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"Going Downstairs After Turning Off The Lights" And 30 Other Things That Our Community Is Afraid Of Doing Alone I was afraid for 27 years of living by myself, supporting myself and facing who I'd become as a result of capitulating to my narcissistic husband for so long. Then he forced a divorce on me and after almost four years on my own, I've realized how stupid I was for being afraid. I'm finally free.

Annie Spratt Report

Final score:

155points

Death Glare Champion

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Elizabeth VanDyke 2 years ago

Good for you! Happy trails!

41points

"Going Downstairs After Turning Off The Lights" And 30 Other Things That Our Community Is Afraid Of Doing Alone going downstairs after turning off the lights! this is kind of a joke but it’s not 🥲

Ryoji Iwata Report

Final score:

125points

genevieve

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alias D. 2 years ago

Natural fear of not being able see what wants to kill you

64points

"Going Downstairs After Turning Off The Lights" And 30 Other Things That Our Community Is Afraid Of Doing Alone Solo female world traveler here, absolutely adore going to a pub in England, will never go to an American bar. I'm American. Roofies, being sexually harassed/assaulted, being around volatile, unpredictable drunk people, NO.

Eric Tompkins Report

Final score:

109points

Katiekat

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Amanda Haines 2 years ago

I'm with you sister! I'm a single American female and wouldn't walk into a bar unless I had a body guard!

42points

"Going Downstairs After Turning Off The Lights" And 30 Other Things That Our Community Is Afraid Of Doing Alone Confronting that goose

Alex Guillaume Report

Final score:

99points

Buren

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Susan Green 2 years ago

I’ve been there my friend….I’ve been there

29points

Farhad Ibrahimzade Report

"Going Downstairs After Turning Off The Lights" And 30 Other Things That Our Community Is Afraid Of Doing Alone As a bigger woman it's 100% eating out alone. Doesn't matter if its something unhealthy or just a salad I always feel like everyone around me judges me. That's why I always order food in and eat at home when I don't want to cook.

Final score:

96points

Clarissa Smith

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Buren 2 years ago

Please don’t. I used to be afraid of eating alone because of the eating alone stigma around here, especially because I am not local and didn’t speak well. However, my lunch group was borderline unbearable that I started to go out by myself, clutching on the newspaper (this was 20 years ago) and ate at lightning speed. Now, eating alone is a bliss. And since I am staying far away from my loved ones, watching movie alone is my favorite leisure as well. I think there is a study that we feel watched and judged, but statistic actually show that is not the case. So, go out there and enjoy your time.

9points

"Going Downstairs After Turning Off The Lights" And 30 Other Things That Our Community Is Afraid Of Doing Alone Swimming in the ocean.

Matt Hardy Report

Final score:

84points

DinosEatNoods

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StrangeOne 2 years ago

This. Especially alone.

28points

"Going Downstairs After Turning Off The Lights" And 30 Other Things That Our Community Is Afraid Of Doing Alone Probably going outside in the night by myself. Like I step one step and I think Slenderman, some kidnapper, or a wild animal is gonna get me

Noah Silliman Report

Final score:

81points

Chickens are fluffy

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Veru Jaros 2 years ago

Get your friend, trustable neighbor or a dog!

21points

"Going Downstairs After Turning Off The Lights" And 30 Other Things That Our Community Is Afraid Of Doing Alone Travel - I'd love to explore new cities and places all by myself, but as a young woman it just seems too dangerous.

Annie Spratt Report

Final score:

77points

M.J.

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Susan R 2 years ago

I'm an older woman, a very shy introvert, and feel the same way.

29points

#10

"Going Downstairs After Turning Off The Lights" And 30 Other Things That Our Community Is Afraid Of Doing Alone I would love to go to New York City (never been there) but definitely not by myself. I would be completely overwhelmed by a city that large and crowded.

Luca Bravo Report

Final score:

71points

KY dog mom

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Susan Green 2 years ago

I would not travel to NYC alone.

30points

Bouche and Audi and Shyla, Oh My!

#11

"Going Downstairs After Turning Off The Lights" And 30 Other Things That Our Community Is Afraid Of Doing Alone Leaving the house. I'm disabled, and cannot take more than a few steps before I need to rest.

Scott Webb Report

Final score:

66points

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Leo Domitrix 2 years ago

I put skull decorations on my cane. It made my point for me. If I need to stop a moment, then go ahead. Say something to the lady with the cane covered in laughing evil skulls...

62points

#12

"Going Downstairs After Turning Off The Lights" And 30 Other Things That Our Community Is Afraid Of Doing Alone Going to the toilet in the middle of the night... what if the bogeyman comes and raids your secret candy stash when you're in the bathroom?

Ion Fet Report

Final score:

57points

Avocado Toast

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Ami 1 year ago

#relatable #everydayproblems

25points

#13

"Going Downstairs After Turning Off The Lights" And 30 Other Things That Our Community Is Afraid Of Doing Alone Parallel parking in a tight spot with the work van.

