ADVERTISEMENT

Life can be tough, and we all face our share of struggles. However, occasionally when you share your personal hardship with someone, their response seems so out of touch it makes you wonder if they have ever experienced a real problem.

From clueless comments to downright dismissive remarks, people online have shared instances that perfectly illustrate what happens when individuals who have never faced true adversity try to offer their "support." Get ready to cringe and maybe even laugh at these tone-deaf reactions.

#1

“Not A Single Person In The Room Felt Bad For Her”: 50 Tone-Deaf Reactions To Serious Struggles Anyone who says “but she’s your mother!” when you talk about going no contact.

I’m glad you can’t even comprehend needing to cut off an abusive parent for your own well-being, but maybe shut up if you don’t know what it’s like.

Arya_kidding_me , Alex Green/Pexels Report

Add photo comments
POST
notlikeyou1971 avatar
notlikeyou1971
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The world famous " but family" guilt trip card! Happens all the time. They don't have to see or put up with the person though.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#2

This is considered controversial depending on your view on this topic.
I was pregnant with my father's child at 14 ( yes you read that right). I considered an abortion ( was too far along) but once I opened up about my decision, I was told countless of times by people who have NEVER experienced what I was going through and more than likely will never, that I shouldn't do it because "it's part of GoDs PlAn and I should be GrAtEfUL for such wonderful gift" and "there are stories in the Bible of incest so it's okay"

No. This wasn't a gift.
No one, especially someone who is a child should have to go through this.

For those who might be curious Baby A was adopted 7 years ago and is doing great in their home.

irritation12 Report

Add photo comments
POST
notlikeyou1971 avatar
notlikeyou1971
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As a SA survivor I will repeat it till the end of time, you should not have to give birth to a baby that you didn't consent to making. Assaults are not a blessing or a gift. They are not a privilege. Anyone who says these things is a delusional nut

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#3

“Not A Single Person In The Room Felt Bad For Her”: 50 Tone-Deaf Reactions To Serious Struggles When I tried broaching the subject of depression with a friend in hopes that I could tell him about my struggles and he hit me with "depression isn't a thing, people just need to appreciate what they have" which was basically just a "stop being sad, just smile more" argument (i.e. stupid argument) so I just gave up.

People who have never struggled with mental health often can't phantom that it could be a problem.

AlecsThorne , Andrea Piacquadio/Pexels Report

We all have highs and lows in life, and having someone to share the joy with or lean on during difficult times makes it so much better. Studies have shown that the support and companionship of friends and family enrich our lives and boost our mental health.

That is why, after spending time with our loved ones, we tend to feel better. Just a single cup of coffee or tea shared with your best friend can turn a bad day into a good one. A talk with your sister or brother might instantly brighten up your mood and bring about comfort and joy.

ADVERTISEMENT
#4

“Not A Single Person In The Room Felt Bad For Her”: 50 Tone-Deaf Reactions To Serious Struggles “I’m sorry that your wife passed away, I just recently got divorced and I know what it’s like to lose someone”.

No. No you don’t. Not even remotely.

Monthra77 , KoolShooters/Pexels Report

Add photo comments
POST
cali-tabby-katz avatar
LakotaWolf (she/her)
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

One of my managers after my dad died: "Oh, I'm sorry for your loss. I had to have my 3-year-old rat put down last month, I know how you feel." Dude, no, you don't. I've lost pets (one of my cats was almost 20 when she died) and yes, it's traumatic, and yes, you grieve like mad. But it's NOT the same as watching one's parent slowly decline over the course of 20 years due to catastrophic brain damage/strokes and then finally die of staph/double pneumonia while horrifically gasping for air as you hold their hand. My manager was well aware of my dad's situation and condition and still likened it to his pet rat.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#5

“Not A Single Person In The Room Felt Bad For Her”: 50 Tone-Deaf Reactions To Serious Struggles When I told a male friend about how I got catcalled by grown men (at 15) right after it happened and how it affected me, and he went "Just enjoy it" and then proceeded to make fun of the situation.
These men where like 50, I was 15!!!

