Hey Pandas, What’s Something Unexpected You Learned About Yourself? (Closed)

#1

That I could actually quit drinking. 3 years sober on 4/15

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68points

Richard Johnson

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Powerful Katrinka 2 years ago

Good for you! The sober life is really something, isn't it?

11points

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#2

I'll go first - I'm an introvert and a fairly passive person and always assumed I'd be the flight of the fight/flight/freeze response. That is, until my brother jumped out at me from a dark closet and next thing I knew my knuckles were throbbing - I'd right-hooked at him without even realizing it and smashed my fist into the door. Huh, turns out my built-in response is fight that sucker.

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38points

Rachael Smith

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Cowws 2 years ago

that's hilarious and concerning...

15points

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#3

When I was about six years old, I looked in the bathroom mirror and started wiggling both of my ears. Sixty-nine years later I can still do it and it astounds people as NO other facial muscles move. It is, however, an almost completely useless feature except for breaking up tepid conversations and making small children laugh at Starbucks.

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Final score:

34points

Richard A Petro

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Lindsey 2 years ago

I can wiggle my ears too! I wonder how common this "skill" is because aside from my grandfather I've never met anyone else who can. HOWEVER, how would we know? Maybe everyone can and it's just not something that comes up in general conversation. Lol.

10points

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#4

Therapy is helping me to see that I'm a much better person than I thought I was. Which is nice. Thanks, therapy.

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34points

Scagsy

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Dan 2 years ago

Happy to hear you're doing better

10points

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#5

Mid 40s and just diagnosed with adhd and autism. Gone from being super critical of myself to thinking I haven’t done so bad, given that I now realise it was never an even playing field. And my out of the box thinking is A grade. Silver linings 😁

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29points

Ray of sunshine

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Rens 2 years ago

Me too x

4points

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#6

That I CAN stand up for myself. I wish I learned it sooner but im glad I learned it

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Final score:

28points

Abigail M Uken

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bumble bee 2 years ago

Wait until you get to the age where you no longer care what anyone else thinks. That your existence does not depend on what others say or do. Total personal autonomy.

12points

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#7

After all the quarantines I realized I am not as introverted as I thought.

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Final score:

26points

Rokas J.

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InfiniteZeek 2 years ago

For me, it confirmed my introvertism. (yes it's not a word I know)

9points

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#8

My self-esteem, always low, is now unbreakable!

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Final score:

24points

Rens

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*Displayname*=idk 2 years ago

Thats great!

4points

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#9

That I am enough, and just because my body is judged by others doesn't mean that I should change because of that.

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Final score:

23points

Legolas Greenleaf

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Rachael Smith 2 years ago

Amen!

0points

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#10

In my 50s, I finally learned that I have Asperger's syndrome, and that my EQ is less than half my IQ

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Final score:

22points

Bob Stuart

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Dan 2 years ago

What's EQ?

9points

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#11

Last week I have birth to a 9lb baby with no medication. I have learned that I can do anything I want to do and I am a fierce and powerful warrior Mama!

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19points

Emily

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Diane the Dinosaur 2 years ago

Congratulations!

3points

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#12

my social battery is either 0 or 100 no inbetween

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18points

Diana Lopetaitė

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Jody Whitmarsh 2 years ago

Same

3points

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#13

I can't authorize pleasant things for myself, so I rely on others to make me feel good. It's a give-and-take type of situation. But I can't get no satisfaction on my own. I'm happier when I see others enjoying my food than I enjoy eating the same food.

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Final score:

17points

Titas Burinskas

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Kate Johnson 2 years ago

I'm the same way; I much prefer making the food for my husband and others, and then watching them enjoy it. Often, by the time I'm done cooking, I'm not as hungry as I thought, and don't eat much. I seem to enjoy showing love through food.

3points

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#14

I'm always surprised when people find me handsome, attractive, or sexy (even my wife). It's not like people flee or children cry when they see me, I just never thought my looks were remarkable.

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Final score:

17points

Theoretical Empiricist

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#15

I don't actually have anybody that I see as a role model or inspiration. I had mentors but never people whose lives or achievments I wanted to do and this for some reason makes me feel like I am missing something.

