ADVERTISEMENT

The comfort zone is that cozy place where we feel the most safe and at ease. It comes in all shapes and sizes, and what brings peace to one person doesn’t always have the same effect on another. Finding the willingness to leave can be just as hard, but it has to be done in order to grow and improve as a person.

Today, we’re kickstarting the journey out of the comfort zone by sharing the most uneasy and strange-looking photos people have posted on the subreddit r/Weird. From creepy ransom notes to real human skull necklaces, these eerie experiences are guaranteed to make you uncomfortable.

While you’re at it, don’t forget to check out a conversation with licensed clinical psychologist Aimee Daramus, Psy.D., and psychologist and author Ashley J. Smith, PhD, who kindly agreed to tell us more about the comfort zone.

#1

If You’re Cat Falls In To Flour (Face First), Do You Think It Is A Good Idea To Call The Local Pastor?

If You’re Cat Falls In To Flour (Face First), Do You Think It Is A Good Idea To Call The Local Pastor?

Stephen_Is_handsome Report

Add photo comments
POST
Community Member
5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

if I came across my own black cat in this state i wud be terrified....

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

The Weird Way The Light Hits My Face. I Have A Moon Face

The Weird Way The Light Hits My Face. I Have A Moon Face

sid_not_vicious Report

#3

Seen In Oak Harbor Ohio

Seen In Oak Harbor Ohio

Nickyluvs2cum Report

The British Heart Foundation has revealed that over half of its nation doesn’t venture outside of their comfort zones, with 45% saying they might regret it in the future. Every second British person admits sticking to the same routine every day, and almost a third can’t remember the last time they tried something challenging or new. 

To learn more about our habits and leaving our comfort zones, we reached out to licensed clinical psychologist Aimee Daramus, Psy.D., and psychologist and author Ashley J. Smith, PhD.

#4

Man With Radiation Poisoning, Chelyabinsk Region, Russia

Man With Radiation Poisoning, Chelyabinsk Region, Russia

TheOddityCollector Report

ADVERTISEMENT
#6

When I Come Home After Spending The Night Away, The First Thing I Saw Was My Loft Hatch Half Open

When I Come Home After Spending The Night Away, The First Thing I Saw Was My Loft Hatch Half Open

b0ggydepot Report

According to both psychologists, avoiding leaving our safe space can have negative effects on our mental health. “Staying inside your comfort zone reinforces anxiety,” said Smith. “By that, I mean that the more you stay inside your comfort zone, the more you will want to. Stepping or stretching outside your comfort zone will make you feel anxious and uncomfortable.”

#7

Well, Women's Bodies Are Made For Strains During Pregnancy That Might Surprise Those "Experts"

Well, Women's Bodies Are Made For Strains During Pregnancy That Might Surprise Those "Experts"

SiteTall Report

#8

This New LEGO Duplo Ad Has A Kid That Looks And Is Dressed Exactly Like Me In The Early 90s Playing With My Duplo Blocks…

This New LEGO Duplo Ad Has A Kid That Looks And Is Dressed Exactly Like Me In The Early 90s Playing With My Duplo Blocks…

schants Report

ADVERTISEMENT

Smith also mentions, “Over time, you'll likely find that your comfort zone shrinks and that more things will make you feel uncomfortable. Conversely, stepping outside of your comfort zone helps expand it—you'll get more comfortable with more things, anxiety will go down, and your confidence tends to increase.”

ADVERTISEMENT
#10

Found In A House I Was Cleaning Out

Found In A House I Was Cleaning Out

StamplerStache Report

Add photo comments
POST
Heidi Noll
Community Member
5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As long as it's stored with up pointing up you should be good. Maybe....hopefully.....

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

Letter In The Mail My Mom Received Today

Letter In The Mail My Mom Received Today

The-Real-Iggy Report

Add photo comments
POST
Heidi Noll
Community Member
5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Tammy: "I'm a side sleeper, so mostly on my right side, but sometimes I switch."