Nein____ , Luke Miller/Pexels Report

#6

“Not A Single Person In The Room Felt Bad For Her”: 50 Tone-Deaf Reactions To Serious Struggles I had a friend who was incredibly upset with me and started a fight because I “wasn’t there for her” when her friends with benefits called it quits with her. I wasn’t there because my 3 year old was hospitalized with pneumonia, my grandmother died, and I wad 3 weeks postpartum. It was the worst and hardest week of my life. Needless to say I took that as a sign to end the friendship.

shakelcus , Liza Summer/Pexels Report

ADVERTISEMENT

Like these posts, many of us often share our problems with those close to us. This could be for advice, emotional support, or to get a different perspective. However, sometimes we don’t know how to comfort someone who's feeling low.

Clinical psychologist Kathryn Gordon points out, “When we are not equipped to support loved ones through a hard time, our discomfort can compel us to point out a bright side or offer a simple solution, which may come across as dismissive.”

#7

“Not A Single Person In The Room Felt Bad For Her”: 50 Tone-Deaf Reactions To Serious Struggles I started a job about 2 months ago. My dad is 60 and was in the hospital dying and I didn't make it home because I felt like until he was on his deathbed I'd just go on weekends. My current boss told me the day of his funeral "We will be happy to let you make up the days you miss for his death". After returning to work she hasn't said a word to me and was upset I used my bereavement days.

Currently looking for new employment.

milkandcookies21 , Ksenia Chernaya/Pexels Report

#8

“Not A Single Person In The Room Felt Bad For Her”: 50 Tone-Deaf Reactions To Serious Struggles I was once discussing how expensive rent was with my employer (I'm a nanny, they write my paycheck, they know my financial status). I told them that if I hadn't moved in with my boyfriend and was still in my apartment, I don't think I could afford it because it's increased so much. They said, "It's called inflation, everything is more expensive, our cost to fly has nearly doubled."

They fly private. For leisure and business.

ThirtyLastCalls , Ketut Subiyanto/Pexels Report

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
#9

“Not A Single Person In The Room Felt Bad For Her”: 50 Tone-Deaf Reactions To Serious Struggles I'm disabled and have been struggling financially while waiting to get approved on disability. Had a friend tell me how "smart and articulate" I am and she "hates to see me waste it on disability".

Kangaroowrangler_02 , Marcus Aurelius/Pexels Report

Imagine your friend is complaining about something that’s bothering them at work, and you interrupt them and say, “At least they pay you well.” As much as that might be seen as motivation, sometimes people just want to vent their frustrations out verbally. When you tell them not to continue talking, they will end up feeling like they’re being ignored.

#10

When my child was born, he had a liver decease that needed a surgery with only 30% chance of success. Even if the surgery worked my son was hospitalized for almost 150 days throughout the years 2020 and 2021. If the surgery had failed he might have died or required liver transplant.

Through all this ordeal I missed about 12 days of work. I kept getting meetings from my boss telling me that my performance was subpar and that I should leave family problems at home. And that another employee from the company was still performing despite having cancer.

I remember during this ordeal hearing my boss talking with a female employee and her telling him her day was ruined because the starbucks employee didnt get her order right and my boss being so empathetic with her. I was boiling with rage.

flambauche Report

Add photo comments
POST
colleen1969 avatar
Colleen Glim
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Tell me you’re in the US without telling me you’re in the US. Hustle culture needs to die already

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#11

“Not A Single Person In The Room Felt Bad For Her”: 50 Tone-Deaf Reactions To Serious Struggles I was talking to my ex about my aunt who has cancer and she said among several other completely out of touch and insensitive things "you know, you can mentally will yourself out of illnesses like cancer, maybe you should tell her that".

anon , Anna Shvets/Pexels Report

Add photo comments
POST
dianeef avatar
Socks Thecate
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Which puts the blame on the sick person for being sick. Apparently they can control their cells.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#12

Back when I was in my senior year of high school I had a series of very serious traumatic events unfold within a few months, and I was a huge mess, I needed support, so I went to my then best friend of 8 years, I told him about the assaults ( SA) about the rumors people were spreading about me, and how I was having very concerning bad thoughts, his response was that he didn’t want to have to stress over me and my emotions, that he wanted to party and get the college experience he was promised and allllll that. No sympathy, just thinking of himself, he came from an incredibly rich family too, basically had no issues other than being gay, and I when above and beyond to defend him, support him, yet he couldn’t offer me a night to just spend with me to make sure I’d be alive the next day. It was awful, I truly don’t think you know how a person really feels about you till something seriously messed up happens to you.