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Final score:

16points

Elliot Fowler

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bumble bee 2 years ago

One should not have a role model, or a person that inspires, but the ability to see what is being done devoid of the person and if you find it meaningful then you can do it yourself. By making the person the focus rather than the action, you will find the person becomes more important that what was done

4points

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#16

I have developed a Saint like amount of patience. I used to blow up and rage and the slightest inconvenience. I'm much more even tempered now

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15points

Jody Whitmarsh

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*Displayname*=idk 2 years ago

Same. (Unless I am hyper focused, then don't mess with me!)

3points

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#17

my thumb can bend back allot without having to force it realized when someone asked if it hurts when i bend it

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Final score:

14points

kit cat chunky

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Iridescent-Aurora 2 years ago

It's probably just Hitchhiker's thumb. A third of the population has it. I don't, unfortunately :(

3points

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#18

I’m very, VERY awkward around anyone irl... for example went to the store and briefly wondered if I could be able to scream for help if someone tried to hurt me (my anxiety speaking I suppose) and them went home and promptly proceeded to choke on popcorn... quietly so no one would worry... and that was my first instinct too. So I guess that answers my first question. No.

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14points

An Unpopular Opinion.

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Mochi 2 years ago

Here's to hoping you'll be able to in a situation where you do🥂

3points

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#19

Something unexpected? Well, during quarantine I realized that I, someone who for a long time was super feminine and a "little princess", was a trans guy. So that's something. And ever since I realized, I don't care much for dresses or skirts... which tbh I kinda miss...

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Final score:

14points

Nagito Komaeda

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Kristi Jean 2 years ago

My ex-wife came out as a transgender woman over quarantine. We divorced due to already budding personality conflicts, NOT because of her transition. We’re still friends. It was difficult watching her go through it but beautiful as well. My big piece if advice: Be patient with yourself.

5points

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#20

I have been diagnosed with hyperkalemia, high potassium levels. Appointment with doctor tomorrow to discuss medication. Am I worried? No, not at all despite having only one kidney. Firstly it can’t be that bad as I would be having emergency dialysis by now. Secondly it is nothing compared to what the Ukrainian population is going through.

Other than this I’m remarkably unremarkable.

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Final score:

14points

Jods

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Theoretical Empiricist 2 years ago

(renal, former cardiac nurse here). Potassium level abnormalities can be absolutely deadly. You may not yet need emergency dialysis, which is literally "do this or your heart stops" intervention, but with one kidney, it's a real risk. Glad you're seeing your doctor.

8points

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#21

I just got divorced and I’ve learned that I never lost that independent woman I was before marriage.

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Final score:

14points

Kristi Jean

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Amanda Brokaw 2 years ago

I know that feeling! I loved a fish so much I forgot I had wings.

4points

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#22

It's been a year since my grandpa died from cancer. My gramps is my favourite person, always said even has a child that I wouldn't survive if something happen to him. Grieving is a b**ch, but Im trying. Still here, still standing.

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Final score:

13points

Dora Sousa

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*Displayname*=idk 2 years ago

You are going to make it, just keep your head up!

3points

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#23

I am capable of like-liking people

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Final score:

11points

WE DONT TALK ABOUT BRUNO

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Dumbledore Out 2 years ago

Oh I learned that about myself too. I don't know if I like it or hate it.

1point

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#24

That I actually like horror movies.

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Final score:

10points

Roomba Gloom (No/None)

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Rachael Smith 2 years ago

What's your latest fav?

1point

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#25

That I love working from home. Never thought I would be disciplined enough.
I also thought that I would miss people. Not so. I love not having to deal with co-workers and make small talk. Never realized how taxing that was. I get so much more accomplished each day. I also gained two hours daily in commute time but I already knew I would love that.

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Final score:

10points

beeker

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Rachael Smith 2 years ago

Covid silver linings - I hope your job is one that will continue to let you work from home.

1point

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#26

That I'm not actually a good person.

I've had an ideal self in my mind for so long, and trying to live up to that has caused me so much anxiety and trauma.

Constantly making promises I couldn't keep, and wondering why people couldn't see my pure intentions when I messed up.

I've learned that I need to accept who I actually am, flaws and all.

