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People Are Posting “The One Question” Someone Asked That Broke Them (30 Answers) I have a stutter, when I was a kid I had to read a page of a book to the class. I stuttered, and the teacher said 'can you even read' and that [friggin] broke my 13 year old heart. No one takes stuttering seriously.

ape-with-keyboard , Anestiev Report

Final score:

312points

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Kristof De Smet 3 years ago

He should have been fired or at least suspended for that.

202points

People Are Posting “The One Question” Someone Asked That Broke Them (30 Answers) As we passed the toy aisle at the store, “I know you don’t have much money right now, but maybe when you get some we could come back and get a toy?”

I was not doing well financially back then and my daughter brought me to tears in the middle of the store.

TheCurls , Jerry Wang Report

Final score:

289points

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Lou 3 years ago

Once upon a time I was your daughter. When she's older, how much you loved her will be way more important than all the toys you could not buy for her. The great thing about love is that it makes you rich in a million more ways than money does.

212points

Communication is a form of art, and knowing what to say and ask at the right time is crucial in nailing it. So in order to find out the psychology behind heartbreaking questions, Bored Panda reached out to Lynn How, the author of “Positive Young Minds” who specializes in supporting parents, teachers, and children navigating through mental health issues and prevention.

People Are Posting “The One Question” Someone Asked That Broke Them (30 Answers) First day of preschool for my three year old son. The first time he would ever be away from Mom & Dad at the same time.

I brought him to the room and expected a meltdown, but instead he confidently strutted, and I do mean strutted into the classroom.

Three hours later, I picked him up. He was ok until we got to the car when he said, in quiet sad voice "l thought you were coming with," followed by an even sadder quieter "Why did you leave me?"

RelevantNostalgia , Chinh Le Duc Report

Final score:

288points

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THE DOG LIFE 3 years ago

Aw poor kid

94points

People Are Posting “The One Question” Someone Asked That Broke Them (30 Answers) We had some kind of talent show in elementary school and and all the parents sat in the gym and watched us, everybody had someone there except me, so this kid in my class asked where my family was and I just shrugged my shoulders and he asked "Doesn't anyone love you?" and I had to excuse myself and cry in the bathroom, because I knew he was right, nobody loved me. I had tried to keep it a secret and I was terrified that everyone at school would know.

Veganmon , Trần Toàn Report

Final score:

277points

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Watching 3 years ago

I love you. I don't even know you, but I love you.

81points

People Are Posting “The One Question” Someone Asked That Broke Them (30 Answers) When I worked in a juvenile residential drug rehab, a 12 year old asked me why everyone had a problem with her boyfriend. He was 32.

She had been so mistreated and abused, she legitimately couldn't comprehend the problem everyone had with their relationship.

steeple_fun , Munga Thigani Report

Final score:

256points

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Priscilla Reshell 3 years ago

she will know why it wasn't a good thing when she's older. I feel so bad for the kid

85points

“It is always a good idea to think carefully before asking a question,” Lynn warned and continued: “There are so many variables to consider such as, is my question too personal? Do I know the person well enough to ask this question? Should I ask this question in private rather than in front of others? Do I really need to know the answer?”

Moreover, according to Lynn How, some questions can easily be taken to be offensive or out of context, even if no offense was meant. “Sometimes well-meaning people can ask something and be surprised by the blunt response! Sometimes we answer the question politely but are secretly dying inside due to sadness or embarrassment.”

Even though it is sometimes difficult to distinguish what would offend one person and not another, Lynn suggests giving it a quick forethought is a way to go about it.

People Are Posting “The One Question” Someone Asked That Broke Them (30 Answers) My aunt asked me "why are your crying? You’re supposed to be a man" I was crying because my 2 years old niece got a second degree burn and I could hear her screaming from the doctor's office

scar-shiraya , Sharon McCutcheon Report

Final score:

253points

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YourAveragePooh 3 years ago

That's literal toxic masculinity. Isn't it? #cryingiscool

213points

People Are Posting “The One Question” Someone Asked That Broke Them (30 Answers) I finally got out of an abusive relationship after many years. When I finally did my mom said you're a hard person to like and nobody else will love you. Do you really think you deserve better ?

NotAPunishment , Kelly Sikkema Report

Final score:

243points

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Kristof De Smet 3 years ago

I hope you left and never looked back.

153points

PrometheusAborted , David Shellabarger Report

People Are Posting “The One Question” Someone Asked That Broke Them (30 Answers) I was like 22 and it was probably 10pm or so at a Walmart. I was on my way to a party and stopped for beer. The store was fairly empty and as I was in the beer aisle, I see this kid completely by himself.

He was about 5 and at first I thought it was kind of funny because he was trying to pick up a case of beer. I waited like 30-60 seconds, looking around for this kid’s mom/dad to come get him. A couple people walked right by him like it was normal, so then I started getting worried. I picked up my two cases of beer and walked over and kindly asked him if he lost his mom or needed help.

The kid completely ignored the question and instead was thoroughly impressed that I was strong enough to carry two cases of beer. Eventually an employee noticed and came over as well. I told her everything I knew and she took over and told him that she was going to bring him to find his mom.

As he was walking away he kept looking back at me and I smiled and said goodbye. The kid stopped and said “can I just come home with you? I don’t like my mom.”

I was caught off guard so I just laughed and told him the lady was going to help him. Now I’ll never know the full story, or what happened to him but the more I think about it - that kid more than likely had a pretty sh*tty childhood. I mean, the store wasn’t busy and it was late at night on a weekday. It really makes you wonder why he was there in the first place, how he got separated from his mom and why would he ask to go with a complete stranger instead of worrying about where his mom was?

It still makes me sad. Hope everything worked out for the little dude.