unicornbirth Report

Add photo comments
POST
magentablu avatar
Magenta Blu
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Exactly this is what everyone usually does. People often say to me i take things too personally and I'm oversensitive and should think only about myself. Support only exists when you have enough money to pay for a personal therapist, otherwhise no one would even notice

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT

It’s crucial to discern exactly what a person requires, especially in times when he/she is undergoing difficulties. “While putting ourselves in other people’s shoes and treating people how we want to be treated are generally useful principles, they are not always the most effective ways to cultivate compassion. It is hard to imagine being in a situation that you have not actually been in, and people differ in what they find comforting,” Gordon adds.

#13

I was lamenting about my financial troubles to my former employers father, and how I wasn’t sure how I was going to pay my rent.

This a*****e said “I feel you on your financial troubles, son. My home renovation is going over budget, and our elevator is going to cost $15,000 more than we were expecting.”

This f*****g guy told me he was spending what would have been a YEARS worth of rent for me on a friggn elevator.

Rich people have too much.

GozerDaGozerian Report

#14

“Not A Single Person In The Room Felt Bad For Her”: 50 Tone-Deaf Reactions To Serious Struggles As someone with lifelong chronic illness, I missed just 2 days from work and my boss had a talk with me and said “I get sick and I still come to work. In the real world you have to push through it”.

I was slowly dying from complications (of a now treated disease!) and she knew that. The audacity.

amalaman , Karolina Kaboompics/Pexels Report

Add photo comments
POST
jill_rhodry avatar
Jill Rhodry
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Nah, in the actual real world (aka not the US) you have sick leave and pto, and if you've used all that up you can take annual leave, maybe even at half-pay if you want - and then guess what your manager does - manages the work load and staff *shock* I KNOW!

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#15

My ex came from money (grew up in Brentwood). She had maids/butlers growing up.

Our relationship was great until we moved in together. She didn't know how to clean or take care of her menagerie of pets because she always had someone do it for her. I constantly sat her down and explained that it wasn't magically getting done, I was doing it and I needed help.


She cocked her head sideways and said "It shouldn't take you long to do it. *Enter Maid's name* could do all that in an hour."


I realized I was more of "The Help" then a romantic partner and got out.

TheProphecyIsNigh Report

Add photo comments
POST
lianbeijers avatar
LB
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"That's great, that means *you* can do it in only an hour!"

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

When someone comes to you with a problem, the first thing you should do is listen to them. Let them vent and speak about the things that are bothering them. “I think we all intuitively know that, when we’re deeply listened to by the kind and loving attention of another human being, healing is possible,” believes Lisa B. Nelson, Director of Medical Education at Kripalu. “Through empathic listening, we can actually affect the physiology and psychology of another person.”

ADVERTISEMENT
#16

“Not A Single Person In The Room Felt Bad For Her”: 50 Tone-Deaf Reactions To Serious Struggles This wasn't said in direct response to it, but my former friend said the following knowing full well that I was suffering from depression: "depressed people should just get over it. I had depression and that's what I did."

He was either lying about having depression in the first place or lying about "getting over it", both are equally plausible.

yeetgodmcnechass , Keenan Constance/Pexels Report

Add photo comments
POST
cali-tabby-katz avatar
LakotaWolf (she/her)
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My mom straight-up didn't believe mental illness existed when I was a teen struggling with depression and suicidal ideation. She said depressed people can "just feel better if they WANT to" and suicidal people "just want attention". My dad had to sneak me to see a therapist and help me get (and hide) a prescription for antidepressants (both of which did help, thankfully.) Hilariously enough, now that my mom is 79 and can't handle the fact that she's actually ageing and has no friends (that one is due to her being an a-hole), she's "depressed". She tells me now that she is depressed and suicidal. I can't even describe to you how tempted I am to repeat her words from my childhood back to her, but I won't lower myself to her level.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#17

“Not A Single Person In The Room Felt Bad For Her”: 50 Tone-Deaf Reactions To Serious Struggles I have rheumatoid arthritis. Luckily it’s pretty under control. While there are far worse diseases it’s by no means a walk in the park.

