The struggle is real 

A (generally) ironic saying often used in place of the saying, "first world problems". Has slightly more urban undertones than "first world problems". Denotes a situation where the user wishes to express that they are encountering some sort of undesirable difficulty, but dealing with it. With irony, it has a comical effect of dramatizing a non-critical, yet undesirable situation.

Tom: I had to walk to class today because my bike got a flat tire.
Adam: Must've been real hard, man.
Tom: Yeah. The struggle is real.

The struggle is real by nobranknerms October 11, 2013

the struggle is real 

Used to describe trying times or an unpleasant situation that is hard to get through.

For Example

Friend 1: I missed the bus, Have a ton of homework, and i didin't get to eat lunch because the line was to long.
Friend 2: The Struggle Is Real
Friend 1: I Know!

the struggle is real by that random dude January 20, 2014

The Struggle Is Real 

A reassuring phrase you offer to a person whom is under the influence of marijuana and struggling at a task due to being seriously high. The phrase signifies that you understand what they are dealing with and are not judging them for being to high to function properly and that they are free to be themselves ensuring good "vibes". It can also be used at times for a friend whom is uncomfortably stoned and they need to lay down or put both head phones in, stating that they're not being weird and that their "struggle" is indeed "real" and that you respect that.

Dude 1: holding bong "Damn man I'm to stoned to hold this bowl"
Dude 2: couch locked next to him "The struggle is real man, the struggle is real"

Dude 1: Stammering and laughing at a drive through ordering mic
*pull away from mic*
Dude 1: "I totally fucked that up"
Dude 2: "The struggle is real man"

The Struggle Is Real by CrowBar June 25, 2014