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Final score:

10points

Phillip Healy

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#27

I CAN let people go that are bad for me and I CAN stand up for myself (only on the internet for now but I'm getting there)

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Final score:

9points

Lisa

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Rachael Smith 2 years ago

You'll get there! Realizing that is such a big first step.

1point

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#28

That I'm a decent writer. I was so self-conscious about my stuff but my friends really help me and boost my confidence. Thank you guys!

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Final score:

9points

Jesse

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#29

I am very quiet.

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Final score:

8points

Holly Caelyn Followell

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face be drawn lmao 🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦 2 years ago

what? i didn't hear you...

5points

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#30

I found out I have ADHD at 50.

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Final score:

8points

Jilly

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Kristi Jean 2 years ago

I found out last year, at 36. It exploded so much, but it’s hard not to be angry for all the years lost to thinking things like “I’m just not smart enough to finish a book.” :/ I hope treatment is going well for you! I’ve been able to start changing some bad long-term habits.

5points

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#31

That my mind can't calm down for 1 second. I always have to be thinking or dreaming up SOMETHING

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Final score:

8points

FBI

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An Be 2 years ago

I do that too :) I've even written down those ideas into stories but then i move onto something different

2points

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#32

During quarantine, I went from being homophobic to realizing that I'm nonbinary and pan. That... That was unexpected 💀

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Final score:

8points

colorfultragedy

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#33

That i actually can learn at school if I try to

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Final score:

8points

Adalmina

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Huddo's sister 2 years ago

Was there something in particular that led to that change? Like a topic, teacher or teaching strategy? I hope that isn't too personal, but I'm a teacher and learning how people learn fascinates me :)

2points

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#34

That no matter what I've been through, I've always come through, no matter the obstacle or pain.
I'm stronger than I thought and way better as solving my problems myself. Also, pretty multi-talented, though it took me a while to accept and believe in it.

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Final score:

8points

Mel

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#35

I used to not be able to properly feel emotions or understand body language. But I learnt that over time I could learn to understand them better, not as well as most people, but well enough that I could understand when someone is joking or being sarcastic.

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Final score:

8points

Atchaco-Leigh

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Huddo's sister 2 years ago

That's a really good skill to learn and it can be really hard for some people. I imagine it helps you feel more confident in social situations.

0points

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#36

I learn with the help of my friends that I'm less shy than what I think I was! FRIENDS ARE IMPORTANT!

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Final score:

8points

Julie Guedes

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Huddo's sister 2 years ago

It is often meeting the right people that gives you the confidence to be the person you are despite shyness. Well done! I am still shy in a lot of situations but have a close group of friends I really connect with.

1point

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#37

I used to HATE cleaning! But after some time at home, cleaning, I realized I LOVED cleaning! I also used to get so angry, and wine, and cry at anything, now I stand up and now I can be more patient. Just don't interrupt me, or be annoying while I'm cleaning(or focused).

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Final score:

7points

Yeet_girl360

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Jilly 2 years ago

Turn up the music and clean away!

2points

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#38

Thanks to the CDC, I learned I love touching my face.

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Final score:

7points

Hisoka

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JoeShmoeDeLaKokomoe🇺🇦 2 years ago

Lol

4points

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#39

This was last year, but I realized I was polysexual (to umbrella term it, I'm bi but more complicated). The funniest part was realizing that how gay coded I was pre realiztion.

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Final score:

6points

Mochi

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Em the idiot 2 years ago

Yeah i realized I was pansexual and aceflux over quarantine lol.

1point

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#40

That I'm really good with people, that I can organize like a champion and that flower arranging is my secret talent. (I normally "don't like" people and I'm pretty chaotic.)

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Final score:

6points

Lenn

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Rachael Smith 2 years ago

We'd love to see some flower arrangement pics if you got em!

2points

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#41

That I´m good at geometry.

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Final score:

6points

Ivy-nox

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#42

That I am stronger mentally than I EVER thought I could be!!!
That no matter how many times the rug has been pulled out from under me, I have not quite broken yet. Still sucks though.