Final score:

241points

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Priscilla Reshell 3 years ago

this breaks my heart

85points

On the other hand, there are many questions that are better left untouched. “There are a myriad of untouchable subjects that I've gleaned from various life experiences,” Lynn recounted and added that “I am certainly much better at question filtering than I was in my 20s. For example, having gone through fertility treatment, I would never ask someone why they were not pregnant yet because I know firsthand how upsetting it is.”

Lynn said that other taboo subjects include weight, relationships, salary, and age. “Of course, when it's your best friend, you can ask more deep and meaningful questions in comparison to someone you have just met,” she added.

#10

People Are Posting “The One Question” Someone Asked That Broke Them (30 Answers) My dad was active in the local Japanese community assisting new immigrants from Japan to get acclimated to living in Hawaii showing them the various neighborhoods, churches, schools, shopping areas etc. When WW2 broke out, he was arrested for this activity and was imprisoned in the Mainland for 5 years. At grade school, our teacher asked me in front of the entire class how it felt to be the son of a traitor to the US?

HiBrucke6 , NeONBRAND Report

Final score:

225points

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DC 3 years ago

What an asshole. Truly, the treatment of Americans of Japanese origin during that time was an act of crime, of collective punishment, and completely undeserved. This sentence should have got that teacher into serious trouble.

182points

WilvanderHeijden 3 years ago

As I read it the teacher asked this question when this was going on. So he or she probably would have gotten a medal for his or her patriotism.

14points

StormWolf 3 years ago (edited)

OMFG this triggered a crappy memory of a similar experience: Back in the 80s during the Bad Old Days of South African Apartheid, my uncle was arrested and imprisoned for being a high ranking member of the UDF. I was about 10/11yrs old when my history teacher started talking about terrorism and singled me out, saying my (brilliant, thoughtful, peace-loving) uncle was a traitor and a dangerous criminal who was getting exactly what he deserves. On a related note, that was the day I learned that the expression "seeing red" is not just metaphorical. My vision literally got this foggy red cloud all around as I stood up and tore Ms Johnson a new one lol.

18points

Ninja Nonna 3 years ago

How utterly appalling! A dark, dark time for many nations.

12points

Deanna Crichley 3 years ago

My father was killed in an industrial accident when I was five years old. I was the weird kid after that, to the other kids. But in about 5th grade a teacher went around the room, and asked what jobs our fathers had (60's). She got to me and said "Oh never mind. You don't have a father anymore." My heart broke. My father served in the USAF, on remote in the Aleutian Island, and was an electrical engineer. I had a lot to say about him.

8points

SoozeeQ 3 years ago

I''m so sorry to hear that. Some people don't know how to handle bereavement and she may have thought talking about him would upset you. What she *should* have said, was "Deanna, do you have anything that you'd like to share?" Of course, at that age, you would have been too shy or upset to speak up when she moved on, and to say, "Actually, I *do* have something to say.".

3points

Lyz Frerking 3 years ago

This should be higher. This is all KINDS of f-ed up.

8points

Cyrill Kopylov 3 years ago

I had the same experience when told teacher that my family was hit by Stalins repressions, my grand grandfather family were just the most prosperous villagers. "So your grand grandfather was a traitor?"

4points

Jo Johannsen 3 years ago

Another lead head.

4points

Samantha Lomb 3 years ago

Someone deserved fired

3points

Johnny 3 years ago

My favorite story about the Japanese and WWII is when I went to the Pearl Harbor memorial in Hawaii and was lucky enough to hear stories told by an elderly docent that was actually at Pearl Harbor on the day of the attack and he told some sobering stories about seeing the attack and the friends he lost. He mentioned his wife several times, and someone asked about her, he said she had passed away... he said they had similar jobs during the way, they were both supporting the military, he was in the US Navy, and she was selling war bonds in Tokyo. Then he took out a picture of a beautiful young Japanese woman who he fell in love with shortly after the war when he was stationed in Okinawa, they married and moved to Honolulu.

1point

Arctic Fox Lover 3 years ago

Oh... My... Gosh... I- did your teacher actually ask you that?! That's unbelievable and unacceptable! >>>:::OOO

1point

Mazer 3 years ago

WTF!?!? Totally inappropriate remark.

1point

deanna woods 3 years ago

Your teacher was a jerk and your dad was not a traitor.

1point

Alyssa Sweat 3 years ago

What!? The AUDACITY to ask this amazes me. He had NO right to ask that question just.

1point

Cookies 3 years ago

Omg! I hateeeeeeeee this teach!

1point

Wednesday 3 years ago

My mom actually said to me that she thought that the Japanese interment camps (read - American citizens of Japanese descent interment camps) were a good idea. That was one of the times I invited her to leave my home. I just couldn't anymore on that day. My brother in laws folks were interred as well - they'd been in the US for 3 generations and were thoroughly American at that time. It makes no sense - just stupid fearful people doing stupid shameful things... I'm so sorry you had to deal with the stupidity and ignorance and racism first hand...

0points

Shirley Heyn 3 years ago

If only kids could ignore teachers & people with brains the size of peas. . .

0points

Thomas Turnbull 3 years ago

He was not a traitor

0points

Robert Blyth 3 years ago

wow

0points

Lady Cadaver 3 years ago

What the actual f**k? That is so terrible. I am sorry. You can be proud of your father and of yourself for being his son.

0points

SuePrew 3 years ago

time to school the teacher

0points

Spring Fisk 3 years ago

Wow

0points

PiscesMama 3 years ago

I guarantee Muslim kids face the same ignorance today. No lessons have been learnt.

0points

Carrie B 3 years ago

jesus. that was a gut punch.

0points

Suzanne Haigh 3 years ago

This is a long time ago when teachers everywhere seemed to have been just total bitches.

0points

LivingTheDream 3 years ago

I have a friend who's parents were put into an internment camp here in California. The amazing thing is how much he and his parents still love this country. It had an amazing story of forgiveness and understanding.

0points

Miss Cris 3 years ago

I missread "internet camp"

0points

Laurie 3 years ago

Oh my God. The internment of Japanese AMERICANS during WWII is a horrific part of our history!