Michael Fousert Report

Final score:

55points

Falcon

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LuckyL 2 years ago

While someone is watching makes it worse!

28points

#14

"Going Downstairs After Turning Off The Lights" And 30 Other Things That Our Community Is Afraid Of Doing Alone Well... I am petrified of being the centre of attention (like making a speech or preforming) but it kinda helps if my friend is there, not a lot but a bit.

Joe Shields Report

Final score:

54points

Leila Cox

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tara 2 years ago

Jerry Seinfeld once said something about more people are scared of public speaking then dying. Therefore people would rather be dead in the coffin then at the podium giving a eulogy. I think it's pretty common!

12points

#15

Entering a room full of people (even if I know some of them). Approaching a group of acquaintances alone is scary too.

Final score:

51points

Dawn Passamichalis

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tara 2 years ago

Ugh...or LEAVING a crowded room....*Now they can talk about me.....*

19points

#16

How about watching a horror movie, and then lying in bed waiting for the zombies to come?

Final score:

49points

Therese Pammit

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Chantou Dunord 2 years ago

Omg, yes ! 😱

10points

#17

"Going Downstairs After Turning Off The Lights" And 30 Other Things That Our Community Is Afraid Of Doing Alone It worries me to drive on my own at night.

Valentin Salja Report

Final score:

49points

Chantou Dunord

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Alexia 1 year ago

I feel you. It's not the driving itself, or the night, but the idea that the car might break down, leaving you stranded god knows where.

18points

#18

"Going Downstairs After Turning Off The Lights" And 30 Other Things That Our Community Is Afraid Of Doing Alone Going to a place with big crowds without a group I’m specifically going with. Take a recent school dance. Even when I went with a group, they left for 20 minutes to chat with other friends and I couldn’t find them anywhere. I have pretty bad anxiety in social situations and when it flares up I unconsciously scratch my arm. By the time I found other friends, my arm was raw :( luckily my friends I went with found me again after a little while, but man I don’t like being by myself in big crowds.

Hannah Rodrigo Report

Final score:

48points

foxgirl158

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Veru Jaros 2 years ago

I used to scratch my arm under pressure or in stress. Once, I scratched it to bone. Now I have this ravine-like scar. It's like my skin had been removed permanently. Most ppl are scared of it

18points

Dutch Swimmer Goes Viral For Super Revealing Trunks During 2024 Olympics: “Is This Legal?”

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Thrill-Seeking Diver Jumps Down Extreme Waterslide, Ignoring The Strict Ban For Women

#19

"Going Downstairs After Turning Off The Lights" And 30 Other Things That Our Community Is Afraid Of Doing Alone I’m afraid of showering without someone in the house. I have some issues tbh

kevin Baquerizo Report

Final score:

45points

Bubblegum Witch

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StrangeOne 2 years ago

I don't blame you. It's always comforting knowing any sounds I may hear will likely be someone else. But if I'm alone I get a strong feeling I'm not alone and I hear noises that I feel like I shouldn't be hearing, including voices.

26points

#20

Something I'm afraid of doing alone... I'm scared of existing alone. If you understand, you understand, if you don't, you don't.

Final score:

44points

Salad.

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Lucky2BAlive 1 year ago

Oddly, merely writing that and seeing the answers should make you feel less alone.

9points

#21

"Going Downstairs After Turning Off The Lights" And 30 Other Things That Our Community Is Afraid Of Doing Alone Parenting. I've always wanted to have kids but I've witnessed loads of great relationships completely fall apart after kids. I've seen so many men who start out excited to be dads just walk away when things get tough and either barely put in any effort to see their kids or never bother with them at all. My 4 sisters have all struggled as single parents with nonexistent dads and it affects every aspect of their lives as well as their kids' lives.

One of my sisters had 2 kids 11 months apart and her ex left her when she was pregnant with the second, they're 3 and 4 now and my sister is a mess. Mentally she can't cope, she's permanently exhausted and overwhelmed and her kids are extremely anxious and run circles around her.

I've been with my partner for 12yrs and known him for 19yrs but as much as we both desperately want children and I think he'd be a great dad, the fear of him changing or walking away when things get tough, leaving me to do it all alone, terrifies me. We've been trying to get pregnant for years with no luck and the idea that it might never happen breaks my heart, but I'd rather never have kids than have them and end up struggling to do it alone.

Daiga Ellaby Report

Final score:

44points

KnightOwl

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Sky 2 years ago

Sometimes you just have to take a risk. Even if this is one of the most important ones. You really sound like you would make an amazing parent.

18points

Woman Put A Water Fountain With A Camera In Her Yard, Here Are 24 Photos Of Regular Visitors (New Pics)

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“Ma’am I Live Here”: Woman Refuses To Back Out Of Driveway, Learns A Lesson The Hard Way

#22

"Going Downstairs After Turning Off The Lights" And 30 Other Things That Our Community Is Afraid Of Doing Alone Putting together IKEA furniture

Semyon Borisov Report

Final score:

41points

Gandalf the Pink

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Martina Ericsson 1 year ago

I rather do it alone when no one is home. Being a woman seem to make especially men think they need to come and take over without my consent.

