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Common Sense Isn’t All That Common: 45 ‘Obvious’ Things People Only Just Learned

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What is ‘obvious’ to you and me might not be clear to someone else. And vice versa! Common sense isn’t all that common. Not to mention that all of us, no matter our education, have gaps in our knowledge that we’re not aware of. It takes quite a bit of guts and tons of humility to admit that.

Members of the r/AskReddit online community recently opened up about the ‘really obvious’ things they only just realized. Scroll down for a good laugh, as well as a reminder that we’re not so different when it comes to our info blindspots, after all.

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#1

Common Sense Isn’t All That Common: 45 ‘Obvious’ Things People Only Just Learned I learned where "Pulling out all the stops" came from a couple of years ago (watching a documentary on Interstellar's music).

It's from playing organs...air is blown thru the organ's pipes to play notes - and you have "stops" in there if you don't want a particular pipe to play. So when you pull out all the stops, you get all the pipes playing...

tallpaleandwholesome , Rachael Cox / unsplash (not the actual photo) Report

Final score:

220points

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#2

Common Sense Isn’t All That Common: 45 ‘Obvious’ Things People Only Just Learned I was at least 50 when I learned that the little piggy who went to market wasn’t shopping.

HBC3 , wikipedia Report

Final score:

219points

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#3

Common Sense Isn’t All That Common: 45 ‘Obvious’ Things People Only Just Learned My mom was doing her best.

hopstopandroll , guille pozzi / unsplash (not the actual photo) Report

Final score:

219points

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Most of us want to be accepted and respected by our family and friends, as well as coworkers and strangers alike. Like it or not, social connections and reputation matter to lots of people. Naturally, this means that some folks want to present themselves in the best possible light. That means showing off their best qualities while subtly hiding the worst ones.

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For many people, losing their social standing and being publicly humiliated is one of the most horrible things that can happen to them. That’s why they obsess so much about projecting power and authority and avoid behaviors that can make them look weak… like admitting that they don’t know something about a subject many others do.

#4

Common Sense Isn’t All That Common: 45 ‘Obvious’ Things People Only Just Learned My sister learned recently that when you're at the grocery store and opening the egg carton that you're checking for cracked eggs and not just making sure that they are in fact eggs in the carton.

everett640 , Jakub Kapusnak / unsplash (not the actual photo) Report

Final score:

209points

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#5

Common Sense Isn’t All That Common: 45 ‘Obvious’ Things People Only Just Learned I'm not "quirky", I have ADHD. I'm in my 50s.

sudomatrix , Tara Winstead / unsplash (not the actual photo) Report

Final score:

203points

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#6

Common Sense Isn’t All That Common: 45 ‘Obvious’ Things People Only Just Learned I am 19 and I have had ADHD and a sleeping disorder my whole life. I decided to go to the doctor and figure out wtf was wrong with me after I turned 18. Turned out I wasn’t stupid just undiagnosed going without meds. So now just about every adult looks at me like a lazy bum that fell asleep in every class and couldn’t pay attention or understand assignments. When I got on meds (senior year) I was #16 of my class in the top 20%.

Excellent_War5193 , National Cancer Institute / unsplash (not the actual photo) Report

Final score:

203points

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The problem with wanting to be seen as ‘perfect’ at all times is that it’s utterly unsustainable. Nobody’s perfect. We all make mistakes. We all have a lot to learn about the world, even if we have a few fancy degrees under our belts.

However, how we react to our mistakes and ignorance says a lot about who we are, how we approach learning, and whether we have a growth-oriented mindset. Admitting that we’ve been wrong about something and owning up to our knowledge gaps can be embarrassing. If you deny that you’ve been wrong, you’ll only push people away from you. On the other hand, when you embrace your embarrassment and admit to having been wrong, you paradoxically draw people in. Your humility makes you seem more human.

#7

Common Sense Isn’t All That Common: 45 ‘Obvious’ Things People Only Just Learned How the American bail system works.

I thought it was a sum of money you paid to avoid jail. I was surprised when I realized you get the money BACK if you show up for your trial.

Electronic-Pool-7458 , Wesley Tingey / unsplash (not the actual photo) Report

Final score:

200points

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#8

Common Sense Isn’t All That Common: 45 ‘Obvious’ Things People Only Just Learned I was like 25 when I found out the jugs of washer fluid outside the gas station aren’t free. I was walking out of the gas station with a buddy one day, grabbed a jug of washer fluid, and he asked me “did you just steal that?” And I was like “No, dude, it’s free”. It’s not, I stole washer fluid for nearly ten years of driving and no one ever said anything to me about it.

BruceWang19 , Hamedog / wikipedia (not the actual photo) Report

Final score:

170points

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#9

Common Sense Isn’t All That Common: 45 ‘Obvious’ Things People Only Just Learned In high school science class we were watching a video and it was then that I realized Reindeer are, in fact, real creatures and not just mythical beings for the purpose of pulling Santa’s sled.

MoneyCost7188 , Henry Ravenscroft / unsplash (not the actual photo) Report

Final score:

170points

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Even though there’s absolutely no way to learn everything there is to know about the world, we can do our best to fill in our knowledge gaps as we become aware of them.

For instance, if you suddenly realize that you thought that reindeer were mythical creatures, you could do some research about the animal. Read up on them online. Go to your local library for some more resources. Visit a wildlife sanctuary and see them with your own two eyes.

