"I know there are people worse off than me"

When I say it, and I often do, it’s not because I feel guilty, it’s because I am genuinely grateful that things are not worse.

Heard it all now - whingeing about people trying to be positive. Not nice.

"Eat up and don't complain, there are children starving in Africa" was a phrase when I was growing up.

A friend's son one Christmas I was with them, refused to eat anything but just said "send it to Africa"

His poor parents, who were the kindest of folk, were exasperated and embarrassed. It wasn't the cheeriest Christmas.

I am aware of being lucky, as I said.
At least I had my stroke in the UK and not in a war zone.
Grateful for small mercies.

I'm really not sure why this bothers anyone- I like others, can hold two ideas in my head at once you know.

Grandma70s

I’ve always found it very strange that people say this as if was some kind of comfort. Surely the fact that there are people (even) worse off is very depressing and sad?

I’ve never thought of people saying it to comfort themselves. Usually they’re saying, “I’m fed up about this, but in the light of others suffering worse problems, I shouldn’t complain”. Acknowledging that others are in a worse position.

Or does it mean they are aware of other people?

I’ve always found it very strange that people say this as if was some kind of comfort. Surely the fact that there are people (even) worse off is very depressing and sad?

I think we all know our troubles are relative - but when someone complains about something it's only kind to acknowledge that you know thete are worse things in life.

When I had a stroke (and even now) I can be miserable about it.
I am also truly grateful that I'm so well recovered.

I do not feel guilty.
I feel lucky.
I amnot apologising.

Surely people who say this are very self-aware and are also fully aware of what’s going on in the wider world. They have no wish to be seen as a negative person, though often they are suffering quietly much more than the types who moan long and loud to all and sundry about their woes. I would far rather spend time with the sort of person you are denigrating than someone who constantly harps on about their problems.

I agree. Yes, of course there are always people worse off but it doesn't invalidate problems or make them any easier to bear.

One of my least favourite sayings is "I moaned because I had no shoes then met a man who had no feet."