It Could Be Worse

More likely than not, you’ve experienced something bad, tragic, catastrophic, etc in your life. Right after the moment happens, your friends and family will try to sympathize or cheer you up and at some point, the phrase “it could be worse” will get tossed in. I have always found this phrase to be less than helpful when it is immediately blurted out when you are in the height of anger, disbelief, turmoil. I understand the intentions of trying to get people to see the silver lining and count their blessings in the given situation but what I don’t understand is why is that the first thing to be communicated?

Last night, I had my car broken into and a few personal items were stolen. The smashed window can be replaced and the stolen items, once I figure out what was taken, can eventually be replaced as well. That’s life, I get it. The thing that can’t be replaced is the sense of security, the belief that everybody has an ounce of human decency in them, and the violation of having your personal property destroyed. After feeling violated, and someone tells me “oh it could be worse” I just want to look at them and say, “yes they could of smashed two windows, sure it could be worse” or “yeah, I guess I could have had more valuable possessions in my car at the time” but what I really want to say is “just let me be mad for a few minutes”. Let me scream out obscenities until my nice elderly neighbor gets somewhat worried that a horror movie is being filmed next door. For the most part, join me in saying ridiculous things like “yeah I hope those darn thieves fall down the stairs and scrape their knees really bad”.

This is just an example of my own plight but the same sentiment is carried through for tragic events like an untimely death, a severe injury, an overdue payment, or an accidental purchase of Costco sized hair gel.  In these moments of temporary anguish, just let people be upset for a few minutes, let them grieve, let them vent and scream that the world is unfair before you chime in with all of the things that could have been worse. In the end, it’s nice to know people look out for you and want to remind you of things to be grateful and for that I am grateful.