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Look, not everyone wants to spend Friday night partying. Some of us want to roll ourselves into a blanket burrito and watch a movie at home. Alone. And without having to justify ourselves for it.

We're not ungrateful if we want to avoid our friends for a day or two. Nor are we defective if our mind goes blank when we meet new people. We're just (a bit) antisocial.

If you're one of these people (or simply want to understand your introverted friend better), there's an Instagram account dedicated to portraying this life in memes.

It's called FOGO. The acronym stands for The Fear of Going Out, and the one running it says this feeling is completely normal.

More info: Instagram

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#2

You Do You, Boo
@rogerc137

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Daniel Marsh
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I was going to say, "Downvote Devil's Advocate all you want, but he's correct." But then I thought of the squirrel -- TRUE STORY -- in my neighborhood who would eat through a plastic trash bag at exactly the right spot to access the avocado remains -- twice a week, every week. Nice small hole in the bag. And he'd sit on the sidewalk nibbling away so prim and proper, you'd just want to buy him a China tea set.

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adiiantryx
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

making someone feel bad for the one thing they find joy in says a lot about you more than the person

LivingTheDream
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I started playing D&D when I was 11. I'm over 50 now, still play and IDGAF what people think about my interests. It makes me happy. If it bothers you then YOU have the problem, not me.

Sinead Kenny
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I never thought of it from that angle before 🤔 it's actually changed my point of view. Thanks, I will no longer whinge about all the above but smile thinking someone is happy right now 💖👏👏

Sarah
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes! Yes! Yes! (says the woman who still has her Christmas decorations up in February). ETA: The indoors ones; I'm not cruel.

Chancey
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My Christmas decorations always stay up at very least until after Epiphany and usually for most of January. I don't criticize others for putting their's up too darn early so they shouldn't worry about mine being up for the actual Christmas season.

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Kimberley McMillan
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The same goes for Christmas decorations. Let people put them up when they want. Not everyone is American with a Thanksgiving in November.

Bill
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Just remember everytime someone decorates for Christmas before Thanksgiving Santa brutally murders an elf.

Amanda Nolting
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have no problems letting people enjoy whatever it is they enjoy. So long as they don't try to shove it down my throat like I have to enjoy it as well. "You don't LOVE avocado toast?" No, I hate it. "But why?! It's so good! You should try it this way..."

Brian Bennett
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Who the hell cares leave them alone, bet you who b***h about other people have weird quirks other people don't like (I know I do), but are not as ignorant as you who points it out!

Anita Pickle
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I always feel bad for the people that get upset at others harmless joy. They must be so miserable if happiness upsets them. Or maybe they rather enjoy being upset... Never thought of that. Maybe they are not personally happy unless they are upset by others. Grumpy inturn is their Happy

BookCrazyTeen
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes yes yes, I never share my fandoms with anybody because I’m afraid of being criticized

Tamra Stiffler
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You might be surprised at how many people share your interests! But even if they don't, you're absolutely allowed to enjoy them anyway!

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Brian Kirk
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I absolutely support your right to enjoy anything you like. But don't tell me I am wrong for not. I have not put up a holiday decoration in at least 15 years. I think the next person to tell me to get in the spirit, may find out that a throat punch can be festive.

Nadine Bamberger
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Especially when you're poor, unemployed or in any way relying on social security services you have to justify every bit of fun, every purchase that's not a bare essential. I save up to enjoy a fancy cup of coffee once in a while, please let me have thar.

Flippy Htf
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

IF I WANT TO SIT IN MY ROOM WATCHING MR. ROGER'S NEIGHBORHOOD INSTEAD OF COOKING DINNER THAN SO BE IT!

Summer Woodsong
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As I drive down my back country roads I always think I should drop off a note of appreciation to that one drive that has wonderful Christmas decorations all year. Hear in the gray months of winter, it's so much fun to see what they've come up with next!

