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Warning: secondhand embarrassment can cause intense emotional pain, facepalming, and gossiping with your friends about the intensely cringe things you saw.

The beauty of being a human being is that we tend to have far more in common with each other than we think. One of the best examples is that we’ve all done some extremely awkward, embarrassing things that we wish we could take back… or forget entirely! Perhaps it was a social media post we made years and years ago that physically hurts to look at. Or, maybe, you spilled your lunch all over yourself at school or work just last week!

A good antidote for dealing with your own embarrassment (aside from doing the mature thing and, y’know, working through your emotions) is to gently poke fun at someone who’s messed up even worse. That’s where the popular r/cringepics online community comes in. The subreddit is home to some of the most cringeworthy pics to ever be shared online. Check out the worst offenders below. But be careful your cringe-sensors might go haywire!

For some more cringeworthy pics, take a peek at Bored Panda's earlier feature right here.

#1

Tofu Is Only For Vegans

Tofu Is Only For Vegans

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#3

"Don't Come Over"

"Don't Come Over"

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The r/cringepics subreddit is home to just over 1.5 million members. It’s a true testament to just how successful the online community really is. As it turns out, internet users really enjoy looking at cringy stuff. Or rather, silently judging them for messing up in public.

That actually makes a lot of sense. We’ve written on Bored Panda before about how judging others is a natural part of who we are as human beings. We do it for a wide range of reasons. Unfortunately, some aren’t as wholesome or beneficial as others.

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"Judging others is something that we as humans do, both consciously and automatically, and there are a number of reasons why we do it. Comically, we are often told as children not to judge others and have stories shared about how judging others can mean we upset them or lose opportunities to see what really lies behind our perception," a psychologist explained to Bored Panda during an interview a while ago.

#8

I Got Four Phone Calls From The Dealership Immediately After This, But Didn't Pick Up

I Got Four Phone Calls From The Dealership Immediately After This, But Didn't Pick Up

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Bernd Herbert
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As far as untrustworthy professions go Car Dealers are really way up there on the list. Quite sad.

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#9

Not A Single Spanish Player Sang During Their Anthem

Not A Single Spanish Player Sang During Their Anthem

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Javel!
Community Member
1 year ago

This comment has been deleted.

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"Sometimes, we judge others to feel superior ourselves, finding faults in others, highlighting them, and feeling better about ourselves in the process. Sometimes, we use it to work out where we fit in, recognizing how we want to be, where our aspirations lie, and how we don't want to become," the psychologist explained.

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#10

Mistaking A Vietnamese Man For A Child

Mistaking A Vietnamese Man For A Child

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Best Behave
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

“Lady” Mone is notable for stealing tens of millions of pounds from the British taxpayer (aided and abetted by the present incumbents the Tory party) using phoney PPE contracts at the beginning of Covid. She is currently being investigated ( although not terribly thoroughly) and she and her husband are in the process of liquidating “their“ assets in preparation to leave the country. What a lovely person she is….

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#11

When You Accidentally Make Two Big Announcements In One Photo

When You Accidentally Make Two Big Announcements In One Photo

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"Sometimes, it's in response to our own flaws, and we attack others for what we don't like or don't see into ourselves. And on other occasions, it's to fit into a wider group who judge something or someone, and we conform and perform with the same judgment."

#13

My Friend Meant To Text Me, But He Texted The Girl He Had Just Gone On A Date With Instead

My Friend Meant To Text Me, But He Texted The Girl He Had Just Gone On A Date With Instead

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DennyS (denzoren)
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Worked out for the best, she got an honest review of the date so she could avoid another.

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#14

How To Make Pregnancy Announcements Even More Uncomfortable

How To Make Pregnancy Announcements Even More Uncomfortable

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However, judging others isn’t all bad. There are certain benefits and upsides when we use it mindfully.

"It can help us to set goals, find alignment with our values, it can help us to build the self-awareness of others and it can boost our self-esteem. Add to that it can also help us to make positive social choices, and it's understanding how and why we judge that gives us the ability to use it for our benefits instead of escaping our flaws or pulling others down,” the psychologist told Bored Panda before.

