Have you ever caught yourself scrolling through social media, feeling that wave of inadequacy as you compare your life to someone else’s? Maybe their career looks more successful. Their relationship seems perfect. Their body, their vacations, their confidence—everything appears better than what you have. But what if I told you this feeling often has less to do with them and much more to do with how you feel about yourself?
Comparison is rarely a neutral act. Most of the time, it comes from a place of low self-esteem. We compare when we’re unsure of our worth, when we’re seeking proof that we’re “good enough.” Unfortunately, what we often find isn’t reassurance—it’s disappointment.
And here’s why I wanted to write this text: comparison is deeply unfair. Why? Because we’re comparing ourselves to an image, not a reality. We fall into that pattern so easily—confusing image with the truth we wish to see—because imagining someone else's life as "better" often feels easier than facing our own.
Social media thrives on showing us highlight reels. People share the moments they’re proud of, the days they feel beautiful, the successes they want to celebrate. The struggles, insecurities, failures? They’re hidden, carefully edited out. So when you compare your entire, unfiltered life to someone else’s carefully curated image, you’re setting yourself up to feel small. And that feeling? It’s not real.
Worse, comparison can become an addiction. Like a habit we didn’t notice forming, we start measuring every part of our lives against others. Our mornings don’t feel productive enough. Our relationships don’t seem loving enough. Our bodies don’t look “right.” Slowly, we start living a life that isn’t ours—constantly chasing someone else’s version of happiness, without pausing to search for happiness in the life we already have. And that would be the most true and effective search to do.
The danger is subtle: comparison tricks you into believing you’re behind, less worthy, or broken, when in fact, your life has its own quiet richness that comparison keeps you from seeing.
So, what can we do?
The only honest comparison you can make is with yourself. Look back—not sideways. Who were you a year ago? A month ago? What fears have you faced? What lessons have you learned? What small growth can you be proud of? This is the comparison that matters. Not from a place of judgment, but from a place of awareness, care, and compassion. There’s always a version of you that shows how much you've grown—and other parts of you that still need attention and love. That’s a healthy way to reflect.
Your worth isn’t something to measure. It’s something to recognize.
So, next time you feel trapped in the loop of “not enough,” gently ask yourself:
“Am I comparing my life to someone else’s highlight reel?”
Remind yourself: what you’re comparing your life to... isn’t real.
And the life you’re living? It deserves your attention, your love, your care—not your judgment.
Warmly,
Andressa
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