23points

Priscilla Du Preez Report

#23

"Going Downstairs After Turning Off The Lights" And 30 Other Things That Our Community Is Afraid Of Doing Alone Talking to older kids/people who aren’t someone that I know. The only exception is asking to pet other people's dogs.

Final score:

38points

oliver

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(She/her)Introverted Potato 🥔 (Submission author) 2 years ago

This one is weird but hey, I’m 11

32points

#24

This was actually hard for me to answer because I really like doing most everything alone. I've lived a very adventurous life and been extremely independent, I even intentionally became a single parent which has been awesome. But I think something I might be intimidated to do on my own is travel to countries where I don't speak the language.

I'll still do it alone, for sure, that's my plan actually, but yeah, it's something I'm a little afraid of. Fears are meant to be either faced or respected and we each decide which it is every time.
Usually, if I'm afraid to do something alone, I take some time to plan and prep, then I go for it. It's worked out well for me so far.

Final score:

32points

Ray Arani

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Kim Lorton 2 years ago

That is an amazing quality to have! Way to go.

8points

50 Of The Most Incredible Shots That Were Submitted To The Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards

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French Diver’s “Jewels” In Tight Swimming Trunks Become Talk Of The Town At Olympics

#25

Having a seizure

Final score:

32points

Erin Ward

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BeepBeepBoopBoop 2 years ago (edited)

okay I have a seizure disorder and I'm scared of that too. I'm not conscious when I have them so I could seriously hurt myself. Oh and here's a tip if you witness someone having a seizure with no one around, turn them on their side, and talk to them letting them know you're helping them. Turning them on their side can stop them from choking to death if they throw up, and talking to them may help if they are conscious.

32points

#26

"Going Downstairs After Turning Off The Lights" And 30 Other Things That Our Community Is Afraid Of Doing Alone More dread and social phobia which is fear-adjacent, but taking an Uber or Lyft alone and the awkwardness of feeling like I am a princess for sitting in back seat while I am driven around. But the real phobia here kicks in if so am going solo and the driver opens the front passenger door or motions for me to sit in the front seat. So damned either way.

Dan Gold Report

Final score:

32points

somegirlwho

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Stephanie Goadsby 2 years ago

Taxi licenses, in Canada anyways, are required to be on display. Always match the drivers face to the ID before you get in and close the door. As an extra precaution, after you call to arrange a taxi ride, call back and ask the dispatcher who picked up the job and correlate the name with the ID. Keep your GPS on on your cellphone, 911 ready to dial, and always inform family or a close friend of your location, time, and destination beforehand.

11points

wergchvjgbhj,nj,khb tygvg

#27

"Going Downstairs After Turning Off The Lights" And 30 Other Things That Our Community Is Afraid Of Doing Alone pouring eyedrops or saline.

Towfiqu barbhuiya Report

Final score:

30points

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tara 2 years ago (edited)

Oh I learned a good trick! Tilt your head back, Close your eye, and squeeze the bottle so the drop lands on your eyelashes or in the inner corner of your eye, then you just open your eyes and blink...ta daaaaaaaaa!

11points

#28

Driving long distances. Drove 1,500 miles round trip once and almost fell asleep. I had to take BIL home after FIL funeral and had to work the day we left and only had one day off between shifts. I couldn't stop to rest because of work so yeah 24 hours and almost fell asleep and wrecked five miles from home. Falling asleep was prevented by getting a phone call and managed to pull out of the small ditch with no damage to the vehicle.

Final score:

30points

Mykidsartrocks

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Samia Guled 2 years ago

oh my god are you okay??

7points

Woman Moves Out Of Parents' Home After They Asked Her To Give Her Space To Brother, They Freak Out

See Also on Bored Panda

Mom Leaves $250k Inheritance To Son, Throws A Fit When Daughter Stops Looking After Her

#29

Bench pressing. I've seen enough fail videos to know that it can be painful (maybe end with a hospital visit) if you don't have a spotter.

Final score:

24points

POST

Max M 2 years ago

Only if you pretend to be stronger than you are. I have made the roll of shame a few times. You will feel it, but you will live

17points

#30

Being alone in an apartment at night. I have no such problem during the day but at night I'm always afraid that I'll get ill or have an accident and there will be no one to help me. Even though I'm perfectly healthy and not really accident-prone.
(Paradoxically, I've no problem with being alone on the street at night despite being a rather petite woman.)

Final score:

22points

Enuya

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tara 2 years ago

No wait! Think of it THIS way........ If you have an accident at night, in a crowded apartment building, I like to think there is more chance SOMEONE will be awake to hear you yelling, because there is more people around you. But then I used to worry that some idiot might be smoking in bed or fall asleep with the deep fryer on two floors down. So I guess it's a real rock or a hard place kinda thing.

11points