#16

Jesus Christ What The F**k

Jesus Christ What The F**k

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HelluvaHedgehogAlien
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

*calls platoon of vicious, grumpy alien hedgehogs before morning coffee* BRING IT ON DOOFUS

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#18

This S**t Happens On Linkedin Too

This S**t Happens On Linkedin Too

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Jessi Lovely
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Guys….can we maybe just THINK this s**t instead of typing it out and sending? What do you expect, for her to go, “OMG, I was originally looking for a job before you tainted my feed with that comment but now all I want to do is drop my panties what’s your number love?” Seriously, WHAT response is expected? Honestly curious if anyone knows.

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At the time of writing, r/cringepics had been active for over a decade. The subreddit was created all the way back in mid-October 2012. In the years since then, it has documented some of the most powerful cases of awkward and embarrassing situations that hurt to look at.

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Anyone with a drop of empathy can feel the secondhand embarrassment radiating from some of these posts. We cringe because we can imagine ourselves in that person’s shoes.

#19

That Went From 0 To 100 Real Quick

That Went From 0 To 100 Real Quick

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#20

I’ve Been Trying To Sell Something On Letgo And All I’m Getting Are Messages Like This, Wth Is Wrong With People?

I’ve Been Trying To Sell Something On Letgo And All I’m Getting Are Messages Like This, Wth Is Wrong With People?

thatwishywashy Report

#21

Don’t Let A Dead Parent Stop You From Trying Fire Pick-Up Lines . .

Don’t Let A Dead Parent Stop You From Trying Fire Pick-Up Lines . .

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When we find ourselves in an embarrassing or incredibly awkward situation, many of us might instinctively want to run or shy away from what’s happening. Some people deny that they messed up. Others shut down, completely.

The mature way to deal with these sorts of situations is to ease into it all. Embrace what’s happening instead of running away from those uncomfortable feelings. Admit to your mistakes. Accept that nobody is perfect. At some point in their lives, everyone messes up or does something embarrassing. Usually, repeatedly!

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#22

Just Losers

Just Losers

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Maya Baggins
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why did my mind read "necromancer" there and what should it have read?

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#23

Up Close With Mack

Up Close With Mack

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Jason
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Reasonable request if they were looking to adopt and it wasn't specified. Especially if someone was going to try and adopt the pup with additional needs. We tried to adopt 2 blind dogs. After filling out literally 30 pages of paperwork, interviews, and everything. We gave up after 6 months. They contacted us back at 8 months telling us we passed and could adopt them. Already had adopted one of our pups by then

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#24

Guy From High School Got The Same Tattoo As His Dog

Guy From High School Got The Same Tattoo As His Dog

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Dan Bexell
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Did you stop with just the tattoo? Where's the commitment dude?

Luna Crow
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes, I'd certainly hope this much action on this little forethought doesn't get genetically passed

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Sheba's Mum
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Old story. Wasn't a "guy from high school". It was a man who adopted the dog and formed such a bond, that he got a matching tattoo not kn8wing what it really meant i.e he'd been neutered

Diana Deluxe
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Guess what. He knew it meant "neutered". Story is from 2017 🙄 https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/juliareinstein/neutered-friends-4ever

Autumn
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I mean…. It was a cute idea but how do you miss the meaning that bad?

DC
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It was common to tat a number into cats' ears until not very long ago. Chips are more common now to be able to find your cat if she gets lost, but the cat from the cat cafe I hung out with when it was still open is tattoed to be born in 2007 in her ears ... met her in 2016 ... she was said to be the hardest-to-get-through-to of the bunch, but she really really liked me, and we hung out almost every lunch break at that time.

Be Gay Do Art (he/she/they)
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oh my-- I'm dead this is so funny he actually got the neutered tattoo on his arm-- 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

Piggy Tee
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We don't have that in Sweden, maybe it's an American thing?

Bi-Polar Express
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've never seen this tattoo and I've adopted a lot of dogs. You can tell they are neutered without the tattoo...

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birdhouse
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They give it to dogs in shelters when they get fixed to show they are neutered.

Cee Cee
Community Member
5 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Some pedigrees are tattooed in case they get lost or stolen. Microchips can be removed or lost. Tattoo is permanent.

MJ
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I dont see this as cringy, i see it as a an owner who loved his dog so much he wanted to stand with his dog, honestly thinking his dog had been abused. Tattooing spade or neutered pets isnt something all vets do, and someone who didnt own a pet or have a vet that did this honestly wouldnt know. It’s an unfortunate, uneducated decision, 😅 but it came from a good owt owner heart.

Jaye Rodger
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This really should've been higher on the list. This is hilarious

Uriel Grey
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This means they are neutered... Also if you see feral cats (at least in my area) and one ear has the top of one of their ears cut off it also means they have been caught neutered or spayed. It helps the catch and release folks so they know they have helped that critter and the environment/community too!