0points

Kristy Nelson 3 years ago

Wow... no better words than that.

-1point

Who cares what I think, but... 3 years ago

There's a lot of missing info here. No, the teacher should never have asked that question. However, we don't know things like - maybe a family member, husband, etc had been killed in the war??? Don't jump to conclusions so quickly. That's one of our BIG problem nowadays.

-3points

juice 3 years ago

i agree about jumping to conclusions, that's an issue. the teacher might've been through terrible things. but, in my opinion, that still doesn't give them the right to shame a child by insulting a family member in front of the class.

5points

El Dee 3 years ago

Teachers were, and still are (a lot of them) horrible people who shouldn't have chosen a profession where they interact with people, never mind young people..

-3points

#11

People Are Posting “The One Question” Someone Asked That Broke Them (30 Answers) "Wait, aren't you going to hit me?"
I worked as a music teacher, and had a 15 year old student who originally came from an African country play a passage incorrectly on the instrument repeatedly. We only had one instrument of the kind she played, so I reached out my hand and asked her to hand me the instrument over to show her, when she saw me playing, she asked me that question with genuine confusion, and I realised what hell her school life in her home country had been.

She not only thought I would hit her for not playing correctly, but also that she deserved it.
I felt like crying when I got home that night.

steamtrainers , bones64 Report

Final score:

199points

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Ninja Nonna 3 years ago

It takes years to overcome the automatic flinch.

109points

#12

People Are Posting “The One Question” Someone Asked That Broke Them (30 Answers) I was having fertility problems and couldn’t get pregnant after 4 yrs of trying. A child once asked me “Do you think there just aren’t any babies who want you to be their mother?”

stick_a_fork_in_it , Adam Winger Report

Final score:

198points

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Kristof De Smet 3 years ago

We had been trying for more than 2 years when a colleague became a father for the third time. Everybody happy and asking if we weren't going to have kids. Had a mental breakdown. I feel your pain. But now, I am a father of three beautiful daughters, I am certain all will be well in the end.

88points

It’s important to understand that words can easily become weapons when they are not said by someone with good intentions, argues Lynn. “I would consider that these stem from a person's own insecurities and issues if they feel they need to use their words to make another person feel bad.”

#13

People Are Posting “The One Question” Someone Asked That Broke Them (30 Answers) Had a 4 year old child who had been horribly abused and passed from family member to family member why no one loved him. It was so heart breaking and made me hate his family so much more. With my help his aunt was able to gain full custody and got him into counseling. He's doing much better now and is still with his aunt who is doing everything she can to give him a good life

daisydoom456 , Kat J Report

Final score:

187points

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Ninja Nonna 3 years ago

I can't speak.

45points

#14

People Are Posting “The One Question” Someone Asked That Broke Them (30 Answers) My grandmother leaned to me and asked, "Did Dan die?"

We were at a family gathering and she didn't see my uncle Dan. He had passed away the previous year. Grandma's descent into dementia was in the very early stages. There were several layers of heartbreak.

monobak , Cristian Newman Report

Final score:

185points

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Ninja Nonna 3 years ago

My MIL to me at my son's wedding, "Who are these people?"

70points

#15

People Are Posting “The One Question” Someone Asked That Broke Them (30 Answers) My five-year-old niece: Why am I'm so ugly that mommy doesn't love me?

Babaloo_Monkey , Janko Ferlič Report

Final score:

184points

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Nela Rothenbach 3 years ago

My cousin once asked my mother if she had still loved me even if I got bad grades....broke both our hearts.

71points

“Personally, I have no time for these people and have in the past explained that I felt that their question was inappropriate (I have also considered in these instances if I am just being over-sensitive!). If someone is a repeat offender, they don't stay in my life very long!”

Unfortunately, things are more difficult if the person is a member of your family. “A simple 'should you be eating that?' can be enough to raise a person's blood pressure! In which case I would suggest a polite but firm explanation as to why you find their questioning offensive,” Lynn concluded.

#16

People Are Posting “The One Question” Someone Asked That Broke Them (30 Answers) “Can I wish for my sister?” - A 10-year-old student of mine whose big sister died 4 years ago. We were working on an activity about dreams and aspirations for their futures.

missadinosaur , Taylor Wilcox Report

Final score:

171points

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Priscilla Reshell 3 years ago

I'm not crying...

62points

#17

People Are Posting “The One Question” Someone Asked That Broke Them (30 Answers) My ex asked me what I liked to do with my family growing up.

Made me realize my family never did anything together and I literally had no answer to such a basic question.

don_juicy Report

Final score:

170points

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JXXXF 3 years ago

I feel you mate... despite being very lucky in life, I cannot recall doing anything all together as a family, or only very rarely... My mother more than made up for it but when I look back it is a shame...

46points

#18

People Are Posting “The One Question” Someone Asked That Broke Them (30 Answers) A few years ago I was at a small family gathering. We had them fairly often. Just me, my siblings, parents and niece's and nephew.

I remember going out the back for a cigarette and my niece asked "why are you always sad?". She would've been about 6yo at the time.

I was going through a horrendous mental period that involved a lot of alcohol, medication, and sleepless nights.

Of course I told her I was fine, just a little tired from working hard.

I remember thinking about that interaction the rest of the night.

Clinodactyl , Elia Pellegrini Report

Final score:

164points

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Ninja Nonna 3 years ago

Kids & dogs always notice. I wouldn't be here without my kids & my dogs.

86points

#19

People Are Posting “The One Question” Someone Asked That Broke Them (30 Answers) “Why are you so quiet” or “why don’t you talk?” When I was proud of myself for talking more than normal

MundaneShoulder6 , Joshua Tsu Report

Final score:

151points

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YourAveragePooh 3 years ago (edited)

I always get asked this question. And I can tell you it's annoying. If you talk to me I'll talk back. But I can't start a conversation.