#10

Common Sense Isn’t All That Common: 45 ‘Obvious’ Things People Only Just Learned When I was a kid I thought it was ultra violent light instead of ultraviolet light. As in, that sun can really f**k up your skin if you don’t wear sunscreen. Bahahaha! So violent.

AmaryllisBulb , Tony Sebastian / unsplash (not the actual photo) Report

Final score:

163points

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#11

Common Sense Isn’t All That Common: 45 ‘Obvious’ Things People Only Just Learned That the drummer for Nirvana really was Dave Grohl, and not just a guy that looks really similar.

kristenrockwell , Morten Jensen / flickr Report

Final score:

157points

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#12

Common Sense Isn’t All That Common: 45 ‘Obvious’ Things People Only Just Learned Water towers are for water pressure, not just a town putting its name on a tank and saying "Hey look how much dang water WE have."

agreeswithfishpal , Amir Mohammad HP / unsplash (not the actual photo) Report

Final score:

156points

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Similarly, if you suddenly realize that you’ve been oblivious about saving and investing, there’s no time like the present to brush up on your knowledge and start your journey toward financial independence. Of course, you’re bound to have some regrets about not knowing something earlier. However, the best time to correct your mistakes is the present. And if you’re cringing about the person you were in the past, it only means that you’ve grown!

For some more ‘obvious’ knowledge gaps that folks only realized they had later in life, take a peek at Bored Panda’s earlier post.

#13

Common Sense Isn’t All That Common: 45 ‘Obvious’ Things People Only Just Learned I feel so dumb for this but I just learned that ‘Rainbow Baby’ is a mother’s next baby after having a miscarriage. I just assumed it was a term of endearment for a queer baby. I know. I know. 🤦🏽‍♀️

Advanced-Win8418 , Omar Lopez / unsplash (not the actual photo) Report

Final score:

152points

Ben 9 months ago

Today I learned I am a rainbow baby. Never heard of it. But I am also gay, so yeah...

182points

Nadine Debard 9 months ago

Double rainbow!

59points

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Stuart 9 months ago

You nailed both definitions without even trying!

9points

ᥕrᥱᥒ (thᥱᥡ/thᥱ꧑) 9 months ago

I'm a rainbow baby and queer :D

2points

Anonymous 9 months ago

Bless you. I’m an atheist, but bless you anyway. I wish you well, Double Rainbow!

2points

Neb Skram 9 months ago

me too, a rainbow baby, gay and also name is Ben

1point

Ella Carzana 9 months ago

I read this and the reply to you after writing my comment about my own lgbtq child and used the phrase double rainbow

1point

Courtney Christelle 9 months ago

So you’re a double rainbow.

1point

Nimitz 9 months ago

Me too! That makes us Double Rainbows!

1point

Isa's left eye 9 months ago

Me too!

1point

Aisling O'Grady Hills 9 months ago

My rainbow baby is also queer. hmmmmmm. ;)

0points

Gionanna 9 months ago

Haha same!!

0points

Michael None 9 months ago

Sorry didn't mean to hit reply.

0points

Cat Chat 9 months ago

I never heard the tem, either, but I figure I can be a double rainbow because my mom had two miscarriages before I was born. That makes my brother a triple.

0points

Lara Verne 9 months ago

Same here:)

0points

David Avegala 9 months ago

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glowworm2 9 months ago

I think I've been confused with this term because there is also the term "rainbow bridge" where pets usually go after they die. So, basically, a rainbow baby is not a term for the baby lost in a miscarriage but for the one after who survived. Lovely term in all seriousness.

12points

A Nelson 9 months ago

I always thought it was the one that was lost. Because a rainbow never really ends, so I figured it was like the baby was waiting on the otherside for me after I die, I get see them at the end of the rainbow. But I actually really like this better as well. My son is then a rainbow baby! Though I just realized how often I have used it wrong haha

10points

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Boo-Urns 9 months ago

Not sure when this became a thing, but I only heard it for the first time literally a few weeks ago.

5points

seana lammers 9 months ago

I like the queer baby idea better.

4points

Michael None 9 months ago

Rainbows existed long before they came to represent the LGBTQ community.

2points

Donna P Sisk 9 months ago

I had a rainbow baby. She is 42 and will turn 43 later this year.

1point

Ina 9 months ago

Oh u never heard of this term before, but it's good to know. Turns out I am a rainbow baby 🌈🌈

1point

Cin 9 months ago

I learned about it the hard way. My sister lost 3 before having her rainbow baby.

1point

Brian Droste 9 months ago

Never heard this phrase before until now.

1point

Almost sunny 9 months ago

Aw so that means my son is one! Cute

1point

arthbach 9 months ago

A 'queer baby' generally refers to someone who has just worked out they are queer. They are just in their infancy of understanding that aspect of themselves.

1point

Parmeisan 9 months ago

And speaking from personal experience, you might be actually pretty old when that happens

0points

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Hannah Marshall 9 months ago (edited)

I thought Rainbow Baby was the name for a baby born to same-sex parents

0points

Jane W. 9 months ago

I didn't know what this expression meant, but I love that you thought it was a gay baby!

0points

Leesa DeAndrea 9 months ago

Rainbow baby. Never heard that term before.

0points

Lisa Catlin 9 months ago

I never knew this. Apparently I, too, have a rainbow baby, who also happens to be gay.

0points

Stymied Egan 9 months ago

Today I learned that my sister and I are both rainbow babies. I'd never heard the term before. Our mom had two miscarriages and a stillborn. I'm mentioning this because it was not a secret in our home. Our mothers attitude was "It's part of life. It happens." When I had mine, it wasn't as bad for me as for the women that had no idea it was common.