YourWorstNightmare
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

D&D!!!! I cannot tell you how many times people have judged me for playing it or keeping my dice on me

Kelly Johnson
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

To each their own, if you have nothing nice to say don't say anything, mind yo business.

Garritt VS
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

UNLESS it's a store. Then don't change your decorations MONTHS before the holiday. >:-(

Nizumi
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Christmas lights are still up and on. And they will stay up and on as long as this long miserable northern hemisphere winter lasts. :P

Sith Ramen
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

still no Christmas in November tho.... It physically harms me

Chancey
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I just shake my head. They are the same ones who take their decorations down on New Year's Day before Epiphany when Christmas isn't even over yet.

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Kai David
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Come on, must we endure Christmas starting before Halloween?

KimB
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This!!!! It's Halloween all year round inside my house I like it , hubby likes it and I'm not hurting anyone so...

Nikki Sevven
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Folks in my neighborhood still have holiday lights up on their houses, and it cheers me up every day.

Magoomba
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

But what about those folks whose whole purpose in life is to stomp out any joy they find anywhere? What about them?

Elizabeth Butler
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I leave our outdoor Christmas lights up until Spring. I call them Winter Lights and I have been told they cheer people up. I love to see them during the dark evenings.

Leslie Crittenden
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes! This! Life is hard and depressing, we need all the warm fuzzies we can collect!

Crycket
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would still prefer if we whittled Xmas down to the month of December though. Currently we have years where it occupies almost 6 months of the year...

Joe
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wtf??? So you get to b***h about other people bitching but don't like it when they b***h back??? SHUT THE F**K UP!!!

lara
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What another person does, unless it is abusing an animal or a child or a significant other, is NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS. Bored Panda has a lot of snoops passing judgement on other people, cultures and beliefs.

freefall
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

EXACTLY! I was a supervisor for a major CON for years. When anyone asked what fandom I was part of, I could see them get confused when I said none. I just liked being able to help others enjoy theirs.

weatherwitch
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Damn right!! My place is Halloween all year, it brings me great joy 👻😊

Jaime Blackwater
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I can agree to this so long as we can cool it with the pumpkin spice?

Fus
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And the people that put their Christmas tree up before Thanksgiving.

Iseefractals
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

No. Very rarely do people engage in these thing in pursuit of "joy" more often than not they're based in some form of underlying toxicity, whether that be their incessant need to try and force their "joy" on everyone around them, or simply because all of those things have a foundation in corporate greed, shameless marketing campaigns and the ever invasive "influencer" culture. Anything that rises to prominence on social media is automatically deserving of scorn, and everyone needs to get a lot more comfortable with shaming people who buy into ANYTHING popular on social media.

Camilo Is best
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Give me some Camilo fanfics and some Pocky and I'll be good for about an hour or two

commie pinkofag
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes, provided you learn to spell "avocado," and therefore demonstrate that you should be taken seriously.

Rustella
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I keep my Christmas tree up all year. It makes me happy and hurts no one.

Yort
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

IVe never seen someone criticize early Halloween decorations. Can we please get the people who put their Halloween stuff out in April to stop bitching about Christmas decorations being sold in mid-October, though??

Chancey
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't like the stores being filled with Christmas decorations mid-October but that's just my opinion. Only because I like to enjoy Halloween and Thanksgiving and it seems like these decorations are gone from the store to make room for Christmas. My Halloween stuff never goes up until October though.

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Mewton’s Third Paw
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Next post on BP: “What’s your pet peeve?” And it’s all stuff about Starbucks and commercialized Christmas and liking reality TV

Jackie Lulu
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think he's trying to tell everyone to leave him alone with his own tiny shriveled flower of joy. He deserves that.

InfectedVoice
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

F**k yeah, and I will ask them about it and engage with them, people like talking about the things they love and even if I know nothing of the subject, I will find a way to make a conversation about it.

Micah
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I often see online that it's a known thing that people hate pumpkin spice, yet I don't personally know anyone that dislikes it.