78points

#20

People Are Posting “The One Question” Someone Asked That Broke Them (30 Answers) Said bye to grandma before leaving the house. About 20 seconds later after saying bye to everyone else she asks "When are you going to say bye to me?"

She died two weeks after that.

BOSD12 , Annie Spratt Report

Final score:

148points

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Mary Rose Kent 3 years ago

I’m so sorry for your loss! My grandmother died in 1989, four days before her 80th birthday. I still miss her.

43points

#21

People Are Posting “The One Question” Someone Asked That Broke Them (30 Answers) When I was 19, I hung out with a cute girl from my high school that I never got to hang with when we were in school. Had a great day together, and that night she asked, “can we be like secret friends or something? I don’t really hang out with people like you.”

Never hung out again.

prstele01 , Jonas Weckschmied Report

Final score:

148points

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DC 3 years ago

Friends are not embarrassing. Simple as that, sometimes there might be something to figure out and stuff, but friends are not embarrassing - those you won't support, stand up for, aren't friends - or, in case you refuse to do any of that, you're not a friend. And so is she - not a friend. Sounds like one of those who are popular because they look kinda nice ... in that age, the so-called beautiful ones often never experienced any else than being pampered and spoiled for looking good, while others have to struggle to even not be bullied, or to get themselves through the shitty treatment of ... those like her.

45points

#22

People Are Posting “The One Question” Someone Asked That Broke Them (30 Answers) Why don't u have children? Don't u like kids? I can't have children

TelephoneBusy9594 , M Report

Final score:

142points

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Ninja Nonna 3 years ago

How was it ever thought acceptable to ask such personal questions??

77points

#23

People Are Posting “The One Question” Someone Asked That Broke Them (30 Answers) I work at a primary school supporting kids in class. I’ve had kids ask me “why do I keep trying with them, clearly they are useless and dumb?” “Why do they have to be such a bad/naughty kid?” Even one asked me “why do I like that kid? They are so bad.” I have a million and one answers that suit the situation but it breaks my heart, especially when the “bad kid” in question is actually a very sweet child who has a really rough start to life and because of that makes poor choices. I cried with joy when the kid was invited to their first birthday party.

Superb_Rutabaga , Spikeball Report

Final score:

140points

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Ninja Nonna 3 years ago

It just guts me how kids & then adults suffer for careless parenting.

46points

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

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#24

People Are Posting “The One Question” Someone Asked That Broke Them (30 Answers) When the vet said:

"Your cat has an inoperable cancerous tumor. The kindest thing you can do to end his suffering is to put him to sleep. Do you wish to do this?"

Back2Bach , Chris Abney Report

Final score:

138points

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Priscilla Reshell 3 years ago

i lost a cat this way it's really heartbreaking :(

64points

Spirited-Cucumber-82 , krakenimages Report

#25

People Are Posting “The One Question” Someone Asked That Broke Them (30 Answers) During college, parents took a friend and I out to dinner. Very normal dinner, chit chatted about whatever. After we left and were walking back to my car, he turns to me and says "Is that what a normal relationship is like?"

We talked more after that, I had met his parents a few times and they seemed strict but never seemed to have a terrible relationship. Turned out apparently his dad had cheated on his mom multiple times, dad had zero respect for any of my friends sisters and essentially expected them to do all the housework while the men did "guy stuff." Hunting, training for sports, school, etc. Turned out his childhood was pretty fucked, dad was never around and he had to essentially be the father figure in the house. As the oldest child, never really saw a normal loving relationship that he could look up to. My friend is a really nice guy, still has some messed up views of relationships though. I never realized how "abnormal" my very normal family/childhood was.

Final score:

137points

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Ninja Nonna 3 years ago

Trust me, it's rare.

43points

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

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#26

People Are Posting “The One Question” Someone Asked That Broke Them (30 Answers) Being asked by my grandma who I was because I wasn't her granddaughter. And when my "best friend" asked why I ever thought we were friends... The first broke my heart, but I understood it wasnt malicious she had Alzheimer's. The second one has caused lasting trust issues and an very difficult time making friends.

violetsky5 , Luis Galvez Report

Final score:

126points

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Aya Hikage 3 years ago

i feel that. happened to me too.. with several "friends"

32points

#27

People Are Posting “The One Question” Someone Asked That Broke Them (30 Answers) I have a stutter and people always ask me why I'm so quiet it hurts because I want to be social but whenever I try I tend to be ignored or cut off half way through my sentence, like I want to be social and speak to people but it's almost impossible for me

0b_server , Joshua Rawson-Harris Report

Final score:

119points

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Jo Johannsen 3 years ago

Stutterers cannot help the hand they were dealt. Be patient, let them finish what they are saying without your "help", and remember this also qualifies as paying it forward.

51points

#28

People Are Posting “The One Question” Someone Asked That Broke Them (30 Answers) Not directly to my face, but my mom has been asked quite often if I was adopted, because I look absolutely nothing like her (I look like a female version of my dad). The only reason it pains me a bit is because my mom almost died while giving birth to me, and she went through a ton of complications and surgeries, just to have people question it all. Having said that, I have nothing against adoption btw, I fully support and encourage it.

tadadesae , Caique Silva Report

Final score:

119points

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JXXXF 3 years ago

Don't let it get to you... you mum sounds like a hero!

42points

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

#29

People Are Posting “The One Question” Someone Asked That Broke Them (30 Answers) "Is this your room? You'd never be able to tell if a boy or girl lived here." Going on to heavily imply that my lack of possessions/decorations = lack of identity/personality when in reality my family was just poor.

downtownmischief , Hans Isaacson Report

Final score:

106points

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Ninja Nonna 3 years ago

I shared with, at one stage for 4 years, parents & 6 siblings. To only share with one person, my husband, was bliss!!!