0points

Petra Biedermann 9 months ago

So I had a rainbow daughter (who is now 38 ) and I didn't know that until today lol

0points

Wendy Neumeyer 9 months ago

I enjoyed three living children from 7 pregnancies. All of mine are rainbow babies! Now full grown.

0points

MarieL 9 months ago

I never heard, that and I am almost 60.

0points

Ruben Schelstraete 9 months ago

Also double rainbow, little sad actually. I never think of my sibling

0points

Baali Venomax 9 months ago

I thought rainbow baby was the name for the stillborn child to suggest that they had moved on over the rainbow without taking a breath.

0points

Debbie Garman 9 months ago

Never heard of a rainbow baby.

0points

Janine Hunt-Jackson 9 months ago

I just learned this by reading the post! And I'm 70!

0points

weatherwitch 9 months ago

I always think this is a terrible term for the child, it places a burden and situation on them that they played no part in 😔

0points

Hiedi H 9 months ago

Generally parents don't go around telling their child they are in fact a rainbow baby, especially for life nor do they place loads of pressure. It's just a cute way of saying they are a rainbow (the joy/something beautiful) after the storm (the loss)

1point

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Conny Klimas 9 months ago

I'm not quite sure what exactly a "queer baby" is but it sounds super cute 😁😁

0points

Richard Henderson 9 months ago

There must be a lot of rainbow babies out there then.

0points

Valli Cawte 9 months ago

Rainbow babies are the babies who have died and "Gone over the Rainbow"

0points

Hiedi H 9 months ago

Rainbow babies are the babies that come after a miscarriage, stillbirth or infant loss of another baby.

1point

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Ali Sherlock 9 months ago

I thought rainbow babies were the miscarriage.

0points

Castles 9 months ago

A ‘queer baby’ wtf. I’m not even gonna say what I was gonna say tbh

0points

Joyce mann 9 months ago

Never heard of it, even after my baby after my miscarriage

0points

Ella Carzana 9 months ago

If only it was just that sweet a sentiment (mum of 3 rainbows and one lgbtq so maybe a double rainbow child? )

0points

The Cute Cat 9 months ago

Never heard about this term too.. And actually my mom has a miscarriage before me born..

0points

Kaeda 9 months ago

I've never even heard of the term 'rainbow baby' before! 🤯

0points

Tanja J 9 months ago

I knew this and forgot about it and now I am reminded again. Thank you!

0points

CORGI QUEEN 9 months ago

I am a rainbow baby

0points

Julie S 9 months ago

I thought this too.

0points

Mary Kelly 9 months ago

never knew this...ta!

0points

Lorrie Rothstein 9 months ago

I just learned about rainbow baby

0points

sbj 9 months ago

I didn't know this either, it's so sad

0points

cerinamroth 9 months ago

A queer baby!! :D :D

0points

Mickie Shea 9 months ago

So that’s where gays come from. Good to know.

-1point

Heather Talma 9 months ago

How would you even know if a baby is queer? By the time they can comprehend that they'd be at least like four, not a baby anymore.

-1point

Lesbitarian Lady Premium 9 months ago

Ouch, queer ? Really, in 2024. We really prefer gay. Got it ? Thank you

-1point

Toe Jam 9 months ago

Yes you are dumb, jesus christ🤷🏻‍♀️

-1point

Fester Sixonesixonethree 9 months ago

I was a rainbow baby - but I was the wrong sex. Life was difficult.

-2points

Id row 9 months ago

I really hate that term. It's just a baby, it's not the messiah and it's not a consolation prize.

-2points

Tamra 9 months ago

To a person who wants to be a parent and has lost a child in miscarriage, saying the phrase "it's just a baby" is utterly cold and heartless. No one is thinking their kid is a messiah, the term rainbow baby is used to denote new hope after a time of grief and loss.

10points

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Lene 9 months ago

I thought it was a baby in a rainbow family....?

-2points

intermezzono1 9 months ago

the fact you think there is such thing as a "queer" Baby is scary.

-2points

Clown fish 9 months ago

There isn't. Did you get lost on what was happening

2points

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Say No to Downvoting 9 months ago

I understand there has been, at times, a bit of friction between the two communities and who “owns” the “rainbow family” label.

-2points

Nadine 9 months ago

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Corrine Sherratt 9 months ago

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mandy the capibara 9 months ago

I can only hope you are joking. Queer families are welcome to use the term for their own meaning, but rainbows have been a symbol for connection to deceased loved ones for quite a long time (rainbow pets referring to lost pets, rainbow babies or children referring to deceased children or a baby following the loss of a child etc)

19points

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#14

Common Sense Isn’t All That Common: 45 ‘Obvious’ Things People Only Just Learned Not me, but my 21yo cousin just realized he is mildly allergic to peanut butter, and has been his whole life.

Up until now, he had assumed EVERYONE'S throat closed up a little while eating a pb&j sandwich, but they just fought through it.

itisverboten , Freddy G / unsplash (not the actual photo) Report

Final score:

148points

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#15

Common Sense Isn’t All That Common: 45 ‘Obvious’ Things People Only Just Learned That the best time to start saving for my future really was all those years ago.

eggmayonnaise , Towfiqu barbhuiya / unsplash (not the actual photo) Report

Final score:

145points

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#16

Common Sense Isn’t All That Common: 45 ‘Obvious’ Things People Only Just Learned Learned I was allergic to latex from talking to my friend. She told me that since I’m allergic to some citrus I may be allergic to latex and asked me if condoms bothered me. I responded and said yes but they bother everyone who uses them.

