don’t have anything to worry about – they’re with you instead for a reason and comparing yourself to ex partners will just put strain on your relationship. If it ends up that your partner has really been pining after their ex the whole time you’ve been together, it says a lot more about them than it does about you!
4. You start resenting people
Yes, someone may have gotten a better mark than you in their essay and yes, that girl did put an outfit together much better than you did for your 9am on Thursday, but consistently comparing yourself to these people will just make you resent them! These people haven’t necessarily done anything to hurt you and whilst it’s ok to be a bit jealous sometimes, don’t let it eat away at you. The chances are these clever, stylish people are also nice people! Give them the benefit of the doubt – they aren’t perfect either.
5. You’re great too!
Whilst other people may have good qualities, I can guarantee you have some too! You need to realise that while you’re looking in despair at how good someone else’s eyebrows look, how the girl he tells you ‘not to worry about’ has a much peachier bum than you, or how happy everyone else looks on social media, I bet there are people looking at you and thinking the same thing.
‘Be thankful for what you have; you’ll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don’t have, you will never, ever have enough.’ – Oprah Winfrey