David and Sam had been friends since they were in the fifth grade, bonded by the fact that they had both lost a parent when they were young. However, their backgrounds couldn’t have been more different.
Miles Apart
David’s dad worked 60-70 hours a week to afford a one-bedroom apartment in a good school district, while Sam lived with his heart surgeon father in a 5000 square foot mansion with a pool and a private movie theater. Although David tried not to let it bother him, it was hard not to feel envious of Sam’s life of luxury, especially when his dad was struggling to make ends meet.
Different Lives
As they grew older, the differences between their lives became even more apparent. Sam had every advantage that money could buy, from private piano lessons to summer jobs in a university research lab.
An Affordable Plan
David, on the other hand, never had the opportunity to do extracurricular activities due to the cost. He knew that he would have to work part-time while completing his degree at a community college before transferring to a 4-year school. It wasn’t the ideal path, but it was the only one that he could afford.
They Always Had Each Other’s Backs
Despite the growing disparity between their lives, David and Sam remained close friends. They shared a love of music and sports, and they always had each other’s backs. That is, until last Sunday.
Mansion Lounging
Sam invited David, along with 2 other friends, Amy and Elaine, to his house. They spent the afternoon exploring the mansion and lounging by the pool. As the day wore on, the conversation turned to college and future plans.
College Essay Topic
Amy asked Sam what he had written about in his college essay. Sam paused for a moment before responding that he had mainly written about the struggles he had faced growing up as the child of a single parent.
A Little Bit Privileged
David was stunned. He couldn’t believe what he was hearing. Here they were, hanging out in a multimillion dollar house with a pool in the backyard, a private movie theater upstairs, a grand piano in the living room, and two BMWs plus a Porsche in the garage. Meanwhile, David and his dad were struggling to make ends meet. It was too much to bear.
David Said:
“Sam, really?” David said, his voice rising with anger. “Do you have any self-awareness at all? How can you even say that you struggled when you know how hard my dad and I have it?”
He Was So Angry
With that, David stormed out of the house, leaving Sam and their friends behind. He was too angry to even look back. As he walked away, he could feel his fists clenching and unclenching. He was furious with Sam for being so oblivious to his own privilege.
The Internet Responded
One person wrote, “you didn’t read his essay. You don’t know what he said or his struggles. Either way, it has nothing to do with you. Life isn’t a sum zero game – just because you struggled more doesn’t mean he didn’t struggle at all. His essay wasn’t about you, it had nothing to do with you.”
Another Internet Response
A second commenter posted, “No amount of money is gonna make up for not having his mother around. And no amount of money is gonna automatically mean he has a good relationship with his father or that his father was present for him. At the end of day the day OP has only witnessed an outsiders perspective of what his friend’s childhood was like based on his family’s finances.”
A Final Comment
This last person commented, “Makes me wonder how many people here would kill off a parent if it meant being rich, and then wouldn’t be upset about the loss. They’re acting like Sam can’t struggle with the loss of a parent because I guess money means you can’t hurt.”
MORE FROM SMART GAMING LAB – AN INTROVERTED COUPLE WERE BRANDED RUDE FOR TELLING THEIR NEW PRO-LIFE NEIGHBOR THAT THEY HAD NO INTEREST IN BECOMING FRIENDS
An antisocial woman in her late 20s lived in a quiet neighborhood with her equally introverted husband. When a new neighbor moved to town, publicizing their pro-life and other beliefs through signs and flags on their property, she didn’t think much of it. That’s until the neighbor was at her door asking for friendship.
HE ORGANIZED A POTLUCK FOR HIS NEIGHBORS, BUT WHEN HE CLOCKED A GUEST RUNNING OFF WITH THE FOOD, SHE BURST INTO TEARS AND ACCUSED HIM OF FAT SHAMING
A man organized a potluck and pool party for his neighbors and their kids. Everyone was having fun until one of the guests tried to run off with a tray of someone else’s delicious food. He had to take action which caused a huge commotion.
A WIFE BEGRUDGINGLY SHARED HUSBAND WITH ENTIRE FEMALE NEIGHBOURHOOD, BUT WHEN SHE SAID SHE WANTED HIM ALL TO HERSELF AGAIN, SHE WAS ASKED TO STOP BEING SELFISH
A 16-YEAR OLD BOY SAVED UP TO BUY HIS OWN CAR, BUT WHEN HIS FINANCIALLY IRRESPONSIBLE BROTHER WANTED TO BORROW IT, THE BOY’S STEPMOTHER TOLD HIM THE CAR SHOULD BE SHARED BETWEEN THEM
Two stepbrothers, both 16 years old, found themselves embroiled in a disagreement over a car.
HER HUSBAND LEFT MULTIPLE GIFTS TO BE OPENED EACH HOLIDAY AFTER HIS DEATH, BUT HER BROTHER-IN-LAW RUINED IT ALL AND NOW SHE WANTS TO BOOT HIM OUT
A woman lost her husband and a couple of weeks later let her brother-in-law and his kids move into their house after he lost his job. But it wasn’t long before he became a nuisance, and she had to kick him to the curb.
Images are for illustrative purposes only