This phrase has always bothered me. It demonstrates a blatant lack of empathy, and always comes off as dismissive. Just because something isn’t important to you and is not as horrific as the end of the world, doesn’t make my concern invalid.
One could use this phrase for just about anything. “Oh, you lost your job? Well, at least it’s not the end of the world!” Even if the person saying it is trying to help put things in perspective, it just doesn’t.
On the other hand, I do enjoy using the phrase, “First world problems.” This phrase is designed to be dismissive and remind ourselves that what we consider “problems” are just minor inconveniences. An appropriate time to use this phrase would be when a friend complains about a vending machine being out of diet soda.
My preference of one phrase over the other may be a little contradictory. But at least I’m open about it!
One could use this phrase for just about anything. “Oh, you lost your job? Well, at least it’s not the end of the world!” Even if the person saying it is trying to help put things in perspective, it just doesn’t.
On the other hand, I do enjoy using the phrase, “First world problems.” This phrase is designed to be dismissive and remind ourselves that what we consider “problems” are just minor inconveniences. An appropriate time to use this phrase would be when a friend complains about a vending machine being out of diet soda.
My preference of one phrase over the other may be a little contradictory. But at least I’m open about it!