When I told my colleague about my health struggles she didn’t hesitate to respond “I totally understand, it’s like when I used to have back acne.”

Yup. Totally the same.

emw515 , Julia Malushko/Pexels Report

Add photo comments
POST
moosygirl avatar
Moosy Girl
Community Member
1 month ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This one is hard, having health issues is never a contest. While some illnesses can definitely objectively be considered worse than others, how people experience them can be very hard to quantify. Edit: An example: my mom has had cancer. She got incredibly lucky with treatment/recovery, and now occasionally (in the safety of her home) jokes she’d take cancer over a common cold any time.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#18

“Not A Single Person In The Room Felt Bad For Her”: 50 Tone-Deaf Reactions To Serious Struggles When I was in college and depressed, I spoke about it to some people at a hangout. My ex's friend told me "Just travel, it makes me feel better every time. This year I went to Spain and Egypt". Yeah, let's just ignore the fact I had no money for therapy, and I should have used that non-existent money to travel, and twice in one year.

BaltazarOdGilzvita , Tomé Louro/Pexels Report

Add photo comments
POST
conocuinn avatar
Con O Cuinn
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is my problem with the "go to therapy" crowd. Like that s**t is free

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT

We all yearn to be understood. When we speak with our family or friends and they listen to us patiently, we believe that they are taking us seriously. We feel validated and acknowledged. This not only helps us feel better about ourselves but also fosters a sense of connection with the listener.

#19

“Not A Single Person In The Room Felt Bad For Her”: 50 Tone-Deaf Reactions To Serious Struggles I lost my career, my wife, and my home, and all of my possessions at the beginning of covid and was functionally homeless and staying with a friend while I got back on my feet (I had been working in Beijing, but was out of the country when the pandemic hit, so China closed the border and I got screwed).

I was telling a friend about my situation, and when I finished talking, he flippantly said, "yeah, it's hurt all of us man. I made $10,000 less in commission than a normal year."

He was a realtor making 6 figures.

PsychonautAlpha , Pavel Danilyuk/Pexels Report

#20

“Not A Single Person In The Room Felt Bad For Her”: 50 Tone-Deaf Reactions To Serious Struggles I told a friend from college that I was living with my parents until I got a job and could afford to rent an apartment in the city, and she said 'but why don't they just buy you a apartment in the city?', and I explained they couldn't afford it, and she said 'But don't they realise it is an investment?'

She is actually very nice, she was just absolutely oblivious at the time that most people don't see buying a home for your kids as a normal thing.

BobBobBobBobBobDave , Maria Orlova/Pexels Report

ADVERTISEMENT
#21

“Not A Single Person In The Room Felt Bad For Her”: 50 Tone-Deaf Reactions To Serious Struggles I was homeless living out of my car. Would come to work before everyone else to get cleaned up before my shift. My manager (whom I confided in about being homeless) said “would it k*ll you to wear make up? You don’t have to look like what you’re going through.”.

ProfessionalMoney634 , Yan Krukau/Pexels Report

Nevertheless, when someone has not gone through what you are experiencing, it might be hard for them to fully understand the intensity of emotions and complexities tied to your situation.

For instance, if you’re dealing with financial difficulties and you confide in someone who never had such issues in life, they might say things like, “It can’t be that bad." This disconnection highlights how much shared experiences can be instrumental in giving meaningful support.

#22

“Not A Single Person In The Room Felt Bad For Her”: 50 Tone-Deaf Reactions To Serious Struggles When my mom committed s*icide over the summer in high school, I came back and a girl said she understood because she had totaled her car that summer.

Hambulance , Artyom Kulakov/Pexels Report

ADVERTISEMENT
#23

I got SA by a woman.

One of friends I tried to talk to asked if I got her number after since she wanted me so bad.

Omnizoom Report

Add photo comments
POST
c_o_shea avatar
C.O. Shea
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Geessuusss! I'm sorry that happened to you... on both accounts.

View more commentsArrow down menu
#24

I know it’s less “severe” than other problems that I’ve read on here, but I really hate when people invalidate mental struggles. I suffer from depression, and many times, the people I told it to replied with “you’re too young to be depressed” or “depression doesn’t exist, it’s all in your head”. These people never faced a struggle like mine. Truly infuriating.

