<p>Just wondering.</p>
<p>You don't have to.</p>
<p>But hey, the next time you feel terrible because you failed a math exam or got dumped by your girlfriend, it always makes you feel better to say "hey, at least I'm not that kid whose parent got run over by a milk truck" or "at least I'm not the kid who is being tortured by terrorists."</p>
<p>I think it's more just human nature. It's so tragic.</p>
<p>no, they mostly have to compare themselves with themselves. when other people have something it doesn't feel as real, hence why you see all these 3.9 people cutting themselves over their gpa despite having classmates with 2.2s. what really feels real is if you used to be poor and now you're rich, or you used to be pretty and now you're old.</p>
<p>of course if you've had stuff all your life and your situation hasn't really changed ever you won't appreciate it at all because you'll be used to it.</p>
<p>can't say precisely but very often when sth is not going my way I often reconsolidate myself saying this can't be worst than that happened to other guy</p>
<p>Some people feel the need to, but it's pretty unhealthy.</p>
<p>I think that's more prevalent among people with low self-esteem. I wouldn't say that any actual appreciation comes from it, though.</p>