That's why 97% of the media we take in is designed to make us feel that way. Why don't you have washboard abs? Why isn't your hair long and flowing and disheveled yet somehow perfectly in place? Why don't you have the $3000 cooking set to surprise her with a gourmet meal whenever she wants? Why don't you have the $60,000 car to take her to the coast? Why don't you have the TV that talks and the watch that's a phone and the $2500 home theater set in your $700 a month apartment? Why doesn't your job pay six figures and come with unlimited time off? Well you'd better go get the degree that'll get you that job, even if it's something you're not interested in at all. Why can't you order at a restaurant in 3 different languages? Why aren't you a ballroom dancer, a horticulture expert, a DIY master, and a black belt in Brazilian jiu jitsu?

They want you to believe that you can spend your way out of inadequacy. You can't. You can only work your way out of it. Manage your expectations and know yourself. You'll never be all those things. You'll never have all that stuff. And whoever you meet who's worth your time ought to be okay with that. Should you aspire to some of that? Sure, if it's what you want. If it's not what you want- fuck it. Who are you trying to impress? Somebody just ought on the market looking for an upgrade? Fuck all that.

You are not inadequate. The system is. If you buy into it or chase the ideal of what they want you to be, then don't be surprised when it doesn't get you anywhere. It's not supposed to. Because then you wouldn't feel inadequate anymore, and you'd stop consuming. And they can't have that.