It seems strange to me that nearly all the women I ever knew, never had friends, buddies, or mates, who were also females.

For men it seems very competitive, eg. at a party or night club where men outnumber single women.
And it doesn't matter if the man already has a partner, he will do whatever it takes to get the girl. Then dump her asap.

In business and industry it is very competitive in trying to advance, with co- workers prepared to lie to get a promotion ahead of you, or to put you down.

It's a dog eat dog world out there.

I'm at a point in my life where I no longer need to compete.
"Winning" takes a distant back seat to "surviving" now.

Most of my life I was driven to take the "prize".
I 'needed' the attention because I was lacking in self-esteem.
Has a lot to do with my childhood and may parents alcoholism/narcissism.

For awhile, I was the class clown. I was really good at capturing and holding other's attention.
As I got older, more responsible, my focus changed to gaining expertise and professional respect.
With my family, I pushed to always set the example.

It was a life full of stress trying to concern myself with winning victories I really didn't need.
Then, it snapped.

When yer laying in a hospital bed wondering if you will survive the day, winning is no longer important. The need for competition is driven from you. The focus switches to survival and all those victories have little meaning.

I no longer need to validate myself to other and in that understanding, I no longer need others to validate their existence to me.
There is no competition.
Without it, contentment is easily attained and maintained.

which you ought to be proud of.

Do you ever think that some members of the same sex try to 'compete' with you instead of being comfortable with you.
In fact I have found the same in partners. Seriously life is not a competition,

I was born pretty much without the competitive gene. I do enjoy
quiet recognition when appropriate. If, however, someone tries
to steal my work, I will take them down. lol

hi

I know that while managing and singing in my bands some yrs ago. Most of the other members' would try to out do everybody else in the band. Me I just laughed and went on doing what I was doing. But I am weird , I will not compete and I idolize no one or anything. I am me and know what I am capable of. Man has to know his limits..... And I do know mine. But Yes I have seen the competition from others'. Mainly my male Buds.