When my computer crashed and I was beyond frustrated, my son said, “It’s only a First World problem, Mom.” True. This annoyance was minor in the grand scheme of life.
Living in the United States—a land of privilege and opportunity—we have time to focus on trivial matters.
Confession: My swimming pool is my First World problem.
Our pool has always been a gathering place; a source of fun, exercise, and restoration after a long day.
After thirty years, we wore the pool out! It is now begging for major restoration.
While impatiently waiting for long-term renovations to begin, I notice First World problems all around me:
An angry man at Walgreens claimed the store texted too often about his prescription refills.
A woman outside Publix cursed her phone that just died.
In my house, when the remote control is missing, chaos follows. Couch cushions fly through the air. We are desperate to watch more reruns of Diners, Drive-ins and Dives!
Martha Stewart’s article about scented candles past their prime made me laugh out loud. In Florida, when the power goes out during a hurricane, no one cares if the air smells like Mountain Pine or Island Grapefruit. We just need light to guide us to the bathroom.
Weird Al Yankovic’s song First World Problems shows us how foolish we look complaining about the dead battery in our electric toothbrush, or the poor design in the foam of our overpriced latte.
After winning first place in the 2017 Royal Palm Literary Awards I entered my novel Mischief Makers in another contest. It didn’t even place. While the judge applauded my solid grasp of pacing, setting, and description, the final comment was, “But the real issue is the ‘First World problem‘ theme of the story itself.” That. Was. The. Whole. Point.
I write books, articles, and Reflections that dwell on slices of life and First World problems. My stories are beach reads with happy endings. Swimming with Strangers in Shanghai, my short nonfiction, is full of tongue-in-cheek angst while I lived in a five-star hotel. Moving back to a maid-less house was torture. 🤣😂
I’ve visited impoverished areas of Cambodia, Thailand, and China. I don’t take potable water, a roof over my head, or access to quality healthcare for granted. When faced with those with less, I struggle knowing I have so much.
Yet I still pine for my pool.
What First World problems have you encountered?
Mine is my current housing situation. I live in a beautiful brand new apartment. It has a brand new oasis pool area, brand new work out rooms (yes, rooms), and a brand new clubhouse. The First World problem is there are other people who live here too and they make noise! Even the beautiful Florida birds chirp too loud.
If we are used to quiet and privacy, even the nicest of neighbors (and birds) can be annoying. 🤣
Weird Al!
Enjoyed this, Kimberlee.
I love Weird Al!
Who doesn’t love Weird Al?
Thanks for reading, Eric!
Mine is my tiny dog who leaves her toys all over the floor and the books and art supplies that constantly take over my house. An embarrassment of riches.
‘An embarrassment of riches.’ Aptly said.
Mine is similar to Tammy’s; that I won’t always be able to live as I do now, surrounded by nothing but trees, flowers and birds and will someday have to live near (heaven forbid!) PEOPLE!
I can relate!In the meantime, we’ll enjoy each and every day we can remain where we are.
Great piece, Kim. It’s important to be reminded of “first world problems” to help gain perspective of our lives and a renewed sense of gratitude. I’ve been blessed with a decent roof over my head (of course, I think of all the home improvement projects that I would like to pursue, but here I go again…), a job I like, health insurance, plenty of food, family and friends who love me…well the list could go on.
It’s good to take time and count our many blessings!
We experienced car trouble today, 75 miles from home. We contacted AAA, but would have to wait 2-4 hours for a tow truck. It would eventually come, but not in the speed of which we normally expected. Having to WAIT was our only problem!
Waiting is a huge part of First World problems. It’s why most every home has a microwave. I shudder to think about making popcorn on the stovetop. Ha!