That’s how I learned that burning and itching and a road rash are not normal after coitus with a condom. 🙃 (I’m 26).

sydneyyasmine , Reproductive Health Supplies Coalition / unsplash (not the actual photo) Report

Final score:

143points

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#17

I recently realized that “Howdy” is short for “How do you do?”

I actually just googled it, and it’s technically short for “How do ye?” However, my realization still makes sense.

OneCoolStory Report

Final score:

142points

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#18

I was 39 when I realised the pointy bit on a the lid of a tube of something, for example tomato puree.. Was for braking the foil seal. For years I used a fork to break the seal until I watched someone remove the lid , turn it around and place it over the seal. Mind blown.

villaclarkie1982 Report

Final score:

140points

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#19

I just found out yesterday that I have aphantasia, meaning I can't visualize images in my mind. When I think about an object I just know that I'm thinking about it, but I don't see anything when I close my eyes.

LewieDrewie Report

Final score:

132points

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#20

Common Sense Isn’t All That Common: 45 ‘Obvious’ Things People Only Just Learned My car key remote isn’t broken, the battery died after nearly 10 years.

MykeCecc , Reinhart Julian / unsplash (not the actual photo) Report

Final score:

130points

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#21

Common Sense Isn’t All That Common: 45 ‘Obvious’ Things People Only Just Learned This past weekend, that the girl that invited me to an after party at her place and then asked for me to crash in her bed was not simply just being nice, I am f*****g stupid.

muchlovemates , Aiony Haust / unsplash (not the actual photo) Report

Final score:

130points

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#22

Common Sense Isn’t All That Common: 45 ‘Obvious’ Things People Only Just Learned I can't eat any type of nut. It messes with my stomach lining. I genuinely thought nuts just made everyone sick after eating them. Like salsa. Edit: I've discovered something about salsa today.

h3lls1ng3r , Maksim Shutov / unsplash (not the actual photo) Report

Final score:

124points

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#23

Common Sense Isn’t All That Common: 45 ‘Obvious’ Things People Only Just Learned That sign you see near schools with the two people crossing holding books? I was stuck in traffic a few weeks ago and suddenly realized it wasn't two women with purses.

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Final score:

122points

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#24

Common Sense Isn’t All That Common: 45 ‘Obvious’ Things People Only Just Learned That cows have to get pregnant before they can make milk.

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Final score:

119points

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#25

Common Sense Isn’t All That Common: 45 ‘Obvious’ Things People Only Just Learned I'm Norwegian, and was at least thirty before I realized that the tomatoes crossing the road schoolyard joke (two tomatoes cross the road, one gets run over, the other says "Come on, catch up") has, in what I assume is the original English, a punchline. Well, for a schoolyard joke, anyway.

Norwegian kids tell the same joke, but there's no catch up/ketchup pun in Norwegian, so they just tell a joke where the squashed tomato is now ketchup. At some point a kid who knew enough English to have heard the joke but not enough for the pun told it to younger kids, who assumed it was funny because an older kid was telling it, and it has been repeated between children for generations.

Kjeik , Ashkan Forouzani / unsplash (not the actual photo) Report

Final score:

116points

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#26

Common Sense Isn’t All That Common: 45 ‘Obvious’ Things People Only Just Learned A pickle is a cucumber that's been pickled.

chim800 , SuckerPunch Gourmet / unsplash (not the actual photo) Report

Final score:

114points

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#27

The word "bed" actually looks like a bed.

Sad_Dentist_8730 Report

Final score:

114points

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#28

Common Sense Isn’t All That Common: 45 ‘Obvious’ Things People Only Just Learned I grew up in Poland. When a person was arrested on a crime that was publicized, the media will only list their first name and the first initial of last name, to protect their identity before conviction, e.g. Peter G. My friend thought that all criminals had one letter last names and he was surprised the police wouldn’t just go all Minority Report on them and arrest all people with one letter last names.

Blimunda , Matthew Ansley / unsplash (not the actual photo) Report

Final score:

111points

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#29

Heard this on a podcast yesterday, Fes from that 70s show, FES= foreign exchange student.

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104points

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#30

It’s called a “funny bone” bc it’s a humerus.

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104points

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#31

That the phrase mint condition means like new because it's the condition coins leave the mint in.

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Final score:

95points

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#32

I am not responsible for other people's lives. Feels a little better accepting that I don't have to stress too much over supporting my family. I shouldn't feel too overwhelmed to the point of having suicidal ideations just from the stress alone. Edit : No, I don't have kids. I'm single, been supporting my family (parents, siblings) for 10 years.

AdventurousSort3250 Report

Final score:

92points

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#33

I only realized recently, at 40 years old, that a "fortnight" is called that because it's like "fourteen nights"...

I think because I always remembered it as two weeks, and not 14 days.

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Final score:

90points

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#34

That sometimes things are just the way they are, you can't change the situation you're in, only your actions and your emotions and how you react to them.
I guess I realized that certain situations sometimes feel unfair or are not favourable to your needs and you have to find happiness in the best way you can and live your life. Sometimes you gotta make sacrificies because that's the only option.

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Final score:

88points

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#35

I know "felix" is the Latin word for "happy," but only recently did I discover the name Felix is also known to mean "lucky."

Now I'm getting the irony of naming a *black cat* "Felix the Cat."

(For those who don't know, Felix is an old cartoon, and there's a superstition that a black cat crossing your path is very *un*lucky.)