_GMerlin_ Report

Add photo comments
POST
girl_bug3_14 avatar
Pyxelle
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It is NOT less severe. Mental health struggles are REAL and can be debilitating.Stay strong and remember there is help and you are worth it!

View more commentsArrow down menu

Additionally, they might not be able to give you practical or helpful advice due to their limited understanding. Assume you are grappling with a knotty work problem, and you ask a friend who has never been in the same sort of situation professionally. They may tell you to “speak up” without appreciating the nuanced dynamics of office politics or the possible consequences of your actions.

ADVERTISEMENT
#25

Recently, my mom was asking me to forgive my sister and rebuild my relationship with her because it was important for her rehab. I have been asked this numerous times in my life, so I decided to detail out to my mom all of the times she tormented me and abused me. Locking me in closets for hours on end, choking me, she held a knife against my throat, verbally abused me, and would trash my entire room and destroy my stuff. It was never serious enough or bad enough to leave a mark, so nothing happened about it for years. The worst part was that my sister would just laugh through all of it. It wasn't an angry reaction, I was just a toy to mess with. After I detailed out all the stuff she did my mom just said, "How do you think I felt knowing this was going on?"

My mom has claimed she has all this trauma and been through some seriously terrible situations, but this was where I feel she confirmed that she was lying to be the victim. There is no way you can claim you went through abuse yourself and say this.

killerbunches Report

Add photo comments
POST
cali-tabby-katz avatar
LakotaWolf (she/her)
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This sounds like my life, except family members reversed. My sister is my parents' bio child; I am adopted. Sister is mom's golden child and was never even spanked. I was beaten, thrown across the room, cut with knives, verbally and mentally abused, etc.(My dad was an awesome, wonderful parent, but my mom abused him too, yes, even physically.) My sister now tells me that our mom is "lonely" and "has no friends" (gee, I wonder why?) and sister says that I should "spend time with her". My sister says I will "regret it" when my mom dies if I don't spend time with her. HAHAHAHA. No, no I will not. I can guarantee that OP's mom will NEVER understand and will NEVER change her tune about OP's sister; my sister never has in regards to my mom and she WITNESSED my mom abusing me (and our dad.) As an aside to OP's last paragraph - my mom is big on telling everyone how SHE was abused and beaten as a kid and how horrible it was. It obviously didn't stop her from beating and abusing her OWN child.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#26

“Not A Single Person In The Room Felt Bad For Her”: 50 Tone-Deaf Reactions To Serious Struggles I live in a nice area, but my wife and I are average income folks without family money. At the bus stop with my kids, another parent asked if they could borrow our housekeeper (we don’t have one) because hers was sick with COVID and the dishes/laundry were starting to stack up. She was in full crisis mode.

Left_Apparently , Tima Miroshnichenko/Pexels Report

#27

Had a wealthy friend (30f) complaining to me about how abusive her "narcissist" mother is... Mom pays her $3600 rent, bails her out of every tough situation, lets the friend use any of her 5+ homes in gorgeous places, free vacations, backup credit card, etc.

What did Mom do that was abusive? Gave her reasonable advice on her dating life and asked her to stop using the credit card to buy worthless garbage on Amazon... In other words, normal mom stuff.

This friend says she knows what it was like to grow up in an abusive home with a single narcissistic parent just like me... Except my parent did not keep food in the house, beat our a*ses, isolated us from friends and family, stole and sold possessions, etc.

Myinsecuritruck Report

ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda

You might also feel frustrated or misunderstood when their replies come across as tone-deaf or dismissive. When you share your concerns and receive responses that are disconnected or overly simplistic, you start thinking that the person is taking you for granted.

It’s not helpful to get such dismissive replies, and these posts show how some people have never encountered real problems in life. When responses are superficial and lack empathy, it highlights the differences between your experience and theirs. Ultimately, we should find support from those who genuinely understand and relate to your challenges. Have you ever heard a clueless response? Tell us about it in the comments below.

#28

“Not A Single Person In The Room Felt Bad For Her”: 50 Tone-Deaf Reactions To Serious Struggles A family friend who was raised ultra privileged and has had a cushy SAHM life for many years, is going through a divorce. As part of the agreement to living in the home, she was told to get a job. She said to us "when will I have time to go grocery shopping?!?!"

