The Cruelty of Comparison - By Salma Eid

Written By: Salma Eid

Category: Personal Essay

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Salma Eid offers a deeply insightful perspective in her personal essay, "The Cruelty of Comparison," as part of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. In this essay, she eloquently explores the pervasive and often overlooked impact of comparison on young individuals, particularly within high school environments. Through her candid narrative, Salma delves into the complexities of maintaining friendships and the silent struggles that many face in the shadow of perceived success.

About the Work

In "The Cruelty of Comparison," Salma Eid captures the essence of the internal battles experienced by many young people. Her essay is characterized by a raw, honest reflection on the emotional turmoil caused by comparing oneself to others. The narrative's emotional depth is enhanced by vivid imagery and a relatable tone, making it a poignant exploration of feelings of inadequacy and the societal pressures faced by today's youth.

The Cruelty of Comparison

Original Submission by Salma Eid

Comparison is the thief of joy–something we tell ourselves but seldom follow. As a teenage girl in high school, I think I can relate and speak for many young people like myself when I say; making and maintaining friends is harder than everyone makes it look, so is smiling for a friend’s success while quietly hurting over your own loss. This silent battle of raw “irrational” emotion is frowned upon and quick to be deemed selfish, unfair or childish… but I believe we’ve all felt it when we lose something we really wanted.

Comparison, in any form, is just kicking yourself when you’re already down. Whether it’s grades, opportunities, lifestyles, personality, or appearance–it’s all harmful. You might even read this thinking “At least I’m not like that,” only to later sulk when someone at school or work outperforms you–even though you tried just as hard. This heart-eating feeling of not being enough or feeling overlooked or disregarded leads so many young people into spirals of loneliness, confusion, and insecurity;

“Why did this happen to me?”

“I would’ve never acted this way”

“I deserved it more”

“This meant so much more to me”

In high school, social life feels like everything, no matter how much people claim otherwise. Everyone knows who you are, everyone notices who’s thriving and who’s struggling. Rumours fly from curated jokes, “innocent” inside jokes form, and stares linger. Some students seem effortlessly magnetic–making friends easily, shining in class, and landing opportunities, while others quietly count the minutes until they can go home. You can work twice as hard, yet still watch doors open for everyone but you…

Everyone, at least once in their life, has lost something they knew they wanted more than anyone. A grade, an award, friendship, an opportunity–anything that felt like proof of all their effort. Life isn’t fair. And it feels horrible and selfish to admit you wanted it more than the other person. After all, you can never truly know how much it meant to them or how hard they worked. All you know are your own feelings — and that gap in understanding breeds insecurity and resentment, and if exposed or shown, people will judge, your self-worth dwindles, insecurity skyrockets, and you have to deal with it alone.

This silent battle of feeling selfish for being upset, childish for caring so deeply, and ungrateful for not being happy enough for others–is often treated as taboo. We’re taught that admitting “I wanted it more” or “This meant everything to me” makes us look bitter or entitled and is ultimately socially unacceptable. So we swallow it and we carry the comparison alone, convinced that something must be wrong with us for feeling this way.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, hosted by Hashtag Kalakar, celebrates the power of words and the voices of emerging writers from around the world. This prestigious competition provides a platform for creative expression, inviting participants to explore themes that resonate deeply with audiences. Writers from diverse backgrounds share their unique perspectives, contributing to a rich tapestry of literary art.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Salma Eid for her poignant essay, "The Cruelty of Comparison," submitted to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Her introspective exploration of comparison and self-worth offers valuable insights into the challenges faced by young individuals today. We appreciate her participation and look forward to seeing more of her compelling work in the future.

About Hashtag Kalakar

Hashtag Kalakar is a creative platform dedicated to providing artists, writers, singers and other creative talents with opportunities to showcase their work and reach wider audiences through competitions, features and creative initiatives.