ThePurityPixel Report

Final score:

85points

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#36

Colonoscopies aren’t just for looking for cancer and other issues. It’s preventative for cancer because they remove the polyps where it starts. I’m pretty up on medical stuff, didn’t know that.

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Final score:

83points

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#37

I'm 50 ish. For the last couple years I kept feeling that I'm getting close to retirement and I'm only going to have a few years to do what I want... Then I realized I could only be halfway there! What if I live till I'm 90? That's 40 more years! I have time to do absolutely anything I want to! It was just this crazy sort of epiphany that went you're looking at this all wrong! Life isn't over at 60 or 65, you still have a lot of time!

La_Murano Report

Final score:

81points

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#38

Common Sense Isn’t All That Common: 45 ‘Obvious’ Things People Only Just Learned I didn't know there are two little bumps on the F and J keys so your hands know where to center while typing. I only learned this when my kids wanted to try typing and it's the first lesson!

YosemiteDaisy , Tom Swinnen / pexels (not the actual photo) Report

Final score:

81points

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#39

My wife and I are both in our 50's. She told me recently that she just realized the song Black Velvet, by Allanah Myles, is about Elvis.

StillN0tATony Report

Final score:

80points

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#40

Common Sense Isn’t All That Common: 45 ‘Obvious’ Things People Only Just Learned I used to think that clapper thing in movies was to get the actors' attention. Not for editing.

rattlestaway , Hunter Moranville / unsplash (not the actual photo) Report

Final score:

76points

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#41

The "Mad" in "Mad Men" meant "Madison Avenue."

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Final score:

68points

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#42

Last year I realized that when you sign your "initials" they are called that because they are the first letters, i.e. the initial letters, of your name.

ultimateman55 Report

Final score:

68points

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#43

Common Sense Isn’t All That Common: 45 ‘Obvious’ Things People Only Just Learned That Loch - as in Loch Ness - is the Gaelic word for lake.

Catsacademy , User:Paste / wikipedia (not the actual photo) Report

Final score:

67points

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#44

Common Sense Isn’t All That Common: 45 ‘Obvious’ Things People Only Just Learned I should have been twisting the bottom of my deodorant to push the plastic cover out instead of using my teeth.

Mysterious_Ad9307 , cottonbro studio / pexels (not the actual photo) Report

Final score:

59points

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#45

Common Sense Isn’t All That Common: 45 ‘Obvious’ Things People Only Just Learned When I was 15 I realized rice isn’t pasta chopped in small pieces.

Auguw , Mgg Vitchakorn / unsplash ( not the actual photo) Report

Final score:

57points

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#46

I had lived for far too long when I learned that cars have an arrow beside the gas gauge to tell you which side the filler cap is on.

Corninator Report

Final score:

31points

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#47

In my 30s I finally realized the Bon Jovi lyrics “on a steel horse I ride” was a motorcycle. 🤦🏼‍♀️

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Final score:

29points

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#48

Common Sense Isn’t All That Common: 45 ‘Obvious’ Things People Only Just Learned I was 50. FIFTY F*****G YEARS OLD, when I learned that bats are not, in fact, blind. Evidently, I'm an idiot.

So, if being oblivious to something so basic for literally half a century counts: yeah, that.

Eclectophile , René Riegal / unsplash (not the actual photo) Report

Final score:

28points

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#49

It took me way too long to realize that you could just not answer a question. I always felt the need to either tell what I know or lie. As I got older lies felt tedious so if you asked me you would probably get (my version of) the truth. Sometimes this would lead to ugly truths being told. After watching politicians and actually paying attention to what they say I realized you never HAVE to answer the question that was asked of you. Listen to any reporter interview any politician. The reporter will ask a question, then the politician will just start talking about whatever they want to talk about. If they're nice they will start with the question and lean into what they want to say. This isn't a polite thing to do though so I wouldn't recommend doing it to anyone you care about.

smartguy05 Report

Final score:

27points

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

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

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

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

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

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

#50

There is a local plumbing company call “Abacus” with a tag line “you can count on us”. After 20 years I realized their logo was an abacus.

whatyoucallmetoday Report

Final score:

25points

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#51

When putting flannel sheets on a bed, Put the top sheet on facing down. It doesn't look as nice but it is cozy as f**k. Plus, the other blankets cover it up anyway. Don't know if I'm the first guy to this party or the last, but I love that I figured it out.

Final score:

25points

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#52

That an "Amber Alert" was named after a child and not the colour of amber. (I thought it was like a code red or code blue type of thing)

Tinmanproudfoot Report

Final score:

24points

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#53

Common Sense Isn’t All That Common: 45 ‘Obvious’ Things People Only Just Learned That the sound of a snap is your finger hitting your hand, not rubbing off your thumb.

ProfessionalYear9265 , jom jakkid / unsplash (not the actual photo) Report

Final score:

24points

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

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

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

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

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

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

#54

In the song “School’s Out” by Alice Cooper, the line “We’ve got no class, and we’ve got no principals (principles)” is a play on words. Both of those phrases mean we’re uncivilized and lack values and discipline that we would’ve learned going to school.

I didn’t pick up on that when I was 6, and I never thought about the lyrics on a deeper level because it was always one of those songs that was just on in the background for me. Only noticed it last year, and I’m 31.

peanutsandfuck Report

Final score:

24points

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#55

I was in my late thirties when it occurred to me that "for attention" is a perfectly valid motivation for people to do things. Which led to the realization that attention is a form of social currency. At that point I wished somebody had explained this truly basic thing to me when I was young and single.