My wife and I, who both run businesses, and work full time to support our kid, asked her what she thought *we* did.

dog_eat_dog , Timur Weber/Pexels Report

Add photo comments
POST
auntiestela avatar
ShyWahine
Community Member
1 month ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

After she finds time for grocery shopping, there's also meal preparation,, household chores, laundry, yard maintenance, assisting kids with homework, driving kids to sports practice, and sleep....

View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#29

“I know you were close, but aren’t you glad you don’t have to deal with all that drama anymore?”. My sister died this July, that was the response of someone who is now an ex friend.

*editing to add that this friend had never even met my sister, has zero empathy for mental health or addiction, and truly believes we are better off without my sister*.

ThoughtGeneral Report

#30

As a parent to 2 young kids, I've had people tell me "Oh you're not getting sleep? Just nap when the kids nap". Ironically, the only people who've ever said this have never had kids.

Idontdanceforfun Report

Add photo comments
POST
colleen1969 avatar
Colleen Glim
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My oldest daughter didn’t nap from 18 months on. Thanks for the advice. Why didn’t I think of that?

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#31

I went out to lunch with a coworker and she mentioned her boyfriend wasn’t currently working and I said it must be tough to not have him contributing financially to the relationship (I assumed he wasn’t if he didn’t have an income) and she goes “well no he does, he’s a trust fund baby so even tho he’s not working he has a lot of money but we’re all kinda trust fund babies aren’t we?” Meanwhile she is the first person I met who actually has a trust fund and every penny I’ve earned I had to work for myself since I was 16 yrs old.

idkdaz3 Report

Add photo comments
POST
annaekberg avatar
Anna Ekberg
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So many rich people are completely clueless about the average persons economic troubles and yet they rule the world. 🙄

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#32

“Not A Single Person In The Room Felt Bad For Her”: 50 Tone-Deaf Reactions To Serious Struggles My boss at one job couldn’t comprehend why I wouldn’t buy a car with a payment and I had to explain that I couldn’t afford it.

She couldn’t understand that when you’re poor s**t’s disposable. This was back in the day you could drop 2k on a car and drive it for a year or two and go onto another.

She kept saying I was bad at budgeting and maths and was my own worse enemy, but I was making ~$12hr assembling medical devices and my health insurance alone was $500 a month. I was pawning s**t for gas money just to get to work.

Cananbaum , Pixabay/Pexels Report

Add photo comments
POST
dianeef avatar
Socks Thecate
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes, when the a*****e who underpays you pretends you are the one who can't "make it work" the a*****e needs to either stump up for a raise or be gone.

View more commentsArrow down menu
#33

Was once telling someone how my genuinely obsessed ex bf was stalking me and would show up at bars he had been banned from looking for me and starting fights. One night he walked in, I had my back to the door so I didn't see him, and he slapped the guy I was sitting beside, called me a c**t, and ran out. He has had multiple felony convictions for assaulting strangers and a mountain of charges he slithered he way out of. He was abusive to me when we were together, and full blown stalker when I left. Dude climbed a two story building and punched me in the face while i was on the phone with 911 and had an active no contact order in place.

Anyways, I was telling someone how he was still showing up at the places he knew I spent time about a year after I left him. Their response was, "It's been long enough, you need to set some boundaries and he should respect that."

EXCUSE ME?! Did you miss the part about him being irrational and unstable? You think if I just tell him to leave me alone he'll go away????

ThirtyLastCalls Report

Add photo comments
POST
moosygirl avatar
Moosy Girl
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Having a stalker is another one of those things that is near impossible to fully grasp until it happens to you, no matter how much you’ve read about it in the news, how many podcasts you’ve listened to or movies you’ve seen.

View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#34

When my dad attacked my mom with a knife, I took a week off of work to make sure she was okay and safe and that he wasn't coming back to the house to threaten her. When I got back to work my hours were slashed in half and when I asked for them back my boss gave me a 15 minute lecture about how many problems I caused, saying "We all have bad days sometimes, but we still have to come in to work.".

phillillillip Report

Add photo comments
POST
luke-branwen avatar
Luke Branwen
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We as a society made a big mistake when we didn't beat to death the 1st person who said something like this.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#35

My friend's mother started working as a secretary at Comcast in the 80's by walking in and asking if any positions were available. She eventually became "good friends" with one of the founders sons and got access to a bunch of stock benefits and bonuses effectively making her a multi millionaire.

