Why do women always compare themselves based upon their clothing to other women?

Question

I have noticed that women always compare themselves to other women based upon their clothing.

I know one person in particular and she always looks down upon me for the way that I dress. She was not working before and now is and has better clothes. So, I think that she has an inferiority complex.

Its hard being around her because of her attitude. I try to ignore it and stay away but its hard because she is my parent's friend.

She looks down upon me because of my life also - I am divorced and my child does not live with me. She is happily married and now is working. She has two children (boy/ girl) and both are doing well.

I did not mean to overgeneralize. I should have said "some" women and not "women always."

Answer 1

A coworker on a daily basis made me feel less of a person. I always wondered why she was the way she was. Contemplated and analyzing why this woman seemed to have negative motives against me. But the best advice I received pertaining to my situation was to simply ignore her.

She's not important enough to even warrant a thought in your mind. She's not worthy, so don't mentally give her the satisfaction, just ignore her.

Then with ignorance, you'll forget and later wonder why you even cared.

I know I did.

I truly believe there are people out there that attempt to drain you of positive energy. Don't let that happen, think about those who love you, and those who are important to you, don't sweat the small stuff.

Answer 2

women are not all the same. Most women would never think of putting another woman down because she could not afford better clothing. I think the problem, here, is that you FEEL inferior to this person. You think her life must be pretty perfect, it would sound. The fact that she dresses well, has children, has the husband in the home, and seems to be doing really well, does not mean that she thinks less of you, unless you behave badly or dress totally inappropriately.
It does not mean that all is really well in what appears to be her Paradise, either. Sometimes, what appears to be just is entirely oposite of what really is.
I'm sorry that you feel that you are not living the life you prefer to live. It doesn't take great clothing, a man around, and a great place to live to make a happy home. Money is handy to have, for certain! Still, money really will not buy you happiness...........the man she HAS may be a real jerk when you are not around. You never know.

Answer 3

She doesn't buy your clothes, so she doesn't get an opinion on what you wear. If you picked out the outfit and chose to wear it, have confidence in your choice. The fact she's your parent's friend, probably means she's older and she may be envious that she can't wear what you are wearing (nice thought, huh). I would take a minute, during a quiet private moment when you are with her and find out what her beef is with your family situation. Maybe she's concerned, not looking down on you. And if you find she is judging you, you should let her know that it's unfair without walking a mile in your shoes first. BTW:You shouldn't generalize, especially since you are a woman. It should be Some women or in my experience most women...I for one don't judge what others are wearing, I am more interested in the persons mind rather than what's in their closet.

Answer 4

Considering that they too are human, of course there is bound to be comparison between one woman and another at some point in their live. We can't generalize and say that "white women are jealous of Asian women because they are skinny and Asian women jealous of white women because they don't have a butt. And Latinas jealous of black women because they are so masculine." Everyone has their own insecurities and the kind of comparisons made are based on those insecurities. If a woman is quite confident with herself though, comparisons are hardly ever made.

Answer 5

It seems you may be feeling inferior. Maybe she has an attitude of being proud of her accomplishments and she should be, if that is what she has done. I don't judge people on what they wear, but who they are. Clothes do not make a woman, although many people my think so. It is what we do with our lives and how we care about others. Try to be happy for her and don't let her clothes stand in your way. She is still the same person.

Answer 6

Spending your time trying to understand the motivations and intentions of others is a horrible waste of your time. She may or may not have an inferiority complex...but that really isn't your problem.

Women have been competing and putting eachother down for centuries...its what we do, sadly. But that doesn't mean you have to get caught up in it or play along. Be happy in who you are, how you dress and the life you have - and don't let ANYONE make you feel less in their actions or how they dress.

Answer 7

On a fundamental level...what drives the human condition...get ready for this...sex, food...that's it...how we get it, how we keep it, how we use it...


human beings are really pretty simple. Does your friend directly look down at you, with snide remarks, etc, or do you just think this because she is doing ok right now.

That's great she's doing fine, but external signs can be misleading...if she complains alot, or tells others how to run their life...could she be that content? Why does she need to whine, or vent? Or is she just letting you know of her gossip, etc? It's a tough call, but stay clear of the "too" proud, and haughty. Bad news.

Answer 8

it doesnt matter how you dress. I have 2 admit, i compare my self with other women like this, but i no its wrong and i wouldnt look down on somone because of thier clothing. Perhaps talk 2 ur parents about this person if its offending them by having ago at them that matters.

She has no right 2 do that. And it doesnt mater how successful she is compared to u. Ur probly sucessfull in ur own way that she isnt. dont be so modest!!

Answer 9

Firstly, women do NOT 'always' compare themselves based on clothing. SOME women do, SOMETIMES. Some men do the same thing. Some men compare themselves based on money, or employment, or penis size. Some women compare themselves based on salary, employment, breast size. Your observation is limited only to those cases that YOU'VE experienced. I assure you it varies from person to person culture to culture. Comparing yourself to others is one part of human nature, sadly.

Answer 10

well this is because clothing tells ALOT about the person. you can tell if theyre artistic, theyll be dressed in such a way that makes them look good. you can tell if theyve given up, if they have money, all sorts of things!! you can even have a good guess at what their job is! why women notice it more than men, i dont know, but it does make sense that you will judge someone to some extent by what they're wearing.