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Real life is more like the plot of a novel or the screenplay of a movie than you think. We’ve got awesome protagonists (that’s you, dear Pandas!), intrigue, mystery, and… unexpected twists. After all, what’s a good story without a proper twist? A story that makes the audience gasp, and brings a smile to their faces.

Well, our team here at Bored Panda has traveled over the hills and far away, across the far reaches of social media, to find some of the best real-life stories with twists you likely won’t see coming.

So make yourself a big mug of tea or coffee, grab some biscuits, get comfy, and scroll down to have a good time. Remember to upvote the stories you enjoyed the most, Pandas. And if you’ve got any real-life plot twists to share with us, the comment section is waiting for you with open arms. (Or it would if it had any.)

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While some people thrive when dealing with unforeseen circumstances and easily adapt to the unexpected, others have a harder time. Far from everyone has a good and easy time dealing with surprises. And some real-life plot twists can be quite shocking, in the worst possible sense. Not everything is as light-hearted and fluffy as on social media.

Plot twists, while great in books and movies, might not lead to the same enthusiasm and adoration when they happen to these people in real life. Unpredictability isn’t for everyone; however, life is unpredictable, so we have to learn to deal with it.

#4

Unexpected-Plot-Twists

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JuJu
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Until now, I had no idea that I absolutely have to have a stuffed aardvark.

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During an earlier in-depth interview, Bored Panda spoke about how to live with the fact that life can be unpredictable at times, whether for good or for ill, with psychologist and wellbeing consultant Lee Chambers. He went into detail about building emotional and mental resilience so we’re able to weather any surprises or plot twists that life throws at us.

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"As human beings, we have a desire for certainty and routine that keeps us feeling safe and able to plan what lies ahead in an organized manner. When unpredictable situations or accidents impact us, it can be traumatic, and we will likely feel a sense of disappointment, frustration, and loss," the psychologist told Bored Panda.

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"It is important, however, that we embrace the fact that the world can be unpredictable and uncertain, and become more tolerant of this being a reality,” the expert noted that unpredictability might not be what many of us like. But we still have to learn to accept that it exists as a phenomenon.

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“Understanding that things are sometimes out of our control helps us to accept that not everything goes to plan, and accept when things happen to us that are negative. This acceptance allows us to embrace the change and difference, and manage our expectations so we can become more resilient to the ups and downs that all our lives lead,” he said.

#17

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In the psychologist’s view, in the case of negative, even traumatic, unpredictable experiences, it isn’t always easy or straightforward to see if the individual will turn everything into greater resilience. In other words, some bad experiences don’t always lead to growth in some individuals. In other cases, however, it can have a galvanizing effect.

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"Post-traumatic growth isn't always simple to explain or utilize, but often the adversity we face can create a precedent for what we can overcome, help us to see what we need to be grateful for, and give us an understanding of the support we do have,” psychologist Lee explained to Bored Panda.

“A big part of opening the door to grow from our struggles is finding acceptance and taking ownership over what you can control and finding healthy ways to express the negative emotion that comes with challenges that test us," he said.

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#26

Unexpected-Plot-Twists

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Rijkærd
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

...avoided getting hit by a bicycle only to get hit by the garbage truck...

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Lee also revealed to Bored Panda what strategies helped him when he had to learn to walk again. "Using journaling and talking about how I felt played a significant part in my recovery when I had to learn to walk again, and gave me the space to grow to become mentally stronger as a result,” he opened up.

#30

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SykesDaMan
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And he made you think it was a coincidence! He has dozens of drawings made, sold to people that he followed for years to select those he liked, and then found a way to approach them in a non-suspect way. After a period of time they got used to his "style" after looking at the portrait everyday, so they felt a familiarity when seeing him that makes them think that they were vibing with him. The rest is compatibility! :p

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“It is also important to reflect on all the hurdles you've overcome, so you can see what skills and lessons you've learned to apply in the future, and adversity often helps us to see what really matters, and gets us closer to knowing our values and purpose."

