We were all the “good girls.”The ones who aced exams, brought home certificates, and lived under the glow of gold stars.We were celebrated — as long as we stayed ahead. But somewhere along the way, success stopped being a source of pride — and started becoming a quiet battleground. From class toppers to career rivals — how did we get here? How the Comparison Game Started It began early.“You got a 94? She got a 96.”“She’s already done her Master’s.”“She’s on TV now.”“She opened a startup, you know?” Whether we pursued STEM, business, or the arts — the same whispers followed.Achievement wasn’t just personal. It became a measuring stick against…