25points

glitterxtimes , Francisco Gonzalez Report

#30

People Are Posting “The One Question” Someone Asked That Broke Them (30 Answers) This isn’t really a question but more of a comment. My best friend at the time was talking about how a kid in their class was causing a mess at a museum they went to on a field trip, and they were talking about how he said he had ADHD. “that makes a lot of sense, i can’t be around people with that”, they said. There was thirteen year old me, who had been diagnosed with ADHD just a week before. That was...interesting.

Final score:

99points

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Naruto Fan 3 years ago

Well, I hope you have a better friend now.

27points

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#31

I don’t really have any close friends. It’s depressing.

On my 25th birthday, my husband and I went to dinner and we happened to run into my husbands co-worker and his wife, so we sat together for a couple drinks.

My husband said it we were out for dinner for my birthday. We were making small talk and the other guys wife asked “where are your friends at?”

I felt so embarrassed. My face gets red and my heart sinks every time I think about it.

tlr92 Report

Final score:

37points

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Donkey boi 3 years ago

We had the exact same situation, out to dinner for the wife's birthday, bumped into a friend of mine, his wife asked where my wife's friends were. My friend told his wife off for asking. My misses however, she just said 'I'm sitting next to the only friend I have, want or need'.

10points

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

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#32

My grandma died unexpectedly in 2011 from surgery complications. Threw clots with a medication meant to stop clots from forming. My grandpa, however, lived until 2017. I was super close with them and continued to visit even throughout undergrad and when I moved away for grad school. I remember sitting with my grandpa during one visit and it was starting to get late. My grandpa turned to me and asked me why it was so much more lonely and painful at night than it was during the day. I think that my heart shattered that day and I can't even think about it without tearing up.

NextLevelNaps Report

Final score:

35points

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Ninja Nonna 3 years ago

The sadness comes to us all.

12points

#33

I was visiting my wife's grandmother in an assisted-living facility for people with memory issues.

As I was walking down the hall, a little old lady that I didn't know asked me if I could help her to her room, as she was a little unsteady on he feet.

I gave her an arm, and we walked down the hallway, having the typical friendly small talk.

When we rounded the corner, she turned to me, teary-eyed, and said, "you have to help me. I don't know how to get out of this place. The people here think I'm so stupid, and they won't help me. I just want to go home."

I gently told her that I didn't know how to leave either, and that everything would be OK. I helped her to her room, and left her there, obviously distressed and confused.

I should note that the facility was very nice, and the staff there treated my family extremely well. It just broke my heart that this poor lady was so upset and so confused, and she was likely in the same state until the day she died. It seems like a shitty way to spend the end of your life.

EarhornJones Report

Final score:

30points

POST

Ninja Nonna 3 years ago

So very sad.

10points

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

See Also on Bored Panda

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

#34

I was about 12 and went over to a friends house. I had my hair tied up in a ponytail and her mother looked at one of my ears and asked if I'd been in an accident.

The tops of my ears(the curved part) have always looked wonky and misshaped, I was born with them that way, but I didn't start feeling self conscious about it or about my looks in general, until she asked me that.

May seem insignificant but I did not tie my hair up again for years following that, that's how bad it hurt.

whereismyisekai Report

Final score:

30points

POST

Broken Angel 3 years ago

i was born with really pointy ears and people in school used to make fun of me. my grade five teacher once tried to pull off my ears while yelling at me about not wearing costume ears to school.

6points

#35

People Are Posting “The One Question” Someone Asked That Broke Them (30 Answers) "is your dad dead?"

The taxi driver who was taking me to college since my dad could no longer drive me, as he was infact: dead.

This was like a week after his funeral, I was eager to get back to college for some normality and a touch of denial so it was a huge slap in the face.

Homo-Homie , Viktor Bystrov Report

Final score:

28points

POST

Kristy Nelson 3 years ago

Who would ask that?!

4points

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

See Also on Bored Panda

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

#36

Oh, are you the girl with the hot sister ?

JustehOK Report

Final score:

26points

POST

Ninja Nonna 3 years ago

Seriously??

7points

jake0719 , Berkeley Communications Report

#37

People Are Posting “The One Question” Someone Asked That Broke Them (30 Answers) My ex fiancee asked me why I didnt have any friends, or hung out with people or went out to places.

It was because she put herself through crisis after crisis and I feel like I didnt have any choice but to stay and help her but when I had a breakdown and went through my own mental health crisis she broke up with me.

I hope she's doing better but I honestly never want to talk to her again

A_Prostitute , Jens Lindner Report

Final score:

25points

POST

Mary Rose Kent 3 years ago

I know it was heartbreaking, but it’s great that you’re now able to set good boundaries and maintain your mental health!

11points

#38

People Are Posting “The One Question” Someone Asked That Broke Them (30 Answers) “Why do you sound like that? Is that your real voice?”

Mean girl training me on the phones at work.

And I was so confident on my phone voice

Final score:

23points

POST

Sarcastic Cow 3 years ago

No, but when I talk to spoiled baby, I use this simplified voice pleasant for children.

8points

#39

People Are Posting “The One Question” Someone Asked That Broke Them (30 Answers) I was at Coldstone with my friends who are married. I ordered my thing and went over to the cashier and they asked me “Are you alone?” and for some reason it just cut deep. They didn’t mean anything by it, but in that moment I realized that I felt so alone, even surrounded by friends. Then I had ice cream and felt better.

SpelingisHerd , Brian Lundquist Report

Final score:

21points

POST

leia's emotional cupcake 3 years ago

aww.