Susan Wilson
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Some people seem to really seem to enjoy critizing. That may be their only tiny shriveled flower of joy.

J Sizz
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A goddamn tasty treat is what it is!! To answer your question tho, it's cooked bread...... with a guacamole ball on it....

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zillyzallie
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So long as it remains harmless. Once it becomes a personality trait, I'm telling them to shut up.

Bonniebluebutler
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

No. It's almost Valentines Day and my whole hood is lit up and displaying Christmas stuff. Hint: if you have to dust the ornaments before you put them away, they've been up too long.

James Arvidson
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The rest of us are just jealous. We have nothing and believe in Nothing. We are nihlists.

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The term introversion was popularized by Carl Jung and describes an inwards orientation to one's own mental life rather than the outward orientation of extroverts to social life. Introverts gain energy from reflection and lose energy in social gatherings.

However, it's important to point out that most people are neither total introverts nor pure extroverts but display features of both—they are the so-called ambiverts. Almost everyone needs occasional solitude to replenish their energy.

But cultures differ in how they value certain personality traits, and America, for example, likes its extroverts. This society rewards assertiveness and encourages people to speak up.

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Experts are guessing that the number of introverts as extroverts is the same, but the former is less visible and certainly less noisy so it's easy to think they're the minority.

Introverts are drained by too much social interaction and are the first to leave a party. Even as children, they usually observe first and act later.

#7

Yes 😭
@deelalz

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Some research claims that the inherent differences between introverts and extroverts lie within the dopamine system in the brain, which makes pleasurable rewards (including social interaction) more salient to extroverts. This suggests that extroverts may be more likely to experience positive emotions.

Even though introverts are generally likely to report lower levels of happiness than extroverts, this does not mean that they are destined to be miserable. The good news is that a consistent theme in happiness research claims our choices and behaviors (the ones that are in our control and changeable) have significant effects on our well-being.

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#10

*promptly Exits*
@showerfeelings

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#11

May You Go To Work Tomorrow With The Confidence Of A 4 Year Old 🙏
@honeymustardmama

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#12

Absolute Icon Status
@pilotviruet

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According to Derrick Carpenter, a positive psychology coach at Happify, a helpful tip for those with introverted tendencies is to try to see their whole self. "It’s important to note that the scale on which introversion and extroversion are measured is just that: a scale," Carpenter wrote in VeryWell Mind. "Within each of us lies some tendency to recharge our batteries through social interaction and affiliation with others and another tendency to recharge on our own. Be honest with yourself about what you need in a given moment and allow yourself permission to have it."

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In other words, when calling a friend to hang out feels right, make a lunch date. But if you’d rather curl up with a good book, go for it.

#13

I So Wish I Could Do This On Command
twitter / Unburntwitch

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#14

Sayyy Hayyyy 🙌🙌
@hyejinhere

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#15

Thank You Ffs

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#16

If This Isn't Goals I Don't Know What Is

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Carpenter also thinks introverted behavior has an upside that often gets overlooked. "Introverts tend to be better problem solvers, perform better academically, exhibit stronger regulation of their behavior, and are less likely to take risks that may cause them harm," he said.

"Research shows that introverts may experience these benefits as a result of having more gray matter in their prefrontal cortex, the area at the front of the brain that controls complex and abstract thinking, emotion regulation, and decision making."

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#17

I Just *get* It
@danny_watson93

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#18

My Ability To Care For Succulents Is Proof That I Should Not Be A Parent
houseplant Addicts Via @thetinderblog

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#19

👌

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#20

Literally The Only Phone Call I’m Interested In Taking
@karenkilgariff

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Remember that in many classical and theological perspectives on happiness from Aristotle to the Buddha, spending time alone and contemplating the meaning and purpose of our lives is a necessity.

"Learn to embrace your unique introvert qualities and tap into the happiness they bring you, whether that’s teaching yourself something new, exploring nature on a solo trek, or cultivating your creative side," Carpenter said.

