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While your 2nd grade teacher might have told you to never compare yourself to other kids in your class or to never compare apples to oranges, it’s not to say that comparing is wrong in general. In fact, it’s sometimes necessary or plain interesting. Or both.

We never knew we needed to see these particular comparisons, but we’re better off now that we have contrasted X and Y, or A and B, or [insert one object] and [insert another object].

#1

Reference Photo vs. Colored Pencil Drawing. My Latest Artwork

Reference Photo vs. Colored Pencil Drawing. My Latest Artwork

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#2

Not Possible To Get A Bigger Boost In Self Confidence

Not Possible To Get A Bigger Boost In Self Confidence

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Occam's Chainsaw
Community Member
9 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Being able to smile without feeling self-conscious is huge. No idea why people need to be critical of this.

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#3

Incredible

Incredible

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Rebelliousslug
Community Member
9 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Congrats! Love the smile in the second pic. Grace can tell you’re happier.

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Oh, yes, we’re gonna dive deep into why we as a species compare ourselves to others. Or compare in general.

Well, you’ll likely be surprised to learn that comparison is a natural activity. Every animal with a functioning prefrontal cortex and a hippo on campus does this to determine the more important things in life, like what to eat and why pizza?

#4

I’ve Been Feeding This Cat Named Feral Gerald. Just Discovered He’s Two Different Cats

I’ve Been Feeding This Cat Named Feral Gerald. Just Discovered He’s Two Different Cats

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Mark
Community Member
9 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So now you have the Feral Geralds, not too bad for a day’s work

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#5

First Day Back At School Took Its Toll On This Little Girl

First Day Back At School Took Its Toll On This Little Girl

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#6

Before And After Of A Backyard I Cleaned Up Today

Before And After Of A Backyard I Cleaned Up Today

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And life is full of these small, yet significant (or not) choices, which can have both positive and negative consequences.

On the plus side, comparisons are great because of course these two dresses are the same, yet their pricing is different depending on the store. That in turn allows you to save money.

#7

How My Girlfriend Gets To Sleep vs. How I Get To Sleep With The New Foster Dog

How My Girlfriend Gets To Sleep vs. How I Get To Sleep With The New Foster Dog

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#9

The Difference In My Hands Before And After A 130-Pound Weight Loss

The Difference In My Hands Before And After A 130-Pound Weight Loss

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And on the other hand, comparing things might just end up leaving you disappointed that your car or house or Pokemon collection isn’t as good as that of your friend or neighbor.

And it actually hits harder when we’re not comparing things, but rather ourselves to others. That’s called social comparison, and it can go both ways.

#10

Before And After From Chemo. I Was Diagnosed In June

Before And After From Chemo. I Was Diagnosed In June

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#11

The Size Difference Between Brother And Sister Of The Same Litter

The Size Difference Between Brother And Sister Of The Same Litter

Look how big Malik is compared to his sister. I just don’t know if she’s really small or he’s really big, they’re only a couple of months old too. The size difference is crazy!

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#12

What My Cat Looks Like Normally vs. What She Looks Like Wet (Smoke Tortie)

What My Cat Looks Like Normally vs. What She Looks Like Wet (Smoke Tortie)

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Festinger and his social comparison theory studied human comparisons, noting an upward and downward trajectory.

Upward social comparisons involve comparing yourself to those superior to you. At first, it was believed that it only led to negative self evaluations, but the further the study went, the more nuances it uncovered that actually proved that it could boost self-esteem and motivation.

#14

My Husband Has Brown Eyes, I Have Blue. These Are Our Four Children's Eyes

My Husband Has Brown Eyes, I Have Blue. These Are Our Four Children's Eyes

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Rebelliousslug
Community Member
9 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Love that they look like they’re transitioning. I’m old enough that in school I was taught if one of your parents had brown eyes and the other had blue, the kids would all have brown eyes. Very confusing as a kid having parents with different colored eyes and not having brown eyes myself.

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Downward social comparisons are when folks compare themselves to those they perceive as being lesser than them, leading to a sense of superiority that reinforces self worth.

Studies showed that such comparisons were often employed to reduce the sense of threat from others, but ended up worsening distress and inducing feelings of guilt over the perceived superiority.

