It's completely normal to look at others' lives online and feel a pang of sadness or anger about your own. Many people, especially in Pakistan, struggle with these feelings when they see friends and family reaching life milestones.
Anum, what you're feeling is very common, and it's important to remember that social media often shows only the best moments, not the full picture of anyone's life. What you see is a highlight reel, not the daily struggles, worries, or quiet moments that everyone experiences.
Your worth isn't measured by whether you've gotten married or achieved the same things as your cousins. You are a unique individual with your own path, strengths, and timeline. It's easy to get caught in the trap of "un jaisi kyun nahi ban saki?" but that question assumes there's only one right way to live, which isn't true.
Try taking a break from social media, especially from profiles that make you feel bad. Even a short break, like for an hour or a day, can help clear your head. If unfollowing isn't an option, you can mute their posts for a while so they don't appear in your feed.
Instead of looking at what others are doing, focus on what brings *you* joy and purpose. What are your own interests, goals, or small dreams? Could you pick up an old hobby, learn something new, or set a personal goal, even a small one like reading a book or trying a new recipe this week?
Spend more time with people in real life who make you feel good about yourself and who genuinely support you, regardless of your life circumstances. Real connections, whether with family or friends, are far more fulfilling than comparing yourself to curated online personas.
Names and cities shown here are examples. Every question is published anonymously — we never ask for, store or show the name, city or contact details of the person who wrote it.
You don't have to work this out from an article. We're free, private, and here right now — in English, Urdu or Roman Urdu. No signup, no waiting, no judgement.
Other questions people asked about the same thing, answered the same way.