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

When The Guy You Paid To Renovate Does A Bunch Of Shrooms Before Starting

When The Guy You Paid To Renovate Does A Bunch Of Shrooms Before Starting

Barsidious_White Report

Meanwhile, Daramus further explains that many stay in it because leaving often brings up fear, anger, disgust, and other uneasy emotions. In order to make breaking out of their comfort zone easier, she encourages people to keep in mind that “feelings are usually opinions, not facts.” So if doing something makes a person nervous, it’s worth asking if there’s actually any danger in a situation before reacting.

#14

Window Suction Cups Acted As Magnifying Glass And Melted My Pillows

Window Suction Cups Acted As Magnifying Glass And Melted My Pillows

Capn_Cooke Report

ADVERTISEMENT
#15

Damn, I Hope This Guy Is Alright

Damn, I Hope This Guy Is Alright

FraternityMan Report

If an individual has particular things they’re uncomfortable with, Smith says that looking at pictures from this list related to them can help expand their comfort zone. “It's a technique psychologists call exposure, which is essentially facing your fear until you learn that you can handle it. Over time, the fear itself tends to decrease as you get used to it.”

#16

I Only Get Goosebumps On One Side Of My Body Ever Since I Had Spine Surgery

I Only Get Goosebumps On One Side Of My Body Ever Since I Had Spine Surgery

crownedPom Report

#17

I Was Sent An Anonymous 'Gift' To My Home Address (I Just Moved And Didn't Tell Anyone) With My Last Name That I Only Use Privately (I Recently Got Married And Haven't Announced It Yet). The Contents Of This Book Are Opposite To My Views. Amazon Says The Sender Is Fully Anonymous. I'm Creeped Out

I Was Sent An Anonymous 'Gift' To My Home Address (I Just Moved And Didn't Tell Anyone) With My Last Name That I Only Use Privately (I Recently Got Married And Haven't Announced It Yet). The Contents Of This Book Are Opposite To My Views. Amazon Says The Sender Is Fully Anonymous. I'm Creeped Out

dontbeadickmrfisher Report

#18

I Woke Up With This On My Leg

I Woke Up With This On My Leg

batusao4 Report

Add photo comments
POST
Kali Chaos
Community Member
5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Please go to a doctor, if that's a bite from a handful of spider species, that could be necrotic and get really bad really quickly, also please keep an eye out for any red lines traveling up your leg, that's blood poisoning. It looks like you traced around it to see if it's spreading, if you didn't then you should but for real, please see a doctor.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

According to Daramus, for some, these pictures can be a little intense. Therefore, she recommends they try something less acute. “For example, if you're uncomfortable with dating, try something safer, like a group date with trusted friends, and then ease into more high-pressure situations. When you can, ease into a new situation,” she said.

ADVERTISEMENT
#19

High Schoolers In The 70s Looked 30

High Schoolers In The 70s Looked 30

Robloxianxs Report

Those who find the strength to leave their comfort zone often reap its benefits. “Getting comfortable with being uncomfortable builds confidence and courage, and is a key to living a bold life,” said Smith.

#22

Saw This On A Cottage Property I Surveyed

Saw This On A Cottage Property I Surveyed

SageAMunster Report

#23

This Guy Messaged Me And I Happened To Look At His Bio Gives Me Creeps

This Guy Messaged Me And I Happened To Look At His Bio Gives Me Creeps

randomgirlnamedkat Report

#24

These Characters Appeared On My Arm Under A Blacklight

These Characters Appeared On My Arm Under A Blacklight

justthekip_ Report

Meanwhile, Daramus believes that leaving it can open so many new opportunities. “There are so many interesting places to go, and interesting people to meet. New skills that you might want to try out. You can't usually be good at something until you go through the phase where you're bad at it, so don't worry if getting out of your comfort zone is difficult at first.”