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#22

Let’s Circle Back In The New Year
@introvertsquad

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#24

This Just In… We’re *fckd*
@ramblinma

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But when you feel like leaving your safe little cave, own it. "Particularly when you are already going to be socializing, act the part of an extrovert," Carpenter suggested.

"This doesn't mean you should be inauthentic. Just bring more of your real self. Be an extroverted introvert. Harness that rich inner world of yours and jump into the conversation more, share your opinion, crack a joke, and take the spotlight every once in a while."

#26

But Then I Realize That At This Point, If I Haven’t Figured Out That Many Do Not In Fact Have Common Sense, Then Maybe It Is Me Who Is Lacking In Common Sense And I’m Making Myself Mad? I’m Going To Bed.
@flixpink

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In fact, studies, where introverts were instructed to act like extroverts in a group of people, showed they ended up experiencing greater positive emotion than introverts acting normally (in fact, they rated their positive emotion higher than the naturally extroverted people, too) and reported feeling more authentic at the moment.

#30

Omg, I Have This
twitter/ Daphnekylee

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#31

Icon Status
@_itsteekay

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#32

I’m Going To Just Send This Out To The L Host Of Every Meeting On My Calendar For The Rest Of The Year ✌️
@rjstrodel

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There are plenty of ways to go about it. "If you're not socializing much, encourage yourself to connect with others in the ways that work well for you," the psychology coach said.

"Join a group to take part in an activity you already love, like a choir, book club, or fitness class. Even though initiating these decisions may feel like an extra effort, the payoff should be noticeable. When you realize you acted more extroverted in a way that felt good, keep it up."

Whatever happens in these settings, you will always be able to retreat and find memes to scroll through instead!

#33

#lifegoals

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#35

Passionate About Non Fiction Literature

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#36

*randomly Meows*
(Gierlsquad/ Helenasund)

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#37

You Mad At Me?
@f41rygff

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#38

“Who Has Time For That?” I Mutter To Myself As I Proceed To Sit On The Toilet And Stare At My Phone For Seven And A Half Hours
@djoats02

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#40

Off You Go
@solomongeorgio

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#42

Thanks Mom N Dad @wordsarevibrations

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#43

It’s Good To Have Purpose, Y’all
@javrawr

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#44

Awwww, Try Pullin On Your Bootstraps, Hun
@fredtaming

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#45

✌️
@stepdaddyangel

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#46

Normalize Tagging Your Boss In This Specific Meme And That Counting For Calling Out Of Work
@__bhb__

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#47

I’ve Been Called Worse For Less, Boo. #okaywithbeingselfish
@bonerwizard

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#48

Toodaloo, Fam
@someecards

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#65

Plz Don’t Make Me Do This
twitter/Elle91

elle91 , @elle91 Report

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#84

Cool If We Skip The Text Part Too?
@emilymurnane

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#86

Teehee Newayz, U Mad At Me?
@mremilyheller Via @akprzy ❤️

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#96

I Call Bullshit
@danjperlman

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#98

Plz Normalize This Form Of Communication For In Person Interactions Moving Forward Plz And Tysm @badrundoesntrun

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#100

If That Number Is Significantly Higher, Does That Mean I’m Doing A Good Job? Did I Win Something?
@kevinfarzad

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#101

What Do They Do With All Their Free Time?????
@stephs0up Via @realpettymay0

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#102

*twerks*
@wittyidiot

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#103

*jazz Hands*
@kristen__arnett

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#104

The Fact That I Once Was The Kind Of Person Who Willingly Went To Clubs On Nye… 🤯🤯🤯
twitter/ Social_mime

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#106

Holy Moly. How Much Time Do We Save By Not Going At All???
@doublebaytoday Via The Great @caroleradziwill

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#107

I Feel Like Being Able To Do This Would Solve *most* Of My Problems
@honeymustardmama

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