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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

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Community Member
7 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....

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    #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

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    #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

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    Stephanie Did It
    Community Member
    7 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My thought was, and that's only the effects we are able to see. I am sorry for him.

    Suutashi
    Community Member
    7 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    For those who are wondering, the reason his body is so severely swollen is because the radiation has trashed his lymph nodes and caused them to greatly enlarge. My heart breaks for this guy, I can only imagine the pain he and his family are going through.

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

    I don't think this belongs here, would rather we stuck with unintentionally "spine-chilling" this seems gratuitous and exploitative

    LakotaWolf (she/her)
    Community Member
    7 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I think it is vitally important to spread the knowledge and awareness of the horrors that humans can perpetrate on other humans, whether it be directly or by cover-up or by incompetency (as is what happened at Chernobyl.) Chelyabinsk Oblast has been the location of nuclear "research" since the 1940s, and it is important to remember that while not all Russians are axiomatically evil, their government/officials do not give a fart in a windstorm about their people.

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    Geordie Girl
    Community Member
    7 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I neither like nor dislike this photo. But I feel awfully sorry for the man!!

    Val
    Community Member
    7 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That doesn't kill a person? Does it only affect the head?

    Bexxxx
    Community Member
    7 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I’m sure it will kill him eventually. Looks like lymph nodes maybe?

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    MJisME
    Community Member
    7 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Hay I thought it was a fake mask. Poor guy 😵‍💫

    Sam T Godfrey
    Community Member
    7 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Poor guy, that must be Chernobyl territory. These folks never got any help and couldn't afford to get away from the effects. Chalk up another one for Kremlin Kompassion.

    EJN
    Community Member
    7 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This must be lymphodema and not what is commonly referred to as radiation poisoning! It could be the result of exposure but is not called radiation poisoning.

    Rahb in Oz
    Community Member
    7 months ago

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    That'sEndorable
    Community Member
    7 months ago

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    I'd've never thought to call it a leftist trope, but radiation poisoning killed 28 people in Chernobyl. IN 2005, the EU predicted that about 5,000 people would probably be dead from longer-term effects, such as cancer. Today, they estimate no more than 50, including those 28. Some studies even suggest that cancer rates may be suppressed around Chernobyl. On the other hand, hundreds of thousands of people had abortions, terminating their pregnancies due to completely fiction-based fears of mutations, etc.

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    #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

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    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.”

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    #10

    Found In A House I Was Cleaning Out

    Found In A House I Was Cleaning Out

    StamplerStache Report

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    Heidi Noll
    Community Member
    7 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.....

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    #11

    Letter In The Mail My Mom Received Today

    Letter In The Mail My Mom Received Today

    The-Real-Iggy Report

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    Heidi Noll
    Community Member
    7 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."

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    #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.

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    #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

    #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

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    Kali Chaos
    Community Member
    7 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.

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    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.

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    #19

    High Schoolers In The 70s Looked 30

    High Schoolers In The 70s Looked 30

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    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

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    #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.”

    #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

    #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

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    Karl der Große
    Community Member
    7 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.

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    #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

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    Chrissie Anit
    Community Member
    7 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!

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    #32

    Mark On Leg After Snorkeling In The Caribbean

    Mark On Leg After Snorkeling In The Caribbean

    ionyx Report

    #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

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    Kylie Chapman
    Community Member
    7 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.

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    #38

    Found On Facebook Marketplace

    Found On Facebook Marketplace

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    Daniel Atkins
    Community Member
    7 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.

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    #39

    What Is Happening To This Egg?

    What Is Happening To This Egg?

    nala_beans Report

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    Kira Okah
    Community Member
    7 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?

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    #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

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    #45

    Creepy Doll At An Estate Sale

    Creepy Doll At An Estate Sale

    jldolan Report

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    Tempest
    Community Member
    7 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…

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    #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

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    Very Scary Dragon
    Community Member
    7 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.

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    #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

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    Kira Okah
    Community Member
    7 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.

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    #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

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    Karl der Große
    Community Member
    7 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.

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    #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

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    Just-A-Black-Cat-Lover
    Community Member
    7 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.

