Don’t you hate that old cliché that people use to cheer you up, “there are people worse off than you”?

Question

What about the people who are the 'worst' off? What people say to those poor souls?

Answer 1

True, but what exactly do you want them to say? Woe to you?! That you are absolutely, irreedemably done for?! They are just trying to make you put things into perspective, man. Atleast give them that. It ain't much consolation, ofcourse, i'm always like "yeah, well, I'm experiencing mine so why won't you put a sock on it". Because I prefer those who simply shut up when they don't know WHAT to say. But people try to do what they can do. If, in some cases, what they can do is "you know.. there are people worse off than you", try to see the bright side of it; that they are trying. And then the stupid side, that they have no clue. And then the funny side, that they were actually trying to make you feel better. And laugh. That would probably make your day ;).

Answer 2

No it's a good point. You obviously own a computer so can most likely also afford to eat and you probably live in the US or Europe - there are people a hell of a lot worse off than you. I'm not saying you definitely don't have any real problems. But it always feels like the particular emotional or physical pain one is feeling is the worst kind of thing there is, yet the fact is there are a lot of people doing much worse than you, and I really do take comfort in this fact. As for the people who really are worst off - probably no one does say that to them.

Answer 3

I really think that the people that say this cliche dont have the time to listen to you and are thinking your a winger and probably dont know worser off people. You would want to help the worse off people without using the cliche. But then why are they the worst off? Did they make it that way or was it unforseen.

Answer 4

Yes. While it is of course true that there are those who are worse off, when people tell that to you, they are minimizing your feelings and showing you disrespect. As if making you feel guilty is going to improve how you feel.

Whenever I hear someone use that cliché to me or to anyone else, I respond:

--And I suppose you'd tell someone who has been badly beaten and robbed, "It could have been worse, you could have been raped as well."--

Answer 5

There is always someone worse off than the people who are worse off than you. Hmm I wonder who are the most worse off people in the entire planet?! Im sure people even say to them "there are worse off than you".

Quite irritating when people say it to cheer you up though cos it doesn't!!

Answer 6

Those who have it "worse off" maybe need the help that you are hogging with your little issue.

Thats what I learned first hand in a clinic when I saw the people who had bigger fish to fry than I.

Answer 7

I personally don't find any pleasure in other people's misery. When I'm feeling miserable I find it comforting to know that at least someone is doing well. But that's just me ...

Answer 8

Well I think all of us should look at the bright side of things and many of us need the encouragement of some sort.

Answer 9

I appreciate anyone who cares enough about me to encourage me, however, this particular cliche should not be interpreted as " you should be happy with your present
situation and should not try to improve it".

It should be taken as " count your blessings and then, multiply them even more. Appreciate what you have and then, improve things even further".

Answer 10

They may be at a lose for words. They feel helpless to help you and just want your problem to go away. Could be they wish they could help but see no way.