4points

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

See Also on Bored Panda

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

#40

People Are Posting “The One Question” Someone Asked That Broke Them (30 Answers) "Whats your name again?" I knew [her] for 4 years

kirboyman06 , Janko Ferlič Report

Final score:

21points

POST

THE DOG LIFE 3 years ago

That's sad

7points

I'm a Visual Editor at Bored Panda since 2017. I've searched through a multitude of images to create over 2000 diverse posts on a wide range of topics. I love memes, funny, and cute stuff, but I'm also into social issues topics. Despite my background in communication, my heart belongs to visual media, especially photography. When I'm not at my desk, you're likely to find me in the streets with my camera, checking out cool exhibitions, watching a movie at the cinema or just chilling with a coffee in a cozy place

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Liucija Adomaite is a creative mind with years of experience in copywriting. She has a dynamic set of experiences from advertising, academia, and journalism. This time, she has set out on a journey to investigate the ways in which we communicate ideas on a large scale. Her current mission is to find a magic formula for how to make ideas, news, and other such things spread like a virus.

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What do you think ?

POST

Eslamala 3 years ago

Well, this was a depressing thing to read at 9.30am on a friday.

28points

Troux 3 years ago

It's a lot to take in, but please do. With every sad story you read, you gained a little bit more knowledge about what others go through, how things look through their eyes and how well hidden their pain is. One day you'll see this kind of pain again, but this time you'll recognize it, and you'll recognize the person holding onto it. That may be all they need.

15points

Broken Angel 3 years ago

i was really quiet in class and i never spoke. once, i answered a question in english because it was the only subject that i knew enough to know the answer. when i answered, everyone turned around and stared at me. about a minute of silence, then someone yelled 'you can talk?!' everyone laughed and i didn't talk for the rest of the year. i was in grade two. when i was in grade six, i was outside at recess and i was walking around alone. then, a kid ran away from his friend group, came up to me, and yelled 'what's wrong with you? don't you know how to talk?' i punched him. bitch didn't see that coming.

20points

Watching 3 years ago

When they asked me what I wanted to do with my husband's body after he died of cancer.

15points

lazy panda 3 years ago

I am so sorry for your loss

6points

kjorn 3 years ago

few years ago when my wife want to break up (because she discover she was a lesbian). days after that i get back to work (in a call center) and almost each person when they call ask me how i was. it was so hard to say fine when obviously i wasn't fine. during the next 2 weeks i had to left the office 6 time because i couldn't said i'm fine all that time. each time i had to say that i wanted to cry

9points

denzoren 3 years ago

That must have been a rough time. Hang in there.

2points

Marianne Contrino 3 years ago

When I was in college, I worked at a home for women with developmental disabilities... Down Syndrome, Autism, Fragile X, etc. One night, as I was tucking a resident into bed, her usual big smile faded, she got very quiet, and a sadness filled her eyes. So, after seeing this, I asked her what was wrong. She let out a sigh, and asked, "When I die, and go to heaven, will I still have to be retarded?" I promise you it was all I could do not to let the tears start flowing. Pausing for a moment, I responded with something like, "Honey, you can be ANYTHING you want to be, WHENEVER you want to be it. Personally, I'm flipping between a unicorn (her favorite animal), and you." That seemed to make her happy, and the smile returned, but I never forgot it. I wish I could say she was the only one to voice such questions, but she wasn't. No matter how "low functioning" they were, they knew they were viewed as "different", and it truly saddened them. Now, I could go on, and write another eight paragraphs detailing the heartbreaking questions/comments I've dealt with while teaching, but I'll just leave it at that. Bottom line, the most innocent among us are preyed upon more than you know, and it is soul crushing.

8points

Miss Frankfurter 3 years ago

Same here. I worked in a community for kids and young adults with developmental disabilities. On Sunday afternoon, I remember with such affection, we had what they called "Scussion Group". They could not pronounce "discussion". Were around 20 years old. We would talk about be a "dult". Couldnt pronounce adult. I tell you remenbering that part brings such a smile to my face. They would take public transportation to work. One day someone asked "What do you say when they call you retarded?" Stopped me in my tracks.

2points

Angrywolf 3 years ago

My mother told me quite a few times that she rather had a hundred kids with down syndrome than one me, I cant help it that im autistic and that im different.

7points

denzoren 3 years ago

There is nothing wrong with being autistic.

4points

Unaffected 3 years ago

A geriatric nurse here.Asked a patient how is she feeling, said she's in pain.Offered a few options and when refused I asked What can I do to make it better ? She said - Nothing but at least you ask, others don't.

7points

Grumble O'Pug 3 years ago

We had a fellow student named Steven when I was in 3rd grade. He was probably ADHD and a host of other things, but we loved his energy. Sometimes a bully would hassle him on the playground and he'd be so enraged that he'd just be in class crying so hard. I remember my teacher hugging him and being nice to him and she said that we needed to remember that everyone gets so mad they want to cry and sometimes has a bad time of things and to be kind to each other. Thanks Miss Bogosoff.

6points

Mark Fuller 3 years ago

Mate at school, thirty years ago, "are your parents divorced?" "No." "Well when will they be?" He just assumed it was the norm...

6points

Marcia Cash 3 years ago

Dated a guy for months, wonderful time, until one afternoon we were making sweet love, he opens his eyes and says "Oh, it's you!" Who was he fantasizing about? Freaked me out, total mistrust after that.

3points

denzoren 3 years ago

Oh no...I can understand the mistrust.

0points

Madzdad the bard 3 years ago

My dad once said to me, "Nobody's perfect, but you are do damn far from it!". Still bugs me, I'm 53.

3points

Viviane 3 years ago

After my mother was gone, my 90-something dad told me off about my perfectly legit choice of career. That hurt and I was more than 53. So I can imagine how much worse it is to hear that when you were a child. For me I got over it after telling myself a few times "My self-esteem doesn't depend on his stupid opinion." It also helped that my father also started to see other parts of me that he liked. Plus he can be a jerk to other people, including my sisters, so it feels less personal. We prop each other up when it happens.

2points

MDB 3 years ago

My grandfather pinged my mother about her weight during her childhood. Fast forward several decades, when he was in the final stages of Alzheimer's, his final words to her were "You put on weight." On top of that, she said he never once in her entire life said "I love you."