StrangeTrout
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why would a dog need to be tattooed for any reason? Same with de-clawing cats, just not on mate.

Mafia!
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My cat Annie has a lil tattoo. It means she's spayed of course.

Ruth Hempsey
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Sterile. Guess no babies for him, poor idiot. Omg. 🙄

Carlota
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Is it just me that thinks this is a cute story even though he didn't understand the meaning of the tattoo?

I Just Live Here
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I just hope the tattoo artist knew what the symbol meant and told all his friends later what an idiot he had in the chair that day!!

You Should Do Nothing with the Fence
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If he just had it done, wouldn't it be all red and swollen? Kinda looks like a giant marker.

Jaya
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Not cringy in my opinion, just unfortunate. You can't know everything, it's not that weird if you don't know this symbol. And his heart is clearly in the right place.

Mark Mark
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why would you need to tattoo a dog to show its been neutered? The lack of testicles would normally give it away wouldn't it? 🤔

Bi-Polar Express
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Where is this common? There is literally no need for this tattoo on an animal.

Vis Major
Community Member
1 year ago

This comment has been deleted.

BeepBeepBoopBoop
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I personally don't think it's sad. I'd rather not have another dog's puppies to adopt out. If the dogs gets lost and finds a female dog, there will be puppies out in the wild. Same story with cats. Feral dogs and cats are terrible, terrible for our environment too

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There are very concrete advantages to embracing your embarrassment. For one, you prevent those feelings from growing and enrooting themselves as a deep sense of shame about your past. Shame makes you double-guess everything that you do, it’s vital to fight back against it.

#25

This Physically Hurts

This Physically Hurts

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#26

Yikes

Yikes

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TheQueenZ
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So many psychopaths completely lacking self awareness. Like, how can you be this much of a creepy nut job and not know it?

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#27

It’s My Birthday Today And My Best Friend’s Scumbag Dad Messaged Me This

It’s My Birthday Today And My Best Friend’s Scumbag Dad Messaged Me This

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Moreover, when you demonstrate that you’re actually (mildly) embarrassed rather than hiding this, you improve your reputation with others. People tend to be a lot more sympathetic toward you if you’re being genuine.

Which of these pics did you think were the most cringeworthy, dear Pandas? How deeply did you feel the secondhand embarrassment? What’s the most awkward or embarrassing experience that you’ve ever had? Scroll down to the comment section, and share your thoughts.

#30

Wow You So Beautiful. Wow Message Didn't Send Separately. Wow Leave Group

Wow You So Beautiful. Wow Message Didn't Send Separately. Wow Leave Group

ddh85 Report

#31

Coworkers Brought Binoculars To Work To Perv On Young Beach Goers Today

Coworkers Brought Binoculars To Work To Perv On Young Beach Goers Today

good_interiors Report

#32

These Gushy Posts And I'm Offended!

These Gushy Posts And I'm Offended!

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#35

Mlm Forgot To Change Her Recruiting Template While Messaging Strangers On Fb

Mlm Forgot To Change Her Recruiting Template While Messaging Strangers On Fb

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#36

“Daddy Delivered His Load” Found On Facebook

“Daddy Delivered His Load” Found On Facebook

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#37

This Guy Found Me On His Wife’s “Suggested Friends” On Facebook Then Googled Me And Used My Business Number To Text Me. Gross

This Guy Found Me On His Wife’s “Suggested Friends” On Facebook Then Googled Me And Used My Business Number To Text Me. Gross

LadyKakes Report

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Trillian
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hi I am looking to cheat on my wife and stalked you across half of the Internet to ask this. Too creepy?

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#38

16 Year Old Me On The Far Left At A Birthday Party I Wasn’t Invited To [2011]

16 Year Old Me On The Far Left At A Birthday Party I Wasn’t Invited To [2011]

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#39

On This Day John Lennon Died, Spotify Didn't Know That

On This Day John Lennon Died, Spotify Didn't Know That

MinglingToads Report

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OwenHasADHD
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well, this just could be them trying to be nice and respect the memory of the man on what would have been his birthday, but it definitely didn't come off that way Edit: oh it’s the anniversary of his death sorry I’m stupid

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#41

Selfie With Rihanna At The Superbowl

Selfie With Rihanna At The Superbowl

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Jason
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

She's giving you the eyes bro. You know the "I hope I don't end up duct taped in his trunk later" eyes

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#42

Can You Pay Me Back For Your Coffee?

