you know what really lowers someone's self-esteem? being compared to someone else. my friend was just talking to me for about 2 hours about how he hates his life and he hates himself. he only decided that when he realized how many times people compare him to other guys to his face, or how many times people favor others. and he just felt like he could never be the best. x___x it sucks.

i know that feeling. it's annoying and it's really discouraging. it's like, "you're good, but, SHE'S EVEN BETTER!" and it's like, okay, thanks, were you trying to be nice by saying that or are you just a freaking meanie? but you only feel like you're facing a harsh reality when it happens a million times. then, you start thinking, "oh, maybe they're right. well...i guess they're right. they wouldn't all be saying that if it wasn't true.". it really sucks. because then YOU compare yourself with everyone. and then you think they're all better than you.

and i know it's hard, but ignoring people works. that and a few weeks of tears. x__x not trying for pity, here, but crying honestly helps.

so, i know a lot of people who compare. and they don't get how mean it is. and i really hate people who compare others right to their faces when someone else is being favored. it hurts. so just don't. don't do it with art, don't do it with writing, don't do it with singing, dancing, acting, sports, anything. it sucks.