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Final score:

6points

Heather Lambie

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#43

I found out over the pandemic I was an annoying child. I thought I was charming and adorable, my mom has the cutest stories about my childhood... But nope. I was annoying! I was loud and inquisitive, thought the world was my stage, and if presented with something resembling a stage I'd put out The Red Show a talentless one child show, a mix of singing, dancing and stand-up comedy. I would not shut up about whatever and was always singing. Always. Even when I didn't knew the lyrics. I believe my mom didn't push me to read because she wanted me to be smart, it was so she could have some peace. Writing this I realize I might be an annoying adult also. It's a lot more diluted, but I'm still loud and I still sing all the time. I'm now I'm a pro singer now and studying classical singing, so I guess it all worked out.

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Final score:

6points

Red

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Red (Submission author) 2 years ago

For context, I live in a building complex, lots of kids running amok. I never had to interact with them, but for the past two years I got to know some of them because I like to walk with my adorable pup, so the kids approach us and are always around. I actually like some of them. They're nice and funny to chat with so it's not a problem. I also realized kids aren't the enemy I thought they were.

4points

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#44

I discovered that I have visual snow thanks to a youtube video. Visual snow means that I see billions of little dots everywhere I look. All my life I thought that was how is supposed to be and everyone saw them

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Final score:

6points

Emwe

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#45

That becoming and being a mother was an experience of true and overwhelming happiness. I was a female nerd, I never played with dolls as a child, I never saw myself as a future mother. So me getting pregnant wasn't something I had planned at all. I simply
enjoyed so much making love with my boyfriend and our method of birth control wasn't effective.
Being pregnant was a wonderful feeling, all my depressions where blown away- but I had no clue how to deal with the baby that was on the way to be born, I simply wanted to stay pregnant for the rest of my life- which, of course, didn't happen.
Giving birth was an experience of being at the edge of existence itself. I thought: "this is unbearable", but at the same time I knew that I could bear much more than that.
And then the baby was there and it was so beautiful!
The first hours after giving birth, I felt only exhausted and confused, because there was now this little being on my side. But after one day, I fell crazily and blindly in love with my son. And I enjoyed so much taking care of the baby, even changing its diapers!
Until I became a mother myself, I thought that children only become interesting when they are older and able to communicate like adults. But then I found myself enjoying especially the first years of my two children and I am filled with a deep feeling of happyness and thankfullness when I remember this time.

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Final score:

6points

Ariadne59

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WhatEvenIsLife 2 years ago

I was never a baby person. Thought I'd never have kids. I had my very first accidental pregnancy at 28 and decided to keep it. It's been an experience, and I have no final words on which is preferable, having kids or not, but I love my kids and I LOVE babies now. Total 180.

2points

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#46

I've got two bowels.
I'm one of the very few people in the world who CAN actually "talk about his bowels" (plural).
Don't get me started!

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Final score:

5points

Ged Maybury

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Tami 2 years ago

I thought everyone had two bowels, large and small intestines.

3points

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#47

I learned 2 years ago that I was Bi.
I had a crush on a girl, who turned out to be Pan/trans, etc.
It was at that moment I realised I don't care about their gender, I still like them.

Sadly, I did ask them out once and they declined.

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Final score:

5points

CATMONSTER2018

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#48

That I am strong, it is ok to say no.

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Final score:

5points

Rebby Large

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Michele Wintzloff 2 years ago

I'm going through the process of learning to say no. It's liberating and a little bit fun but not to those who take advantage of it

0points

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#49

That math is my worst subject.

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Final score:

5points

Why won't Chrissy wake up!?!

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#50

that i'm aroace, i mean, it was unexpected, but not that shocking, anyways, who wants cookies? 🍪🍪🍪

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Final score:

4points

ᔑᓵᒷ 𝙹⎓ ᓭ!¡ᔑ↸ᒷᓭ

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Diane the Dinosaur 2 years ago

I can always go for cookies, especially homemade chocolate chip or macadamia ones. 😁

1point

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#51

I learned (the hard way) that I have Panic Disorder and that it can happen to literally anyone (including children) at any point in their lives. Can not be prevented, and there is no test to carry out to check if you may/have it.

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4points

Pa4040

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Rosie Mroczynski 2 years ago

I would encourage the person who wrote this to reply with contact info if they would like to know what causes Panic disorder and how to completely heal from it. Also Panic disorder can be prevented.

0points

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#52

Looking back, what an incredibly stupid kid I was. I'm talking EPIC stupidity. And as a corollary, that I am never more dangerous than when I think I know what I am doing.