Can You Pay Me Back For Your Coffee?

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Luke Branwen
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm a man myself, but those guys who are like "I want my expenses returned because we didn't have s#x" make me physically sick.

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#44

It Hurts To Read

It Hurts To Read

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fu yu
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

AT 11:59 pm was the precise moment when caller got CRUSHED.

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#47

33 Year Old Virgin

33 Year Old Virgin

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Jason
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If one of your defining features is "is virgin"and your introduction includes it. That might be why you are one

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#49

My Aunt Decorated My Unborn Daughter For Christmas. I’m Not Sure If I Want To Laugh Or Cry

My Aunt Decorated My Unborn Daughter For Christmas. I’m Not Sure If I Want To Laugh Or Cry

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#50

My Ex's Mom: I Met Her Once For About An Hour Over 4 Years Ago. I Haven't Talked To Him Or Her Since

My Ex's Mom: I Met Her Once For About An Hour Over 4 Years Ago. I Haven't Talked To Him Or Her Since

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Javel!
Community Member
1 year ago

This comment has been deleted.

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#51

This Guy From My Work Is Merely Too Smart To Be Funny

This Guy From My Work Is Merely Too Smart To Be Funny

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Nicola Roberts
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A superiority complex with a condescending nuance often has that effect on friendships.

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#52

Family Member Thought It Was Cool To Ask Out A Girl On My Behalf

Family Member Thought It Was Cool To Ask Out A Girl On My Behalf

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#53

Delivered Lunch To A Guy At His Workplace Today Who Had Trouble Taking A Hint

Delivered Lunch To A Guy At His Workplace Today Who Had Trouble Taking A Hint

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Izzy Curer
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've had this happen to me. I was giving away some stuff on Craigslist. A guy came and got it, but he still had my number, so he texted me a few times afterwards. It was pretty normal at first, just saying thanks, and sending me a pic of what he'd done with the stuff. Then he was like, "Hey, you seem nice, are you single?" I said, no, I'm married, and he was like, "Oh, ha ha, me too..."

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#54

My Wife Just Got This From Our Pool Guy (College Kid)

My Wife Just Got This From Our Pool Guy (College Kid)

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#56

Message From My 4th Graders Teacher. Yikes

Message From My 4th Graders Teacher. Yikes

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Shannon
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Teacher here--this tells me they are doing vocabulary in a very ineffective way. They assigned a vocab word without thinking about its context? Why do the kids NEED to learn the word 'torture'? Is it relevant to something they're reading or discussing? If so, that would provide the appropriate context. If not, teach them a relevant word instead! /Soapbox

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#57

She Deleted It Right Away

She Deleted It Right Away

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#58

Oh, Okay

Oh, Okay

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#60

Bet You're Still Smokin' Hot While You Grieve The Loss Of Your Best Friend!

Bet You're Still Smokin' Hot While You Grieve The Loss Of Your Best Friend!

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#61

My Cousin On Instagram Who Just Started His Diet Recently

My Cousin On Instagram Who Just Started His Diet Recently

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Minnie Not Mouse
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ah yes, I an American, eat pringles, ice cream, and paper towels everyday, with a side of beer.

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#62

Friend Cancels On Plans Last Minute With This Excuse

Friend Cancels On Plans Last Minute With This Excuse

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Jason
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

He slept on his life size anime waifu pillow wrong and hurt his neck

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#63

On Your Fifth Od You Get A Free Puppy

On Your Fifth Od You Get A Free Puppy

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#64

I Thought I Wasn't The Only One Not Invited

I Thought I Wasn't The Only One Not Invited

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#65

Blocked

Blocked

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Zia Barrett
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Lets get part 2 in here too, this place isn't too good at multiple image threads uVjgaVsl.jpg uVjgaVsl.jpg

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#66

My Contribution To The Family Group Chat This Morning

My Contribution To The Family Group Chat This Morning

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Stardust she/her
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why is the speech bubble censored?there’s hardly anything that’s worth censoring

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#67

Ok Cool Haha

Ok Cool Haha

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Jason
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ideally in an ideal world that would not have been his intro

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#69

Today After A 1st Date. I Guess I'm Not Allowed To Not Like Her?

Today After A 1st Date. I Guess I'm Not Allowed To Not Like Her?

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