ADVERTISEMENT
#26

How Did A Crawfish End Up On My Driveway? I Don’t Live Near Any Rivers

How Did A Crawfish End Up On My Driveway? I Don’t Live Near Any Rivers

sandyflopflip Report

See Also on Bored Panda
#27

A Mask We Found In The Basement Of A Family Member

A Mask We Found In The Basement Of A Family Member

TrinitySins Report

#28

Found A Single, Chewed-Up Woman’s Shoe In The Middle Of The Desert

Found A Single, Chewed-Up Woman’s Shoe In The Middle Of The Desert

Jadeyeux Report

Add photo comments
POST
Karl der Große
Community Member
5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Sometimes the wife and I play "fetch the shoe" with our chupacabra. He occasionally runs off to suck some goats before he drops the shoe. PM me for an address to send the shoe back.

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

Saw A Post About Goose Bumps After Surgery, Here's The Spot They Temporarily Paralyzed My Nerve For A Lower Leg Surgery. No Hair For Years

Saw A Post About Goose Bumps After Surgery, Here's The Spot They Temporarily Paralyzed My Nerve For A Lower Leg Surgery. No Hair For Years

Zenmetsu- Report

Add photo comments
POST
Chrissie Anit
Community Member
5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You might be up to something, I smell big money in the hair removal business!

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#32

Mark On Leg After Snorkeling In The Caribbean

Mark On Leg After Snorkeling In The Caribbean

ionyx Report

ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#33

Come, Sit. Maybe We Can Chit Chat…

Come, Sit. Maybe We Can Chit Chat…

ObjectiveAd6551 Report

#34

Two Items From My "Stuff" Drawer Chemically Bonded

Two Items From My "Stuff" Drawer Chemically Bonded

silver64js Report

#36

Are You From The Future?

Are You From The Future?

_Triangulum Report

Add photo comments
POST
Kylie Chapman
Community Member
5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm from the past. Sorry I burnt your sign, I was trying to send you a smoke signal. Also in the future when the power goes, you'll be reverting to smoke signals again. Learn them now. History will soon become more valuable than IT.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#38

Found On Facebook Marketplace

Found On Facebook Marketplace

KneemaToad Report

Add photo comments
POST
Daniel Atkins
Community Member
5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ok time to check and see if there are unsolved murders in the area of the seller.

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

What Is Happening To This Egg?

What Is Happening To This Egg?

nala_beans Report

Add photo comments
POST
Kira Okah
Community Member
5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Given that it's a boiled egg, water got into the shell while boiling and left an airbubble impression?

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#41

I’ve Been Finding These Tiny Shards Of Glass In My Bedroom For Two Weeks

I’ve Been Finding These Tiny Shards Of Glass In My Bedroom For Two Weeks

HorrorGamer26 Report

#42

My Mom Called Me, She’s Been Dead For 6 Months And Her Phone Number Is No Longer In Use On Her Old Phone

My Mom Called Me, She’s Been Dead For 6 Months And Her Phone Number Is No Longer In Use On Her Old Phone

Uninspired_Human_ Report

#43

Any Idea What This Symbolizes? Discovered On Deceased Sibling’s Camera Roll

Any Idea What This Symbolizes? Discovered On Deceased Sibling’s Camera Roll

SneakerHead_Sean Report

Add photo comments
POST
Josh Dorsett
Community Member
5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Just an attempt to be edgy. Or they're trying to summon cheese

Chrissie Anit
Community Member
5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Full Metal Alchemist (Not that I know that show, but it's in the original comments)

AlchemisT
Community Member
5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It is a soul binding circle in FMA. Of course, it is not that complicated and the middle shape is different. An anime based on reality and myths, it has a connection to magic. 4422cd87b9...b8aeff.jpg 4422cd87b9efb09ae7876258f28c1bcc-663f5c5b8aeff.jpg

Load More Replies...
Candid Panda
Community Member
5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hope no one goes through my camera roll and tries to figure out my pics. Many would seem bizarre and artsy.