3points

Carol Emory 3 years ago

My grandmother was known for wandering during her last years because of Alzheimer's. She would often get out of the house and end up in a neighbors backyard saying she was looking for Bill, her husband who had passed away a year earlier. My brother was her caretaker. He installed high locks on the door to prevent her from leaving while he took showers or slept. She still got out and disappeared. We looked for hours and I finally found her on the steps of the neighbors house. I asked her what she was doing. She pointed at my brother and said "I don't know that man. Who is he?" I then realized the fear she must've felt thinking a stranger had invaded her home everyday.

3points

Q B F T 3 years ago

For me, probably two questions from my father. 1. "Are you my cousin?" 2. "When am I going home?" (He was at home). Dementia is a b***h.

3points

OCDRobot 3 years ago

I'm a woman that tends to dress in baggier clothing because it's what I'm comfortable in. One time I was at a music festival and was in a big sweater and pants with my hair pulled back. i was just enjoying myself, hanging with some friends at outside our camp watching a friend juggle. When this girl walked by, gave me a disgusted look and turned to her boyfriend to say "I can't tell if THAT'S a boy or girl." with just so much hatred in her voice. I got just a snippet that day, I can only imagine what trans people have to put up with all the time. It's not that hard to be a good person, and even easier to keep your mouth shut and opinions to yourself. I wish more people would understand that.

2points

Holly Allen 3 years ago

I want to gather all of these broken people and hug them and protect them and tell them every day that they are loved

2points

Sharon Ingram 3 years ago

My thought, too, reading these. But I think that's probably why I'm a hugger. Try it. Ask "can I give you a hug?" Hugs are awesome.

1point

Llama_flower93 3 years ago

At sixteen, after having had depression for four years, failing at school, no friends, and my parents bad marriage being the cause of it, I finally told my mother I had depression, and she looked at me confused and said "How do you have depression?" To top it off, I learned later I was experiencing childhood emotional neglect that brought on trauma. So her blatant ignorance cut deep.

2points

Benji Fleenor 3 years ago

When I found out I had an incurable disease ... a friend of mine, before he found. out was talking about dating and he said he would never date someone with that disease. He learned but it made me scared to date for 5 years.

2points

Clinton Reidhead 3 years ago

As a child my bedroom was literally a bathroom. Small one to. Had that many siblings. Didn't get an actual room till I was 12. When anyone ever found out, they always called me bathroom boy. My family had a lot of kids and poor.

2points

Ricky Omo 3 years ago

"Is anyone ever not nice to you?" It caught me off guard so hard I forgot all my days of being bullied in junior high because ever since I hit puberty people were nice to me nonstop. It made me really pause. I'm usually always nice to others so they reciprocate the energy, but mostly people are nice to me right off the bat, it made me feel privileged for a while. Then I remembered the torture of growing up as the class Joke long after the question was asked.

1point

ScarlettofHydraIsland 3 years ago

One of my sixth grade bullies, who had once been my friend, asked me point blank why I was so ugly and disgusting. Never was able to shake it.

1point

Hannah Edwards 3 years ago

Not as sad as some of these posts, but as a child I had a boys haircut, not by choice. People would ask “why is that boy in a dress?” I would be devastated and horribly embarrassed. As an adult I still feel mannish and self conscious sometimes and because I have quite a square jaw still get people ask if I’m a man.

1point

Emowan 3 years ago

I came out as lesbian to my best friend who had recently converted to Jehovas Witnesses. Her response was 'Can't you just not do anything about it?'. As in remain celebate. To save my soul.

1point

Robert Thompson 3 years ago

These were hard to read.

1point

Irma 1 year ago

When someone asked at my graduation if my parents showed up 'this time'. They did not

0points

Livingwithcfs 1 year ago

I use a wheelchair because of illness, I'm a big girl. Hurts when people say, "your just fat and lazy." Like I want to be this way? I would give anything to be able to walk again

0points

Hannah Anderson Carroll 3 years ago (edited)

#13 could very well be one of my cousins/siblings. My uncle Dan (her son) passed away suddenly while my grandmother was struggling with dementia. When she was cognizant enough to be aware of what was going on she expressed a lot of grief, feeling like there was no one who could help take care of her anymore. Her children are scattered around the country. Uncle Dan was a bachelor who lived in the same town and was her caregiver. That's when my mom (her DIL) put everything on hold and sent for her across the state to take care of her during her last months. I thought it was a big deal because I know my mom was never over-the-moon crazy about her mother-in-law. My dad still tears up with appreciation thinking of how well she took care of grandma (his mom) before she passed away. God I love my family.

0points

Rachel Smith 3 years ago (edited)

I have 2 girls and both pregnancies were very hard on me and I had several miscarriages between them. Just before getting pregnant with my youngest I miscarried a boy that was 5 months along. So during my pregnancy with my youngest, my sil came to live with us and help. She brought her 2 girls with her, oldest was a sweet heart, youngest was meaner than cat piss. Me and my sil stayed up late one night afterthe kids fell asleep and talked. She asked if my pregnancy was safe yet, because I was 4 months along. I said as safe as it can be. The next morning sil went grocery shopping. her youngest daughter followed me around my house asking what I would do if my baby died and imagine if you're already carrying a dead baby. She did it 10 times that day and I had a panic attack. When her mom got home she played it off like she was asking innocent questions. Butthe way she kept on it broke my heart. I would up having to get them to go home.

0points

Totally legit 3 years ago

Creepy

0points

Rachel Smith 3 years ago

I had a miscarriage before my youngest was born. I was 5 months with my youngest, when my husband's sister moved in with us and she brought her kids with her. Oldest girl was fine, the youngest was mean. Well one night my sil and I stayed up talking about things and she asked if my pregnancy was going good. I had said yes but they were worried I would miscarry at the 6 month mark like last time. Any way her daughter, the youngest decided to corner me in the kitchen to ask," wouldn't it suck if you lost this baby to what would you do if it was dead right now. Hmmm you could be carrying around a dead baby." All day long any chance she could she would corner me and ask/ torment me with dead babies. She even drew a picture of me with a dead baby in my stomach. The kid was 11 or 12.