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    #52

    Found This Thing

    Found This Thing

    AnimeYumi Report

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    Floeckchen
    Community Member
    7 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Looks like someone "modified" a Clawdeen doll head from Monster High

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    #53

    I Found This Stuck In My Apartment Door This Afternoon, No Note Or Anything With It

    I Found This Stuck In My Apartment Door This Afternoon, No Note Or Anything With It

    guru2764 Report

    #55

    Woke Up And Found Two Patches Of Dried Blood On My Arm With No Cuts Anywhere

    Woke Up And Found Two Patches Of Dried Blood On My Arm With No Cuts Anywhere

    Extension_Bit4323 Report

    #56

    This Bathtub I Found In The Middle Of The Woods. It Constantly Leaks Water

    This Bathtub I Found In The Middle Of The Woods. It Constantly Leaks Water

    ghostwilliz Report

    #57

    Weird “Free” Sock Appears In My Clean Laundry

    Weird “Free” Sock Appears In My Clean Laundry

    dogengu Report

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    tjh1855
    Community Member
    7 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I actually had a pair underwear of a brand I don't own appear my laundry a few weeks ago. It freaked me out for a couple days, thinking maybe I gotten blackout drunk and slept with someone I didn't remember. I never really get that drunk and I haven't been to a bar in a long time (so lttle chance of being roofied). Finally I talked to my female roommate and it turns out she picked them up at the food shelf she works at (they sometimes get stuff other than food that are odds and ends). They were new. Nice thought, but I wish she had left them in the package 😉

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    #58

    Found This In My Mail

    Found This In My Mail

    diede12345 Report

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    Floeckchen
    Community Member
    7 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "Androids can look almost identical to humans. It can allready be difficult to tell them apart on the spot." - "Professor Henrik Schärfe and his robot avatar whom he sent remote controlled into his lectures at university"

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    #59

    Tried Boiling Some Eggs

    Tried Boiling Some Eggs

    AnitaKK Report

    #60

    I’m Sure Nothing Nefarious Has Happened On This Mattress

    I’m Sure Nothing Nefarious Has Happened On This Mattress

    HappyEffort8000 Report

    #61

    White Handprints On My Car

    White Handprints On My Car

    Motor-Ad6898 Report

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    Mighty Toastress
    Community Member
    7 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Looks like sunscreen. It burns into your car paint. Good luck getting rid of it...

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    #65

    I Ordered A $10 Waste Bin On Amazon And This $47 Makeup Was In The Box. Never Ordered This Before

    I Ordered A $10 Waste Bin On Amazon And This $47 Makeup Was In The Box. Never Ordered This Before

    Babsthewonderful Report

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

    first check if the seal is intact, and it is not expired. then use it, its luck :)

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    #66

    Random Dark Blotches Appeared On My Hand

    Random Dark Blotches Appeared On My Hand

    warmsidewalk Report

    #67

    Found These Ramblings Written On The Bus. Anyone Know What They Are?

    Found These Ramblings Written On The Bus. Anyone Know What They Are?

    dnb_ocd Report

    #68

    Has Anyone Ever Done This Before?

    Has Anyone Ever Done This Before?

    KCousins4President Report

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    Don V
    Community Member
    7 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I *think* it's to make it incredibly obvious to the next person that the bathroom is out of paper, so they don't find themselves in a bad situation?

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    #69

    This Weird Bus Stop Graffiti That I Can't Decipher. Anyone Have Any Ideas?

    This Weird Bus Stop Graffiti That I Can't Decipher. Anyone Have Any Ideas?

    lemme_try_again Report

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    Kat
    Community Member
    7 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Hope the person who wrote that, gets the mental help they need.

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    #70

    Found This On The Street. Weird?

    Found This On The Street. Weird?

    justuranium Report

    #71

    Idk What Possessed Someone To Make This…

    Idk What Possessed Someone To Make This…

    Unknownnoname_ Report

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    Very Scary Dragon
    Community Member
    7 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Jesus, this entry is literally just trying to shame some enterprising person for celebrating 2 of their hobbies at once. Cross stitch and Cabbage Patch Kids dolls. Seriously, judge yourself before you judge others.

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