Mimi M
Community Member
5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

From Full Metal Alchemist. And yes, (as I suspected), she took her own life. Or lets say (more accurately), she succumbed to a fatal mental illness.

Karl der Große
Community Member
5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It reminds me mostly of an erzgamma, but that would usually have a Maltese cross in the middle.

Kali Chaos
Community Member
5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I might be wrong and I'm not well versed at all, but it kinda looks like some voodoo sigils I've seen?

laura lee
Community Member
5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's nonsense it doesnt exactly match any known hexes or sigils, probably some kids thinking let's scare the normies, it'll look cool

Matt
Community Member
5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Prince fan from when he changed his name in the 90s to something that looks like the logo in the middle

Sam Lundstrom
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It is a crux ansata with what appears to be an attempt at faith threads?

Glitcher
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Bed, man with sword through his heart in a wiccan/satanic mockup pentagram thingy....someone mad at their ex.

Kim Lorton
Community Member
5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ask someone who deals with satanic cults or covens professionally… they might know!

Dd P
Community Member
5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's a sigil, used for meditation and manifesting. Sigils are very personal to the creator and only they know it's true meaning. It is private and sacred, and should not be paraded around on the internet for the public to view! Be respectful and delete it and if you want to pay homage, place it with the deceased or burn it to send it to the universe (which is exactly what I would do).

Dragon mama
Community Member
5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If I saw that in the wild would snap a pic too. Doesn't have to "belong" to them.

Ashlie Dearest
Community Member
5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well, it looks like a couple of satanic symbols, combined into one.

View more commentsArrow down menu
#45

Creepy Doll At An Estate Sale

Creepy Doll At An Estate Sale

jldolan Report

Add photo comments
POST
Tempest
Community Member
5 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Looks like it’s been the witness to a mũrder. Or it’s the perpetrator…

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

Going Into The Grocery Store And Either Someone Had A Breakthrough, Or A Breakdown

Going Into The Grocery Store And Either Someone Had A Breakthrough, Or A Breakdown

StillLearning12358 Report

Add photo comments
POST
Very Scary Dragon
Community Member
5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Unmedicated, possibly undiagnosed, mental illness. Welcome to America. This is not unusual. It just usually gets cleaned up and swept under the rug faster.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#47

I Found This Notecard On The Box To Buzz People In To My Apartment

I Found This Notecard On The Box To Buzz People In To My Apartment

slicehyperfunk Report

#48

This Happens Every Time I Come In Contact With Hot Water

This Happens Every Time I Come In Contact With Hot Water

LittleSausageLinks Report

Add photo comments
POST
Kira Okah
Community Member
5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Is this dryness or precipitate. Does it only come up with his own water or all water. Does it go away with moisturising. Way more questions here that need answering before any idea can be made from it. This is not a response that I have ever seen with Raynaud's.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#49

What Does The Hh Stand For? Spotted In Ohiopyle State Park, Pa

What Does The Hh Stand For? Spotted In Ohiopyle State Park, Pa

Pooltoy-Fox-2 Report

Add photo comments
POST
Karl der Große
Community Member
5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I usually think of "HH" meaning "heil Hitler," but that guy's nisse (gnome) hat implies that it might be for "hei hei," which is an informal Norwegian greeting.

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

What The Hell Is This? My Phone Never Did This Before? Should I Be Worried?

What The Hell Is This? My Phone Never Did This Before? Should I Be Worried?

LasagnaIsItalianCake Report

Add photo comments
POST
Just-A-Black-Cat-Lover
Community Member
5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Find it and take it off if you don't know about it, probably. Destroy it. Burn it. Throw it in front of a bus. Whatever you gotta do. Or maybe you have an AirTag that you forgot about.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

Note: this post originally had 71 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.