#31

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Leslie
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And now, you’ve survived cancer, and we can all laugh about it...Hallelujah!

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#32

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Raena Celis
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ooh! I did that! All because I honestly was walking to the direction where I thought I parked my car, then realized I had to save face by acting like a friend was parked waiting for me then left, so I had to walk back to my car.

Jiminy
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Perhaps just stop being so obsessed with what strangers think of you?

Thomas Biorogue
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's hard for us introverts though. Even though NOBODY is watching us, we still feel it. So have to make up stuff like this so that we don't feel stupid. I know, it's weird. Like someone is going to see us turn around and then they'll go home like, "wow, saw this real idiot today."

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Na Schi
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Might be a good trick when you're a tourist in a shady area and just have figured out that you have failed Google maps directions. (For all the US Americans: it is quite common to walk in Europe city centers or even in the outskirts).

Ivy la Sangrienta
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yup. Done that many times! Or act like "I forgot something" to turn back. Why are we like this?! No one else actually cares or notices.

M.T. Noah
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

you do know the world is really not paying attention to what you're doing? they really aren't for the most part. i used to think like this, like i had an audience. we really do not have an audience. if they're not paying to see you, they're usually NOT SEEING YOU.

Alice Platzer
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I just facepalm at myself and turn around. Those who see may maketh what thou wilt.

Fieke Engelen
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's sad! Why? You made a mistake and rectified! I do that all the time, should I worry???

Carol Henderson
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've reached the age where I don't care - I'll just laugh and turn around. I like this age.

The lesbian knitting panda
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I once pretended I had kids to the lady behind me in a bath shop so I could buy children's bubble bath. I even invented personalities for them and named them: Georgiana and Sebastian

Devil's Advocate
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I realised I was walking the wrong way once...I just went the right way, who cares what other people think???

K R
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What is so awkward about this? Who cares? And I like for people to see me confused. It's like a line in the sand telling them enough, don't ask me for anything

June
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wow why spend that much energy? Just facepalm and turn around 🤷‍♀️

Paul Shepherd
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Or you could just turn round and not involve a phone? I mean seriously, who gives a f**k about which way you're walking?

Tim
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Instead of being so dramatic, just turn around. It's pretty obvious that you forgot something or made a wrong turn.

ZAPanda
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I saw this once in a tweet on this feed: https://twitter.com/SoVeryBritish

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#35

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SykesDaMan
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My next door neighbor who is a friends with the neighbor in the apartment right blow mine was ringing at my door and impatiently so! I wondered what the emergency was. But I still opened the door with an open mind, and she hurries inside my apartment with some takeout... Realizing mid-step that she has her friends door but with her own floor and that isn't how it works! I never seen someone leave so quickly leaving her apologizing words floating in the air behind her. No need to say I laughed but still tried to make it an "It's-OK-we-all-make-mistakes" laugh to not embarrass her even more! :)

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#38

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Rijkærd
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And all of a suddenyou had the entire restaurant to yourselves ....no waiting to get seated...well played kiddo well played

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#45

Unexpected-Plot-Twists

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#46

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Katie Lutesinger
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Bartender: "What's wrong, buddy?" Ex BF: "My girlfriend left me, man." Bartender: "That sucks. Here, have a glass of pinot noir. It's on the house." Ex BF: "I dunno, I don't really... hey, this is good stuff!"

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#51

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Lauren Caswell
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Then you are most definitely not a slytherin, no nope rope or nope rope antidote for you

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#60

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Leslie
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yeah I might have a heart attack if I hear bullhorns coming from a helicopter...

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#62

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Monday
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I was hoping the plot twist would be that the friend and the son got together instead.

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#63

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Katie Lutesinger
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Great, another addition to my list of things to have nightmares about later. Thanks a lot, jerk.

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#65

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Anne1000
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My hair got darker and curly when I entered my teens. I still have one lighter lock of hair.

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#68

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Zaza
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As if restaurants keep tabs of every time a specific person brought a kid to the reastaurant. Sure. Very plausible story /s

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