Smyley12345 Report

Final score:

23points

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

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

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

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

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

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

#56

TMZ's name came from The Thirty Mile Zone. it's a thirty-mile radius from the center of Los Angeles. Outside of this particular zone, producers must pay transportation costs to cast and crew.

amacgree Report

Final score:

23points

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#57

Common Sense Isn’t All That Common: 45 ‘Obvious’ Things People Only Just Learned To fill the ice tray, you use DRINKABLE water. I don´t know why I never made that connection. My family has been drinking tap water ice cubes for 15 years (for clarification, this is in México city where you should not drink the tap water).

Sexy-Guanabana , RYNA studio / unsplash (not the actual photo) Report

Final score:

23points

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#58

Common Sense Isn’t All That Common: 45 ‘Obvious’ Things People Only Just Learned Swedish Meatballs - always thought they were Sweet-ish Meatballs. Could never figure out the Ikea connection...

Here_4_the_INFO , Emanuel Ekström / unsplash (not the actual pohto) Report

Final score:

20points

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#59

Common Sense Isn’t All That Common: 45 ‘Obvious’ Things People Only Just Learned Don’t judge me. About a year ago I realized “salmon colored” means the inside of the salmon. I was always so confused because salmon are not pink on the outside.

No_Light_8871 , CA Creative / unsplash (not the actual photo) Report

Final score:

20points

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Woman Refuses To Chip In For Babysitting Because She Doesn’t Even Have Kids, Asks If She’s A Jerk

Woman Refuses To Chip In For Babysitting Because She Doesn’t Even Have Kids, Asks If She’s A Jerk

Woman Refuses To Chip In For Babysitting Because She Doesn’t Even Have Kids, Asks If She’s A Jerk

“This Breaks My Heart”: People Stunned—And Angry—After Woman Buys Lost Luggage From Airport

“This Breaks My Heart”: People Stunned—And Angry—After Woman Buys Lost Luggage From Airport

“This Breaks My Heart”: People Stunned—And Angry—After Woman Buys Lost Luggage From Airport

#60

Frigidaire the refrigerator company?

"Frigid air!" Blew my mind.

TiredMold Report

Final score:

20points

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#61

I used to always think “Est.” Next to years on buildings and other things meant “estimated” and not “established” lol

atrain1189 Report

Final score:

20points

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#62

In the song ‘I saw mommy kissing Santa Clause’ it’s the husband dressed up as Santa and kissing his wife. Mommy is not having an affair with Santa.

Stevemachinehk Report

Final score:

19points

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#63

Probably a fairly obvious one but 50/50 raffles. 50% goes to whoever runs it, winner gets the other 50% 🤦‍♂️

Doitlikethis23 Report

Final score:

19points

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#64

Common Sense Isn’t All That Common: 45 ‘Obvious’ Things People Only Just Learned Sheep are not female goats.

Significant_Anteater , Sam Carter / unsplash (not the actual photo) Report

Final score:

19points

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"I Didn't Start The Dryer": Karen Gets Taught A Lesson After Throwing Out Neighbor's Wet Clothes

"I Didn't Start The Dryer": Karen Gets Taught A Lesson After Throwing Out Neighbor's Wet Clothes

"I Didn't Start The Dryer": Karen Gets Taught A Lesson After Throwing Out Neighbor's Wet Clothes

Guy Divorced 3 Years Ago Drops Off 3 Y.O. With His Ex-Wife Completely Out Of The Blue

Guy Divorced 3 Years Ago Drops Off 3 Y.O. With His Ex-Wife Completely Out Of The Blue

Guy Divorced 3 Years Ago Drops Off 3 Y.O. With His Ex-Wife Completely Out Of The Blue

#65

I was an adult before I realized "happy birthday to you, and many mooooore" at the end of the Happy Birthday song meant many more happy birthdays and not other people whose birthday is today.

2_Close_2_The_Sun Report

Final score:

19points

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#66

I was brought up poor, I just realized that I didn't have to wear clothes until they were worn out or too small.

Register-Honest Report

Final score:

18points

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#67

That the hunter in Jumanji is also the dad.

ajollygoodyarn Report

Final score:

17points

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#68

Living in the suburbs, it took me until high school to realize that double parking wasn’t taking up two parking spaces.

stevie1der328 Report

Final score:

17points

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#69

Common Sense Isn’t All That Common: 45 ‘Obvious’ Things People Only Just Learned I should take this to the grave but somehow thought Mickey Mouse was a dog until I was 17 (I’m 24 now) one day I just saw a Mickey Mouse somewhere and went “Why does he have such a skinny little tail??? It looks like a ra-…..wait….”

Extra_Complaint_2208 , Taha / unsplash (not the actual photo) Report

Final score:

15points

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“All Three Shot Out Pink”: Triplets' Baby Shower Turns Sour, Pregnant Wife Wants A Divorce

“All Three Shot Out Pink”: Triplets' Baby Shower Turns Sour, Pregnant Wife Wants A Divorce

“All Three Shot Out Pink”: Triplets' Baby Shower Turns Sour, Pregnant Wife Wants A Divorce

College Student Does Exactly As Told After Roommates Demand They Keep Their Stuff In Their Room

College Student Does Exactly As Told After Roommates Demand They Keep Their Stuff In Their Room

College Student Does Exactly As Told After Roommates Demand They Keep Their Stuff In Their Room

#70

A banana split is called a banana split because you get one banana that’s split down the middle! 🤦🏻‍♀️ Never thought of that until my husband was certain you get 2 whole bananas.

