The Grass Isn't Always Greener On The Other Side
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

The Grass Isn't Always Greener On The Other Side

Only where you water it.

23
The Grass Isn't Always Greener On The Other Side
Tumblr

Per routine of every person my age, I was laying in bed scrolling through my social media feeds. Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, Instagram… repeat. Before I knew it, I had spent over 20 minutes looking and analyzing the lives of other people. I see all the parties my friend goes to… jealous of the concert my other friend across the country went to…. analyzing (in detail) all my friend’s new friends… jealous at that girl’s outfit… looking at the other one’s boyfriend. I was spending my time observing what other people are doing… and worse, comparing it to what I am doing.

Why is it that in this day and age every single detail of our daily lives has to be posted onto a social media outlet? And why is it that we compare our own lives to that? Just admit it, you can’t help but think that other people are living a much more fun life than you are based on what you see on social media. Trust me, I do. A lot. I’m an athlete, and sometimes do not have the time to do things or logistically just cannot go out do the things I want to do. And I see my other friends doing all those things. And yeah, it sucks. I know for a fact that everyone is guilty of looking at a Snapchat story or an Instagram picture and thinking, “Wow, they really are living it up. What am I doing with my life?” Or my personal favorite, “I really wish I was this person.”

I cannot stand the comparisons. The jealousy. Yeah, maybe that person is having a great time and you may think that if you were at that school or in that town you would be living the life too. But honestly, their life isn’t everything they post it to be. Everyone should know this. How many pictures does it take before you find the perfect candid that makes it look like you and your friends are having the time of your life?

Wishing you were living someone else’s life is only going to make yours worse. You need to take advantage of where you are and make the best of it. Because life really is what you make it. And if you decide to be miserable, life is going to be miserable right back. But if you decide to make the best of it, life will reward you and you will enjoy yourself.

As cliché as it is… the grass isn’t greener on the other side. It’s greener where you water it. Everyone has their problems and is going through things in their life you have no idea about. That girl smiling in her bikini? She cries every night over what she looks like. That guy at all the concerts? He gets too drunk to remember them. The “best friends” who vacation together? They fight every day. Honestly, don’t think someone’s life is great just because they make it seem that way. Everyone struggles and everyone lives their life.

So honestly, I have realized that comparing myself to people and getting upset over the things I have absolutely no control over will only make me depressed. Life is happening right in front of you… don’t miss it.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

40962
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

25524
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

951035
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

133692
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments