"Whose Life is More Miserable" Contest

I don't get it. 

When I was single, I would hear things like, "You have it SO easy! My boyfriend demands so much time...cherish this time on your own."

When I had a steady boyfriend, I would hear things like, "You have it SO easy! Just you and your boyfriend. Now that WE are engaged, my whole life is wedding-planning! Enjoy this low-key time together."

When I was planning my wedding, I would hear things like, "You have it SO easy! My baby takes up ALL of my time! I have no life. Relish time with your hubby while you can."

And now that I have one child, I hear things like, "You have it SO easy! Just wait til there's TWO of them! One baby is a cake-walk compared to TWO! Appreciate the limited time you have with your first born."

My initial thought is: Why am I still friends with this person? 

No really, my initial and only thought is: What is the point? Making everyone think your life sucks b/c you are taking the natural progression into adulthood, marriage, and family life? 

I just don't get it. 

You know what? I actually ENJOYED being single, being a girlfriend, being engaged and planning a wedding, and being a Mommy to just one and I am certain I'll ENJOY being a mommy of TWO. 

Besides, if we were actually keeping tabs I would tell her that she has family close by and a husband home at 5pm every day so she has it EASY compared to me. But what's the grand prize for being miserable? A pity-party? No thanks.

Sure, every new phase brings its challenges -- but so far the blessings outweigh the inconveniences and I feel confident that this pattern will continue as our family grows.

In other words, I am fortunate my life has so easily fallen into place and I don't take it for granted. 

Sure, I vent to my Mommy friends about being overwhelmed at times but that's just honesty. 

I never lose sight of the fact that there are those out there who still haven't found true love, who live in unhappy marriages, who are unable to have kids, who don't have the chance to spend so much time with the kids they do have, etc.

So THANK YOU to my acquaintance who has it so much harder than me. You've reinforced a lesson of appreciation.