A Kenyan woman recently shared her experience of struggling with such pressures, revealing that she deleted a close friend’s number after repeatedly feeling inadequate while comparing herself to her friend’s apparent success.
The woman, who wished to remain anonymous, explained that seeing her friend’s WhatsApp status updates triggered feelings of frustration and insecurity.
The woman, who wished to remain anonymous, explained that seeing her friend’s WhatsApp status updates triggered feelings of frustration and insecurity.
Her friend frequently shared updates about her thriving business, stable relationship, and lifestyle, which, while inspiring to some, made the woman painfully aware of her own struggles.
“I know I shouldn’t compare, but deep down it keeps coming up,” she confessed in a heartfelt online post.
Though she acknowledged genuine happiness for her friend’s achievements, the constant reminders of someone she had grown up with doing better became emotionally taxing.
She decided to take a step back and delete her friend’s number, a move she described as necessary for her mental and emotional well-being.
By creating this small boundary, she aimed to focus on her personal journey without the constant comparison that social media often amplifies.
Mental health experts note that such reactions are common. Samson Karitu, a psychologist, explained that feelings of envy or sadness when observing others’ successes are natural human responses, especially in a digital age where social media often amplifies perceived disparities.
“Experiencing these emotions does not negate one’s happiness for others; rather, it reflects unmet personal needs or goals,” he said.
Social media users had mixed reactions to the woman’s decision. Some criticized her as being jealous, arguing that constant comparison hinders personal growth.
Social media users had mixed reactions to the woman’s decision. Some criticized her as being jealous, arguing that constant comparison hinders personal growth.
“You need to free yourself from competition and stop feeling sorry for yourself. You are only in competition with yourself,” commented one user.
Others, however, empathized, noting that temporary distance from social media or social contacts can help protect one’s mental health during challenging periods.
Behavioral scientists even describe this as “adaptive avoidance,” a strategy for shielding one’s self-esteem during identity threats.
The story has sparked broader conversations about the impact of social media on personal relationships and mental health.
The story has sparked broader conversations about the impact of social media on personal relationships and mental health.
Many people admitted to feeling inadequate when comparing themselves to friends or influencers who appear to have more success, wealth, or happiness.
While social media can inspire and motivate, it can also intensify feelings of inadequacy, especially for those navigating personal or financial challenges.
