I think it's wrong to dismiss other people's problems just because other people have bigger problems. We all live different lives, in different circumstances, and care about different things.

So you've got the flu and can't get out of bed? Stop complaining, some people have cancer!

You can't afford to buy a car? Well, some people can't afford to buy shoes!

You got fired? Some people never had a job to begin with!

You can't buy your child the toy they want for Christmas? Some people can't even buy food for their children!

Yes, some of those problems are bigger than others, but it doesn't make the others any less legitimate. This "You're better off than me, so you have nothing to complain about" attitude is harmful and ultimately completely devoid of empathy. Just because something doesn't seem like a problem to you doesn't mean it's not causing emotional distress to the other person. 

There are bigger problems in the world than not finding a suitable parking spot, that's for sure.

But do we really have to drag everyone down instead of trying to pull everyone up?

I think there are definately people in the first world who are poor. You have to remember that the costs of living are a lot higher than in other countries. There are loads of people who have to try hard to make ends meet, even though they live in a 'rich' country. Also there are quite some new rich people in country that we used to see as third world countries. China for example. I most strongly oppose the idea that all people in the first world have it good and are whiners, and that all people in the third word are poor and in need. There are poor people in rich countries.

Good discussion topic Elanvital.

My approach or thoughts on first world (developed) countries are simple.

If a person has enough good food to eat, has a roof over their head, and has good health or access to medical services, then they have nothing to complain about.

We all need to count our blessings (i.e., know and appreciate how lucky we are compared to so many others whose lives are so difficult).

And we should be grateful for our fortunate circumstances (i.e., living conditions).

Then I think it is a stupid and generalizing expression elanvital. There are loads of people in the "first" world with "third world" problems, and people in the "third" world with "first world" problems.

If I take a look at what it means, I think in Dutch we would translate it to something that would litterally be translated as "luxery problem". Which in my opinion has a more neutral context.