Some people have zero perspective on the struggles most of us deal with on a day-to-day basis.
Whether they’re extremely privileged, wilfully detached, or just plain oblivious, being out of touch with real-world problems can have serious consequences on relationships and societal understanding. When someone says and does these things, it’s clear they’ve been insulated from the tough stuff that everyone else has to confront regularly. Good for them and all that, but would a bit of kindness, consideration, and empathy kill them? (It feels like it might sometimes!)
1. They dismiss financial struggles as “bad budgeting.”
When someone assumes that money troubles are just down to bad budgeting, it shows a serious lack of understanding. It’s not just about spending habits; it’s about rising living costs, wages that haven’t risen in a meaningful way in years, and bigger systemic problems. Saying, “Just spend less,” completely oversimplifies the issue. Many people work hard, but still struggle to make ends meet. Understanding that financial struggles often go beyond personal decisions is key to having a more thoughtful discussion. When people recognise the larger forces at play, it helps create more meaningful conversations around real solutions.
2. They assume everyone has the same resources.
People who are out of touch with real-world struggles often forget that not everyone has the same access to basic needs like education, healthcare, or even reliable internet. It’s easy to say, “Why don’t they just get a better job?” but this ignores the barriers so many face, like childcare responsibilities or a lack of affordable transport. Recognising that not everyone has the same opportunities is a big step towards creating empathy. When we understand that privilege can cloud our perspective, we can have better conversations about how to address these challenges.
3. They see working multiple jobs as a personal choice.
Assuming that someone holding down two or three jobs just enjoys staying busy is a clear sign of being out of touch. Many people take on extra work because they have no choice — they need the money to survive. This misconception fails to see the bigger picture of low wages, rising living costs, and the need to support a family. If more people understood just how exhausting and unsustainable this lifestyle can be, they’d be more empathetic. Instead of labelling it as a “choice,” we should recognise the sacrifices people make just to get by.
4. They trivialise mental health struggles.
When someone says, “Just think positive,” or “It’s all in your head,” they’re ignoring the reality of mental health struggles. These comments dismiss the very real challenges that people with conditions like anxiety or depression face. Mental health isn’t something that can be solved with a quick fix or positive thinking. Offering empathy, understanding, and a listening ear is far more helpful than belittling someone’s experience. Learning to listen without judgment is the first step in reducing the stigma around mental health.
5. They think housing affordability isn’t an issue.
Some people assume that buying a home or renting a place to live is as easy as it was years ago. They might say, “You just need to save more,” without considering how high property prices have risen while wages have stayed the same. Housing affordability is a huge issue for many, especially in cities, and recognising this can change the conversation. Understanding that the financial barriers today are much harder to overcome helps encourage empathy and drives meaningful conversations about how to address these problems.
6. They assume everyone has a safety net.
Some people think that everyone can rely on their family or savings when times get tough, but for many, that’s simply not the case. Not everyone has a safety net, and when unexpected expenses, job losses, or medical emergencies arise, it can push people into a difficult position with little support. Recognising that not everyone has the same backing is crucial to understanding the realities many face. Building a more fair and supportive society starts with acknowledging that some people are more vulnerable than others.
7. They don’t understand food insecurity.
When people assume that food banks or government assistance solve hunger, they miss the mark on food insecurity. It’s not just about finding any food; it’s about having access to nutritious options and not facing the stigma of asking for help. Many who struggle with food insecurity also deal with geographic barriers or the lack of affordable healthy food. Understanding that hunger is more complex than it seems is a first step towards showing more empathy for those affected. It’s not just about access — it’s about dignity and respect.
8. They think job availability equals job quality.
Just because there are lots of jobs doesn’t mean they’re good jobs. There’s a difference between having job opportunities and having jobs that pay enough or offer decent benefits. The rise of gig work and zero-hour contracts means many workers are stuck in precarious roles. Recognising that job availability doesn’t always equal job security or fair pay helps bring more attention to the bigger picture. It’s about not just creating jobs, but creating quality jobs that provide stability and dignity.
9. They see luxury as a norm.
Some people assume that luxury goods or experiences are the norm for everyone. Comments like, “Everyone has a car like this,” or, “A weekend away is no big deal,” reveal a detachment from the reality of most people’s finances. Not everyone can afford those things, and it can feel alienating when people make these comments. Recognising that what’s a luxury to one person is a necessity for someone else helps create a more grounded perspective. Mindfulness about privilege is key to maintaining kindness and understanding.
10. They minimise societal inequalities.
Some people believe that “everyone has the same opportunities,” but this completely ignores systemic issues like racism, sexism, and economic disparity. It’s easy to say that everyone starts on equal footing, but that just isn’t true for marginalised groups. Understanding that societal inequalities are deeply rooted helps spark more meaningful conversations about how to address these issues. The solutions won’t be easy, but acknowledging the problem is the first step toward change.
11. They believe education is universally accessible.
People often assume that education is something everyone has equal access to, but that’s simply not the case. Underfunded schools, barriers to higher education, and cultural differences mean that not everyone starts with the same educational opportunities. Recognising that educational inequality still exists is crucial in creating a fairer system. When we understand the obstacles other people face, we can advocate for better access to quality education for everyone.
12. They don’t see the value of public transport.
Owning a car isn’t an option for everyone, and public transport is an essential lifeline for many people. Those who assume that everyone can just drive miss the reality that for some, public transport is their only way of getting to work, school, or healthcare. Recognising how vital public transport is to people’s lives helps create a better understanding of the practical issues many face. It’s not just about convenience — it’s about access.
13. They think “just work harder” solves everything.
The idea that working harder is the solution to everything ignores the larger barriers many people face. Comments like, “If I can do it, anyone can,” fail to recognise that not everyone has the same opportunities or privilege. Hard work is important, but so are the chances and resources available to help people succeed. Understanding that systemic change is necessary, alongside individual effort, is key to building a fairer society.
14. They think global warming is a hoax or irrelevant.
When people brush off climate change or ignore the need for sustainability, it shows a lack of awareness about the serious implications of environmental damage. Comments like, “It won’t affect me,” highlight how disconnected some are from the issues facing vulnerable communities. Recognising that climate change affects everyone, though some more than others, encourages greater responsibility and action. It’s time to address this global issue with both individual accountability and systemic change.
15. They trivialise societal safety nets.
Some people see welfare programmes and government assistance as “handouts” or “too easy,” not realising that these systems are vital lifelines for many. When you dismiss these as unnecessary or enabling, you overlook the harsh reality of what people go through when they rely on these programs. Understanding that safety nets are necessary to help people get back on their feet promotes a more compassionate approach to social support. We need to shift the conversation toward understanding and improving these systems for everyone’s benefit.