That1Chick04 Report

Final score:

13points

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#71

I am 27yo and just realized libraries are free!

Background_Yellow760 Report

Final score:

13points

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#72

I've been a Weird Al fan for my entire life. I've listen to I Want A New Duck endless times for decades. Only recently did it occur to me when he says "And show me how to get down.... GET IT?" he is referring to down feathers.

OhTheHueManatee Report

Final score:

12points

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#73

It is a wheelbarrow and not a wheelbarrel. Came as a huge surprise.

Doitlikethis23 Report

Final score:

12points

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#74

Ray Ban is not an actual person.

Bigstar976 Report

Final score:

12points

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#75

That the opposite of a aboard is all ashore, learned this yesterday and I was surprised.

ExpressMap9774 Report

Final score:

11points

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#76

A while back I realized that “airport” is exactly what it says it is. It is a port. For the air.

lameguy13 Report

Final score:

10points

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#77

That Hill Street Blues was named for the uniforms, not for how down in the dumps they got about crime.

Happy_Armadillo_553 Report

Final score:

9points

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#78

It’s “sherbet”, not “sherbert”. I’m 56.

DeathGrover Report

Final score:

8points

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#79

It's called a "windshield" because it shields you from the wind.

DingoMcPhee Report

Final score:

7points

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#80

When cartoons have a character say "i'm ok!!" after ANYTHING, it's so they don't get into trouble with the network.

Background-Ad-1958 Report

Final score:

7points

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#81

Not everyone keeps their tongue touched to upper pad naturally.It's called mewing I just learned about it 😂

MathematicianFar2970 Report

Final score:

5points

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#82

I was Well into my late 40s when someone pointed out to me what apparently everyone else knows… Arby’s is phonetically saying R.B. aka…Roast Beef They serve roast beef, the name is RB (Arby) Never made the connection.

West-Supermarket-860 Report

Final score:

3points

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#83

That the name 'Circle K', gas stations all over the US, is just another way to say OK.

They're OK gas stations.

Moon_Strikes Report

Final score:

3points

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#84

Common Sense Isn’t All That Common: 45 ‘Obvious’ Things People Only Just Learned The numbers on the toaster dial are not "power levels"; instead, it is the cooking time in minutes. Blew my mind.

imjmo , Charlotte May / pexels (not the actual photo) Report

Final score:

2points

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#85

Common Sense Isn’t All That Common: 45 ‘Obvious’ Things People Only Just Learned Slim Shady and Eminem are the same person 😭

Red_Android , Brendan_linden Report

Final score:

0points

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#86

You dice food by cutting it into little cubes: about the size of dice.

DigNitty Report

Final score:

-12points

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#87

That chameleons don’t actually change colour to a whole new colour they can only change shade and intensity of the base colour they actually are.

pickleboyalex Report

Final score:

-21points

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Jonas Grinevičius

Storytelling, journalism, and art are a core part of who I am. I've been writing and drawing ever since I could walk—there is nothing else I'd rather do. My formal education, however, is focused on politics, philosophy, and economics because I've always been curious about the gap between the ideal and the real. At work, I'm a Senior Writer and I cover a broad range of topics that I'm passionate about: from psychology and changes in work culture to healthy living, relationships, and design. In my spare time, I'm an avid hiker and reader, enjoy writing short stories, and love to doodle. I thrive when I'm outdoors, going on small adventures in nature. However, you can also find me enjoying a big mug of coffee with a good book (or ten) and entertaining friends with fantasy tabletop games and sci-fi movies.

Storytelling, journalism, and art are a core part of who I am. I've been writing and drawing ever since I could walk—there is nothing else I'd rather do. My formal education, however, is focused on politics, philosophy, and economics because I've always been curious about the gap between the ideal and the real. At work, I'm a Senior Writer and I cover a broad range of topics that I'm passionate about: from psychology and changes in work culture to healthy living, relationships, and design. In my spare time, I'm an avid hiker and reader, enjoy writing short stories, and love to doodle. I thrive when I'm outdoors, going on small adventures in nature. However, you can also find me enjoying a big mug of coffee with a good book (or ten) and entertaining friends with fantasy tabletop games and sci-fi movies.

Mantas Kačerauskas

As a Visual Editor at Bored Panda, I indulge in the joy of curating delightful content, from adorable pet photos to hilarious memes, all while nurturing my wanderlust and continuously seeking new adventures and interests—sometimes thrilling, sometimes daunting, but always exciting!

As a Visual Editor at Bored Panda, I indulge in the joy of curating delightful content, from adorable pet photos to hilarious memes, all while nurturing my wanderlust and continuously seeking new adventures and interests—sometimes thrilling, sometimes daunting, but always exciting!

What do you think ?

Maisey Myles 9 months ago

TIL there’s a lot of dumb people in the world

10points

Bec 9 months ago

There is a difference between a lack of knowledge and a lack of intelligence, were you born knowing everything?

15points

Load More Replies...

Violet Smith 9 months ago

I grew up in a city where there were beautiful and obvious mountains to the north, and my parents always taught me that if you want to know where north is, look for the mountains. I was in my 30s when it dawned on me that this wouldn't necessarily work in other places. Derp.

9points

wowbagger 9 months ago

I grew up on the U.S. west coast, and I felt disoriented when I first moved to the east coast. I kept looking at the ocean and thinking, "there's the ocean -- that's west," and then I'd be all turned around.

9points

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similarly 9 months ago

Here's one not a lot of people know: Goodbye was actually a shortening of "God Be With You". GodB(with)Ye.