#16

I’m Holding Him Close To Myself To Show That He Is Indeed Huge

I’m Holding Him Close To Myself To Show That He Is Indeed Huge

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#17

Polar Bear vs. Black Bear Comparison

Polar Bear vs. Black Bear Comparison

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#18

My Teeth, Before And After Braces

My Teeth, Before And After Braces

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Well, instead of comparing yourself to others, try these on for size:

First and foremost, identify your triggers and avoid them. If there’s a scenario, place or even an individual that makes you engage in comparisons (like feeling uncomfortable in large spaces due to their size), avoid and don’t engage with them.

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#19

The Different Reflections From My Glasses

The Different Reflections From My Glasses

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#20

One Bench, Two Seasons. February vs. August 2023 In Åndalsnes, Norway

One Bench, Two Seasons. February vs. August 2023 In Åndalsnes, Norway

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It helps to avoid social media altogether as it’s considered a breeding ground for comparison. Everything there can easily become a measuring context, showing how better off someone is. However, everything has to be taken within context and that particular posts might be showing the positive side of things, without divulging how much had to be done for the post to be what it is.

#22

My Local Hospital Has Examples Of When You May Need Urgent Care vs. An ER

My Local Hospital Has Examples Of When You May Need Urgent Care vs. An ER

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Rebelliousslug
Community Member
9 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My daughter and sister work in the ERs and this cannot be said too much. People taking up space and resources from people that need it all because they can’t be bothered to see a family physician is ridiculous.

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#23

Each Bottle Is The Same Whiskey Matured In The Cask For One Year More Than The Last

Each Bottle Is The Same Whiskey Matured In The Cask For One Year More Than The Last

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#24

Can’t Tell The Difference

Can’t Tell The Difference

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Other tactics include avoiding comparing other people’s “outsides” with your “insides” or even daring to use comparison as a motivator. Focus on your strengths and how these comparisons can make you better as an individual. Use others you deem superior as an inspiration and be open to becoming more like that person so you could be a better person in general.

#25

My Mom Found A Lemon From Our Tree That's Shaped Like A Carrot. Normal Lemon For Comparison

My Mom Found A Lemon From Our Tree That's Shaped Like A Carrot. Normal Lemon For Comparison

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#26

My Roommate Bought A Patch That Looks Exactly Like Her Cat

My Roommate Bought A Patch That Looks Exactly Like Her Cat

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Lee
Community Member
9 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Poor thing needs to be put on a diet now it's clearly on it's way to not cleaning itself with ease soon.

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#27

The Difference Between A Phone And A True Camera

The Difference Between A Phone And A True Camera

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pep Ito
Community Member
9 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Apart from the quality of the cell phone (not all cell phones cost the same or have the same lenses) it is also the difference between having a telephoto lens or not.

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Note that all of this doesn’t mean that you can’t celebrate other people. The fact that we advocate ourselves as people doesn’t have to stop there—we can spread positivity by cheering friends and coworkers on for their milestones. And hey, you can be inspired by that too. Use that as a motivator.

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#28

This Egg From One Of Our Backyard Chickens That Looks Like Someone Gave It A Popcorn Ceiling Texture

This Egg From One Of Our Backyard Chickens That Looks Like Someone Gave It A Popcorn Ceiling Texture

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#29

The Difference Between My Brother's And My Tans

The Difference Between My Brother's And My Tans

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#30

Me Looking Like 4 Different People On 4 Valid ID Cards Of Mine

Me Looking Like 4 Different People On 4 Valid ID Cards Of Mine

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So, with all of that said, we’d love to hear from you. What are some mind-blowing comparisons that you’ve learned about recently—whether personal or … thing-able… Share your thoughts and stories in the comment section below!

And if this ain’t your cup of tea, then maybe this similar article will be?

#31

A Chunk Of My Red Hair From When I Was 16 Compared To My Faded With Time Hair Now That I'm 27

A Chunk Of My Red Hair From When I Was 16 Compared To My Faded With Time Hair Now That I'm 27

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Rebelliousslug
Community Member
9 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

People seem genuinely surprised that blond headed children have dark hair later in life but it’s actually more common than people keeping blond hair, I think.

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#32

My Grown 2.5-Year-Old Cat Is Still Very Tiny

My Grown 2.5-Year-Old Cat Is Still Very Tiny

Here is my cat Bert next to a variety of items to showcase his tininess. He definitely looks bigger upon standing and can actually stretch himself quite long (and looks like a ferret doing it) but he is still the smallest full-grown cat I’ve ever met and was the runt of his litter by a long shot.

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Mtownmick
Community Member
9 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is BP. We use bananas for scale like g*d intended not just whatever. Get with the program. Cute cat.