When I was finishing college I was applying for jobs and not getting any calls back and got told by her "Young people don't apply themselves enough! You need to show up early and ask for the job!"

I wanted to say not everyone had a chance to sleep with a rich CEO's son, but held back.

DMMEPANCAKES Report

Add photo comments
POST
wingsong91 avatar
Dread Pirate Roberts
Community Member
1 month ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

OP REALLY should've told her that. I bet the look on her face would've been priceless.

View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#36

“Not A Single Person In The Room Felt Bad For Her”: 50 Tone-Deaf Reactions To Serious Struggles I’ve had a lot of odd jobs over the years, especially in my late teens/early 20’s. Most just different kinds of minimum wage stuff. One year when I was on summer break from college I was back home working 3 different jobs. I went on a few dates with a guy who had a trust fund and his parents black AmEx card. One day we’re at lunch together and I was telling him about the absolute random grab bag that was my employment history. Once I finished he looked at me confused and said “do you just really like working?”

There was not another date after that.

tanksandthefunkybun , cottonbro studio/Pexels Report

Add photo comments
POST
colleen1969 avatar
Colleen Glim
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

No. No I don’t. Sadly, I have an unfortunate eating habit and the grocery store doesn’t take pocket lint and rocks

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#37

Everyone I’ve ever met who expressed surprise that I have student loans. “Oh wow, really? I just assumed everyone’s parents paid for their college.” Ok, you.. are aware many people struggle financially right? “Well I just thought their dad got a second job or something”

MULTIPLE people.

Son_Of_Toucan_Sam Report

Add photo comments
POST
j-vagabond avatar
General Anaesthesia
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Is it possible to get to college without ever having heard of student loans? That oblivious to life?

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#38

“Not A Single Person In The Room Felt Bad For Her”: 50 Tone-Deaf Reactions To Serious Struggles A close friend lost her 21-year-old son, and her “friend” said, “I know how you feel. We had to have our cat put down.”

tnrivergirl , Pavel Danilyuk/Pexels Report

Add photo comments
POST
c_o_shea avatar
C.O. Shea
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Repeat after me... "I'm sorry for your loss." And shut up about the dámned cat. 🙄

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#39

“Not A Single Person In The Room Felt Bad For Her”: 50 Tone-Deaf Reactions To Serious Struggles I have the kindest friend in the world, but she is very privileged. When one of our friends said she wouldn't be attending our college the next year due to lack of finances (her parents did not have the money but were too "wealthy" on paper for FAFSA), she told her to just ask her parents really nicely. When we tried to explain that no, her parents did not have the money, she doubled down with "but what if you tell them how much it means to you?".

Kartarsh , Pixabay/Pexels Report

Add photo comments
POST
#40

A girl I know posted herself crying for minutes on her Snapchat story after she *only* got mid level tickets to the Taylor swift concert. “THIS IS THE WORST DAY EVER”.

Jalvey_420 Report

ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#41

One of my absolute best friends once said to me in all seriousness that he was behind his peers because "the average person owns at least two homes and I don't even have one yet".

He was making a six figure salary and still living at home at this point. Meanwhile I was homeless at 16, we sat him down and had a talk.

Colourised Report

Add photo comments
POST
notlikeyou1971 avatar
notlikeyou1971
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I suppose some of us are way way below average because we know that we will never own a home

View more commentsArrow down menu
#42

As the lone parent on my team at work, a colleague asked my opinion about a pay disparity news article. I mentioned something about how pay inequality played a part in many mothers choosing to leave their careers to be a full time parent. My colleague excitedly told me that wasn’t true because her brother-in-law chose to stay at home so that his much lower-paid wife could stay in her profession. She didn’t see the the importance of mentioning that she had very wealthy parents who helped pay her sister’s mortgage.

bad_sandwich Report

Add photo comments
POST
julesandpaul avatar
smugdruggler
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yeah, and "helped pay " her mortgage probably means "PAID her mortgage ".