7points

Jude Laskowski 9 months ago

Thanks. I did not know that.

1point

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mysterious(all pronouns) 9 months ago

Due to the number of people not realizing this: If something is itchy/uncomfortable/spicy/makes your throat or mouth feel weird, and this is unique to you/close relatives, you're probably allergic to it.

6points

Tee Pussi 9 months ago

I can't fathom the idea of continuing eating something that makes your throat swell up every time. Even if it DID happen to everyone, you'd think it's so uncomfortable that people stopped eating it.

2points

Load More Replies...

Kesam 9 months ago

I recently learned that the top drawer in most (all?) dishwashers has these levers on the sides that allow you to change the position/height of the drawer. The most handy discovery of my 40s (so far).

5points

OpheliaPoe 9 months ago

I have chickens and a turkey. I was talking about how everyone wants chicken eggs from me (they're pets and I don't eat eggs) but people are weirded out by turkey eggs. My sister exlaimed, "Turkeys lay eggs?!" 😆 She was already over 30 when she learned, by way of this conversation, that turkeys lay eggs.

4points

Tee Pussi 9 months ago

These allergy posts made me realize I'm probably allergic to beer. I always get a headache and feel nauseous when I drink it. Not immediately though.

2points

Giraffy Window 9 months ago (edited)

My dad always had us tap snow and dirt off our feet out the car door before getting all the way in. I internalized that as being nice/respectful to the car, and not as a way to avoid having to clean out excess dirt. This very morning as I was swinging my feet into my own car, the dots finally connected. I've been driving/owned a car for nearly 16 years now, and have done lots of spring car cleaning.

2points

MagNat 9 months ago

For me, it took a long time to realize that "gender reveal party" isn't a transition party for transgender people.

1point

Livingwithcfs 9 months ago

TIL that common sense is not that common

0points

Mimi M 9 months ago

As a full adult, I realized one day quite spontaneously that 'Kanga' (mom) and 'Roo' (kid) from Winnie the Pooh, together make 'Kangaroo'. This despite the fact that they are both clearly, kangaroos.

0points

Corinne Wheeler 9 months ago

When I heard on the news about a crime, and that someone was "helping the police with their enquiries "I thought that person had walked into the station and was now making the tea and doing a bit of filing etc. Must have been in my 40s before I got that.

0points

Maisey Myles 9 months ago

TIL there’s a lot of dumb people in the world

10points

Bec 9 months ago

There is a difference between a lack of knowledge and a lack of intelligence, were you born knowing everything?

15points

Load More Replies...

Violet Smith 9 months ago

I grew up in a city where there were beautiful and obvious mountains to the north, and my parents always taught me that if you want to know where north is, look for the mountains. I was in my 30s when it dawned on me that this wouldn't necessarily work in other places. Derp.

9points

wowbagger 9 months ago

I grew up on the U.S. west coast, and I felt disoriented when I first moved to the east coast. I kept looking at the ocean and thinking, "there's the ocean -- that's west," and then I'd be all turned around.

9points

Load More Replies...

similarly 9 months ago

Here's one not a lot of people know: Goodbye was actually a shortening of "God Be With You". GodB(with)Ye.

7points

Jude Laskowski 9 months ago

Thanks. I did not know that.

1point

Load More Replies...

mysterious(all pronouns) 9 months ago

Due to the number of people not realizing this: If something is itchy/uncomfortable/spicy/makes your throat or mouth feel weird, and this is unique to you/close relatives, you're probably allergic to it.

6points

Tee Pussi 9 months ago

I can't fathom the idea of continuing eating something that makes your throat swell up every time. Even if it DID happen to everyone, you'd think it's so uncomfortable that people stopped eating it.

2points

Load More Replies...

Kesam 9 months ago

I recently learned that the top drawer in most (all?) dishwashers has these levers on the sides that allow you to change the position/height of the drawer. The most handy discovery of my 40s (so far).

5points

OpheliaPoe 9 months ago

I have chickens and a turkey. I was talking about how everyone wants chicken eggs from me (they're pets and I don't eat eggs) but people are weirded out by turkey eggs. My sister exlaimed, "Turkeys lay eggs?!" 😆 She was already over 30 when she learned, by way of this conversation, that turkeys lay eggs.

4points

Tee Pussi 9 months ago

These allergy posts made me realize I'm probably allergic to beer. I always get a headache and feel nauseous when I drink it. Not immediately though.

2points

Giraffy Window 9 months ago (edited)

My dad always had us tap snow and dirt off our feet out the car door before getting all the way in. I internalized that as being nice/respectful to the car, and not as a way to avoid having to clean out excess dirt. This very morning as I was swinging my feet into my own car, the dots finally connected. I've been driving/owned a car for nearly 16 years now, and have done lots of spring car cleaning.

2points

MagNat 9 months ago

For me, it took a long time to realize that "gender reveal party" isn't a transition party for transgender people.

1point

Livingwithcfs 9 months ago

TIL that common sense is not that common

0points

Mimi M 9 months ago

As a full adult, I realized one day quite spontaneously that 'Kanga' (mom) and 'Roo' (kid) from Winnie the Pooh, together make 'Kangaroo'. This despite the fact that they are both clearly, kangaroos.

0points

Corinne Wheeler 9 months ago

When I heard on the news about a crime, and that someone was "helping the police with their enquiries "I thought that person had walked into the station and was now making the tea and doing a bit of filing etc. Must have been in my 40s before I got that.

0points

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