"I know there are people worse off then me"

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."

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 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.

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?

Or does it mean they are aware of other people?

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.