0points

Lara verbinnen 3 years ago

Last year I was in a bad mental place ( nobody knew) and one of my friends said that i looked like a junky, because of that i came in a heavy depression

0points

Maddie 3 years ago

Not a question but a statement. My mom does a lot of s**t mentally but whatever ANYWAYS. I told her I. (13f who hasn’t hit puberty yet and so Yk) had depression and she said “you aren’t depressed you just want attention.” She usually tells me stuff like that but it’s normal so idrc

0points

Tobias the Tiger 3 years ago

"Where's the rest of your group?" Context: Late in 6th grade, we had a project about ecosystems, and I decided to work on my project alone. We ended up presenting our projects in a sort of "science fair" way, where students' families could come over and look. The only people who gave me any attention whatsoever were my family, the person who asked the question, and some kid who just walked up and took one of the handouts without even listening to me. Sadly, that's not the worst thing that happened to me in 6th grade, either...

0points

Viv Hart 3 years ago

I was privileged to have had a loving family life, just the 4 of us, Dad, Mum, & sister. I feel for all these folk, who have had a raw deal because of the insensitivity of others.

0points

Terri Williams 3 years ago

Being told that my 3 sisters were so beautiful, my only brother such a handsome young man. They would look at me, searching for words before they blurt out, "You're so talented!". Brother making "ugly" jokes and using me as the punch line. Still have bad self esteem at 65 years old.

0points

Miss Frankfurter 3 years ago

I was sitting at my mother's bedside as she was dying. She said clearly "Im afraid". My brain melted and my heart exploded. What do you say to that?

0points

Sharon Ingram 3 years ago

Be kind to everyone. Period. We have no idea what they are going through.

0points

Mumchkin 3 years ago

When Hubs and I let [my] in-laws know that I had to have a hysterectomy at the young age of 30, MIL asked me, Can't you just have a baby first? Actually no, if she'd been listening she'd have known that I couldn't. Approximately 10 years after that, she says to me that she knew a woman that had the same thing as I did, and they just took the tumors out and she had kids. If I had the choice I would have done the same thing, but it wasn't an option.

0points

Gay Llama 3 years ago

Everyone asks me why I'm so slow. I was diagnosed with hip dysplasia when I was born, but now the doctors say I just have messed up thigh. Running too much causes my breathing to wheeze (I have asthma) and my knees and hips to hurt. It's even worse when my parents make "jokes" about how I'm slow I am at everything, or yell at me for being slow.

0points

Cher 3 years ago

"You're not bad at most things you're doing but you'll never be really good at anything".

0points

Random Person 3 years ago

This comment has been deleted.

0points

POST

Eslamala 3 years ago

Well, this was a depressing thing to read at 9.30am on a friday.

28points

Troux 3 years ago

15points

Broken Angel 3 years ago

20points

Watching 3 years ago

When they asked me what I wanted to do with my husband's body after he died of cancer.

15points

lazy panda 3 years ago

I am so sorry for your loss

6points

kjorn 3 years ago

9points

denzoren 3 years ago

That must have been a rough time. Hang in there.

2points

Marianne Contrino 3 years ago

8points

Miss Frankfurter 3 years ago

2points

Angrywolf 3 years ago

My mother told me quite a few times that she rather had a hundred kids with down syndrome than one me, I cant help it that im autistic and that im different.

7points

denzoren 3 years ago

There is nothing wrong with being autistic.

4points

Unaffected 3 years ago

7points

Grumble O'Pug 3 years ago

6points

Mark Fuller 3 years ago

Mate at school, thirty years ago, "are your parents divorced?" "No." "Well when will they be?" He just assumed it was the norm...

6points

Marcia Cash 3 years ago

3points

denzoren 3 years ago

Oh no...I can understand the mistrust.

0points

Madzdad the bard 3 years ago

My dad once said to me, "Nobody's perfect, but you are do damn far from it!". Still bugs me, I'm 53.

3points

Viviane 3 years ago

2points

MDB 3 years ago

3points

Carol Emory 3 years ago

3points

Q B F T 3 years ago

For me, probably two questions from my father. 1. "Are you my cousin?" 2. "When am I going home?" (He was at home). Dementia is a b***h.

3points

OCDRobot 3 years ago

2points

Holly Allen 3 years ago

I want to gather all of these broken people and hug them and protect them and tell them every day that they are loved

2points

Sharon Ingram 3 years ago

My thought, too, reading these. But I think that's probably why I'm a hugger. Try it. Ask "can I give you a hug?" Hugs are awesome.

1point

Llama_flower93 3 years ago

2points

Benji Fleenor 3 years ago

2points

Clinton Reidhead 3 years ago

2points

Ricky Omo 3 years ago

1point

ScarlettofHydraIsland 3 years ago

One of my sixth grade bullies, who had once been my friend, asked me point blank why I was so ugly and disgusting. Never was able to shake it.

1point

Hannah Edwards 3 years ago

1point

Emowan 3 years ago

I came out as lesbian to my best friend who had recently converted to Jehovas Witnesses. Her response was 'Can't you just not do anything about it?'. As in remain celebate. To save my soul.

1point

Robert Thompson 3 years ago

These were hard to read.

1point

Irma 1 year ago

When someone asked at my graduation if my parents showed up 'this time'. They did not

0points

Livingwithcfs 1 year ago

I use a wheelchair because of illness, I'm a big girl. Hurts when people say, "your just fat and lazy." Like I want to be this way? I would give anything to be able to walk again

0points

Hannah Anderson Carroll 3 years ago (edited)

0points

Rachel Smith 3 years ago (edited)

0points

Totally legit 3 years ago

Creepy

0points