Comparison, is it the stem of unhappiness?

If you are unhappy or disappointed about something it's likely you are comparing one experience or situation to another. One experience is favorable and the other not so. Here's a simple approach to an otherwise complex subject.

Imagine this: You're a regular at a local restaurant, the staff recognise and know your name and preferences. You get the preferred treatment - made a fuss of, the window table, a special deal, you feel special. So compare this to when they have an issue with staff turnover and one day the new guy doesn't know you name you one of the masses again? feel special anymore? Probably not.

If comparison is the stem of unhappiness, surely it works the other way too. How about lotto? Half the excitement of winning is that you didn't last time? and the time before and before that? Your winning experience is way more enjoyable than the loosing one your comparing to.

Catch yourself comparing and you'll learn a lot.