How do you handle being friends with someone who has "worse" problems than you?

I can see how some family/friends/etc. might need to seek counseling just because the person they care about may have "worse" issues. Invalidation sucks! And talking to someone who is supposedly a friend who has serious issues may not always be the best avenue...

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Looking

“Worse problems” as in this competitive suffering as opposed to reality? They just sound like they suck tbh. I have serious problems, but I still try and help my friend’s with their issues, because, you know, I’m their friend.

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Phire1 · 51-55, F

@Looking It had been going fine for a long time until they (and one other) started making certain comments about certain things I'd share or post...

Looking

@Phire1 I guess you don’t want to go into details, so it’s hard to comment. Are you posting things about your problems on Facebook and they’re criticising you for that, or something?

Phire1 · 51-55, F

@Looking First, they post about their issues on Facebook. I 90-95% of the time post things I find funny, or an article, or artwork, or music. We have chatted in private for about 3-4 years about many different topics - personal stuff is one of those topics. But, they tended to make comments that seemed insensitive at times... and like it's a competition (for lack of a better way to say it)

SW-User

I handle it because I care for the person.
And it doesn't invalidate my issues. It just means that they may not be the best person to give me support I need. And that is okay. I have other friends.

SW-User

In some situations it works really well, but in other situations it can be a very negative and draining experience.

Phire1 · 51-55, F

@SW-User Yeah, it can be...

SW-User

True, but what here is the measure of worse problems?

Phire1 · 51-55, F

@SW-User Let's say a person needs a heart transplant compared to ANYTHING you ever tell them about within your life...

Bowser · 31-35, M

Me and my best mate are both attending the same college but while I'm an optimist he's a pessimist

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