RICH FRIEND vs. POOR FRIEND?

Question

I have a friend who most of us would agree has more money than the average person....he meets celebrities...vacations in Jamaica...has his own car....lives in a 5-bedroom home...no student loans because his parents can afford the $21,000 tuition out of their own pockets....

But I hate when he complains about his life.....his car breaking down...his cell phone not working (he got the latest Sprint phone MONTHS before everyone else)....his flat-screen computer not being fast enough....he doesn't realize how good he has it....it's kind of like watching an episode of Laguna Beach everyday when I hang out with him...I really wish he'd stop complaining about his vacations and the celebs he meets....what should I do???

Answer 1

As annoying it might be and trivial his complaints, everyone needs to vent...to get things off their chest when things aren't going well. If you are his friend, suck it up and listen to him. Hope he does the same for you.

Or, you can tell him what an annoying pompous rich brat he is...your choice.

Answer 2

They say money isn't everything and here's your proof. He is obviously not that happy. I think you aught to forget about the fact that he has money and stuff, because I'm sure there are things that you have that he wants and doesn't have. It could be closeness to family and friends. Just reiterate to him what he does have and what he should be thankful for, and keep in mind what you have to be thankful for as well. That will help you get through it. I have the same thing going on with me. At first I was jealous and tired of hearing it, but then I realized that I was pretty lucky in my own right and actually happier then my rich sister in law. It really pisses her off that I am happy and that I can be with her and encourage her instead of acting jealous.

Answer 3

True - you may feel that his complaints are annoying - but some of them are legitimate problems. Regardless whether you are rich or poor - a broken down car IS a problem and a cell phone that does not work IS a problem and they are very annoying.

Yes, he has it good but his problems are the same as anyone of us face everyday.

However, whining about problems constantly is not a good thing either and you should let him know about it. Tell him that you truly appreciate his problem but he needs to take care of them rather than whining about them. Also tell him how you feel - assertively. Don't call names (you are such a whiner) or use words like "stupid phones" or "your stupid cars". And don't make comparison about how good his life is. Being rich is not a crime, you know.

Answer 4

Every one has problems, even those with money, he just does not realize, that others might feel jealous because of the great stuff he has, position's don't make you happy. You could tease him a little about it, like if he complains about his computer say "hey man, lets trade for a week, then you complain to me". Hopefully he'll get the idea, that others don't think it's a problem.

Answer 5

Its not really his fault that you struggle more than he does, just because his problems are seemingly small when compared to your own doesn't mean they still aren't problems for him in general. I'm not sure why you're his friend if his lifestyle makes you so jealous and annoyed. For him, life is what it is. When my car breaks down, I'm worried about the car, I'm not necessarily going I should get over it because some people are on the bus. Well while that is true, I still have my own needs for my vehicle despite my neighbors situation and that's what my immediate concerns must be. He's not going to go poor overnight and it sounds like that's the only way you'd be happier with him is if he struggled more. So maybe you need to distance yourself because your jealousy might be harder on you than need be, and until you can learn to stop comparing yourself to him and focusing on what you don't have to be happy, it'll always be this way.

Answer 6

Talk to him about it.. If he doesn't change-Find a better friend.. Someone you can relate to.. I have found that my rich friends aren't really close friends.. If they can take advantage of everything, complain, etc.. what make me think that they are not complaining about me,etc.. behind my back? What makes me think that they are not appreciative of our friendship? Actions speak loud and tell alot about a person. I can see that it bothers you, as it did me, you won't be satisfied with your friendship unless you talk it out with him.
The bottom line is how does he treat you as a friend whether he has money or he's broke?

Make sure of your motives before you question.

Answer 7

Assess whether your friend listens to you when you have problems. Do you consider your friend to be good to you? Listen, money does NOT equal a carefree "no problem" life. In fact, with money comes great responsibility and challenges. For example, there aren't many people who you can trust. If your friend is good to you, then don't judge. Listen and be patient and understand that the grass often is not greener on the other side.

Answer 8

Tell him to quit whinning and appreciate life. Over 1 third of the earth live on less then $1 a day. He sounds like a snob.

Answer 9

Well, if he's your friend, then just tell him how you feel about that, and hopefully all is cool. Good friends should be able to call each other on these things; keep each other in check.

Just keep in mind that everyone needs to blow of some steam from time to time.


Then ask him to buy you a new big screen. :)

Answer 10

Next time he complains, confront him...just be like,
"Dude! Chill out already! You get all this cool stuff and you get to meet celebrities and you're still not happy? You complain about the stupidest things! I'm happier than you!"
(If your friend is Catholic, tell him to go to Church. It will definitely cleanse his soul. That's why Tommy Hilfiger is unhappy.)