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Final score:

4points

Mark Burke

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#53

putting off carpal tunnel surgery for > 15 years was causing my thumb muscles to shrivel & die

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Final score:

4points

Mickipickie

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#54

Dreamt I was a beautiful woman last week and I loved her. Not sure what to make of it.

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Final score:

4points

A Korucu

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#55

That I'm not straight haha

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Final score:

4points

Baby Death Hog

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#56

I share a Myers-Briggs type with MCU Loki. INFJ-Ts in the house!

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Final score:

3points

Angela Lovelace

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Kristi Jean 2 years ago

Same!!

1point

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#57

I learned last year that I’m Irish. 3% Irish.

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Final score:

3points

Buzzy Boi

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Mickipickie 2 years ago

Got my 1% Finnish over here!

0points

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#58

That I am constantly happy. Idk why but I just am. Sometimes I just sit alone and smile and I have gotten comments from people about how happy I am. It’s weird but at least I’m not depressed.

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Final score:

3points

Archer Harris

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Rachael Smith 2 years ago

What a wonderful blessing!

1point

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#59

For me, it’s not a competition… it is, and probably will forever be, my childhood brain cancer diagnosis 2 weeks before my tenth birthday. Since then, I’ve had multiple surgeries, at least 30 MRIs, chemotherapy, and an epilepsy diagnosis as a long-term side effect of the scar tissue.

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Final score:

3points

Isaac Harvey

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#60

My daughter and her extremely obnoxious boyfriend are living with me right now to save money for a place of their own. He and I don't get along. He constantly criticizes everything I do.The food I eat, the way I clean the house, that I'm disabled (he doesn't believe that I have as much pain as I say I do), everything. He has totally turned my daughter against me. Well, those two fight over the smallest, stupidest things. Whether they eat food from a fast food place or make healthy food at home, his forgetfulness, money, just to name a few. She yells at him so much and is so critical of him that she actually has him in tears, apologizing, even if she's the one who is being impossible.To my surprise, even though I can't stand him, I hate to see him so miserable. I wish he would stand up for himself and not let her get away with such awful behavior. When he cries, I have the strongest urge to hug him and tell him that it's not all his fault. I've been shocked to find that I apparently have grown as a person, and that I can separate my dislike of him personally, from my ability to feel compassion for a fellow human being in pain. it must be due to my advancing age,
.

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3points

Michele Lein

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WhatEvenIsLife 2 years ago

Poor thing. Talk to your daughter!! He may be criticizing as a way to deflect the criticism he receives. Sounds like they could both do with a little therapy.

1point

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#61

That i like anchovies :D, they were always kinda gross to me before i tried one. Now im always excited to eat them

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3points

Has sold soul for corn chip

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#62

I found that I'm smarter then I think
(Or just so dumb it all works out) just kidding😂

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Final score:

3points

SoupGod (any pronouns)

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#63

In my current job, I have realized that I am not as weak as I thought. I have discovered that I have the ability to stand up for myself and get what I need and deserve. I have proven my worth to them.

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Final score:

2points

Monika Swanson

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#64

I can learn to accept my acne, and start to feel more comfortable with it.

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Final score:

2points

ⒾⓈⒶⒷⒺⓁⓁⒶ

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#65

Something young me would have been surprised and horrified to know - I can be a goddamn a*****e. It's not that I'm not a good person, but when I was young, everything was so black and white to me. If I did "X" I was a bad person, if I did "Y" I was a good person. It's just not that simple. I've done things I'm really ashamed of. Life is so much more gray and complex than I realized when I was younger. Not everyone is good all the time, not everyone is bad all the time, and sometimes you're making decisions from a bad place. Humans are complicated.

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2points

WhatEvenIsLife

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#66

Those things that I thought happened to other people but never would hit close to home can and will happen to you.

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2points

alyx james (she/they)

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#67

During the pandemic I realized I’m more introverted than I thought.

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Final score:

2points

Savory

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#68

That I like pain. Just the way it clears my head and makes me feel more capable of dealing with things. Keeps me grounded. A less weird thing to say? I can wiggle my nose like a bunny rabbit. Oh, and shoot water/any non acidic liquid out of the corners of my eyes.

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Final score:

1point