ADVERTISEMENT
#43

My close friend said "he felt the same" when his tinder date (they were not really dating, just chatting) chose another guy, this was after I told him my wife of almost 9 years cheated on me.

No, no you do not feel the same.

themorganator4 Report

Add photo comments
POST
michaellargey avatar
Michael Largey
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And if the friend actually felt the same, he has problems far worse than indicated here.

View more commentsArrow down menu
#44

“Not A Single Person In The Room Felt Bad For Her”: 50 Tone-Deaf Reactions To Serious Struggles “You can’t pay for it? Just ask your parents!” Hahaha oh honey. I wish.

lostintheabiss , Lukas/Pexels Report

Add photo comments
POST
auntiestela avatar
ShyWahine
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And she's a full-grown adult who still financially relies on her parents....

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#45

"Being poor is f*****g expensive *uses the terry pratchett boot story as an illustration*"

"Well why don't they just save to buy the more expensive option that will save money in the long run".

TehAsianator Report

Add photo comments
POST
notlikeyou1971 avatar
notlikeyou1971
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You have to have money in order to be able to have that opportunity. To some of us. Even being able to have money at the end of the month would be a miracle

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#46

My son was born after 8 years of infertility, but I had him at a slightly more inconvenient time of year.

I was talking about this and some woman said “you should have planned better”.

GlassCharacter179 Report

ADVERTISEMENT
#47

“Not A Single Person In The Room Felt Bad For Her”: 50 Tone-Deaf Reactions To Serious Struggles My ex called me crying on Christmas because she asked for an Apple TV, and her parents didn’t get her the newest version….

grungedad , Torsten Dettlaff/Pexels Report

#48

“Not A Single Person In The Room Felt Bad For Her”: 50 Tone-Deaf Reactions To Serious Struggles “You don’t have money? Just go to an ATM!”

atreides78723 , Towfiqu barbhuiya/Pexels Report

Add photo comments
POST
kaye_2 avatar
BrownEyedGrrl
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This sounds like something a child would say. Years ago, I told my daughter I couldn't afford something. She told me to just write a check.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#49

“Not A Single Person In The Room Felt Bad For Her”: 50 Tone-Deaf Reactions To Serious Struggles Lost my brother to an accident nearly 20 years ago. When telling what I considered at the time, a close friend, his response was, " Yeah, I'm going through a tough time right now too. One of my mates just broke up with his girlfriend."
I was too numb at the time to have any sort of reaction, but it turned out to be a remarkable insight into his concept of "problems."
I hope life has adjusted his perspective since then, I wouldn't know, though.

Tempus_Maximus , Andrew Neel/Pexels Report

Add photo comments
POST
cali-tabby-katz avatar
LakotaWolf (she/her)
Community Member
1 month ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When my dad's accident happened, I was 18. He woke up from his initial coma, but he had sustained catastrophic brain damage in the accident and was clearly going to permanently need 24/7 care. After 6 months he was "ready" to be discharged from the hospital. I had a friend who was a year younger than me, and when I was telling my friend group that my mother and my sister and I had decided that we would care for my dad at home instead of putting him in a facility, she said "Oh, I would NEVER do that for MY parents. Fück THAT. I have my whole LIFE ahead of me! You're about to waste your entire youth for NOTHING." Her family was rich af and her parents weren't abusive or anything that she'd have a reason to not want to care for them. She simply couldn't comprehend that in some families/cultures (like mine), you take care of your family members when they become injured/disabled/elderly, you don't just shove them into a facility and out of sight. And, you know, I actually LOVED my dad. I'd have done anything for him. There was that, too.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#50

“Not A Single Person In The Room Felt Bad For Her”: 50 Tone-Deaf Reactions To Serious Struggles My friend's aunt is rich and I had to sit and hear her complain to her family about how inflation is so bad she had to buy a BMW X3 instead of an X5 like she originally planned.


Not a single person in the room felt bad for her.

EDIT: Im seeing a lot of comments saying that if she’s downgrading, she’s not rich. I know a handful of rich folks and they STAY rich by setting a budget and sticking to it. I’m 100% sure that if she really wanted to, she could’ve spent the extra scratch. But it was clear at the time that other unavoidable expenses had cut into her car budget.

MindofKB , J3 Media Group/Pexels Report

Note: this post originally had 77 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.