This is a really interesting thread.

I honestly don't care if someone I went to high school or college with looks down on me because I'm not as "successful" as they are. I went to a big, well-known college that has churned out its share of movers and shakers. But so what - they all still put their pants on one leg at a time.

I made a conscious decision about ten years ago to become downwardly mobile. I had enjoyed my career for a while, but over time became dissatisfied with it. So I decided to just do what made me happy even if it meant less income, working in a cube instead of a private office, and a less impressive title on my business card. I'm good at what I do, my clients appreciate my work, and I'm happy. Anyone who looks down on that can kiss my butt.

Same with family. I'm sure some people who look happy in photos with their spouse and kids really are happy, but there's no way their life is perfect bliss because no one gets that. And plenty of those people are probably not happy at all.