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#33

My Corn Came In Both Landscape And Portrait

My Corn Came In Both Landscape And Portrait

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Chris Landrum
Community Member
9 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I work as a cashier and actually many products come like this, especially items in boxes. it is so they can fit on the shelves. if you look closely you will see most store shelves have very few gaps between products

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#34

They Think We Don't Notice

They Think We Don't Notice

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#35

Did Some Work For A Dentist's Office Yesterday. Very Concerned He Had These In His Office. Full-Sized Pencil For Scale

Did Some Work For A Dentist's Office Yesterday. Very Concerned He Had These In His Office. Full-Sized Pencil For Scale

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#36

This 2-Inch Banana, Normal-Sized Banana For Scale

This 2-Inch Banana, Normal-Sized Banana For Scale

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Cole
Community Member
9 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There’s a comment here about size doesn’t matter. But I can’t think of it at the moment.

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#37

The Health Class In Our High School Has A Moldy Bread Display On The Wall To Show How We Should Wash Our Hands And Phones

The Health Class In Our High School Has A Moldy Bread Display On The Wall To Show How We Should Wash Our Hands And Phones

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WindySwede
Community Member
9 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And that's why I sanatise the shopping cart at store.. 🤷‍♂️

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#38

These LEGO Bricks Are The Same Color... Except Under A Blacklight

These LEGO Bricks Are The Same Color... Except Under A Blacklight

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#39

The Shadow From The Sign Has A Different Spelling From The Actual Sign

The Shadow From The Sign Has A Different Spelling From The Actual Sign

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#40

The Difference Between The Stitches In My Eyes From My First And Second Corneal Transplants

The Difference Between The Stitches In My Eyes From My First And Second Corneal Transplants

MOTPeng44 , MOTPeng44 Report

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Jan Rosier
Community Member
9 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Always wondering how you survive this kind of surgery without massive heartbeatings and bloodpressure. When I visit my ophtalmologist every half year, I get very nervous every time. Even after going every sig months for the last 8 years. especially measuring the pressure with that the extra liquid and the thing they put on the eyeball... sends shivers down my spine.

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#41

One Of The Eggs I Bought This Morning Is Randomly Purple

One Of The Eggs I Bought This Morning Is Randomly Purple

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Kira Okah
Community Member
9 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Whoever you bought the eggs from has a marans chicken. That really looks like a marans egg.

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#42

My Brother’s Vacation Pic vs. Mine

My Brother’s Vacation Pic vs. Mine

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Brittania Kelli
Community Member
9 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Nope. You got two hands, you make your own whole heart and love your single self whole heartedly. You are no less a person because you are single.

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#43

Me Jumping Into Jacob’s Well In 2014 vs. Its Current State

Me Jumping Into Jacob’s Well In 2014 vs. Its Current State

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#44

Bank Gave Me Three Iterations Of The $100 Bill In A $1,100 Transaction

Bank Gave Me Three Iterations Of The $100 Bill In A $1,100 Transaction

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#45

Central Park In 1931 vs. 2020

Central Park In 1931 vs. 2020

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#47

All Of These Containers Have The Same Volume

All Of These Containers Have The Same Volume

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Nina
Community Member
9 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When filled to the brim? The can's circumference seems the same or quite close to the left bottle. Would think at least the green bottle would hold more liquid

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#48

My Socks Turn Half Red Under One Of The Stage Lights

My Socks Turn Half Red Under One Of The Stage Lights

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#49

The Green Bean Size Difference Between The "No Salt Added" Can And A Regular Can

The Green Bean Size Difference Between The "No Salt Added" Can And A Regular Can

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WindySwede
Community Member
9 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't think it's because of the salt, they were different size from the start? 🤷‍♂️

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#50

The Transitionary Period Of "Shrinkflation" Is Particularly Awkward When Getting Screwed Over Is So Obvious. Same Price Of Course

The Transitionary Period Of "Shrinkflation" Is Particularly Awkward When Getting Screwed Over Is So Obvious. Same Price Of Course

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Kira Okah
Community Member
9 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Okay, look. This picture is nothing to do with "the transitionary period of shrinkflation". 165g is a standard size for a pringle tube and have been for years, it is still very much in place. The 185g is new, just as the label says, and has nothing to do with the 165g tube whatsoever. The shop this photo is from stocks the 200g, 185g, and 165g tubes as standard.

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Note: this post originally had 98 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.