ADVERTISEMENT

To put it simply, gatekeeping is an act when someone takes it upon themselves to decide who does or does not have access or rights to a community or identity ("You can't be a real Phoebe Bridgers fan, you just discovered her. Real fans follow her since at least Stranger in the Alps.") If this sounds ridiculous to you, don't worry. You're not alone.

There's a subreddit called r/GatesOpenComeOnIn and it describes itself as the polar opposite of gatekeeping. Created in 2018, this online community collects and shares pictures of wholesome acts of kindness when people had each other's backs. Whether it's encouraging everyone to share their Spotify Wrapped or simply allowing someone to feel tired, it doesn't take much to acknowledge another person's emotions, thoughts, experiences, values, and beliefs. Continue scrolling and check out how it's done.

#1

Wholesome Patriotism

Wholesome Patriotism

EpicJenko Report

As you can see from the pictures, empathy goes a long way. Developing it is crucial for establishing relationships and behaving compassionately. Since empathy involves experiencing another person’s point of view, rather than just one’s own, it enables prosocial or helping behaviors that come from within, rather than being forced.

Sadly, some surveys indicate that empathy is on the decline in the United States and elsewhere. But at least these findings motivate parents, schools, and communities to support programs that help people of all ages enhance and maintain their ability to walk in each other’s shoes.

You May Also Like:
#2

Halloween For Everyone!

Halloween For Everyone!

bunman21 Report

#3

Come On In And Long As You’re Nice

Come On In And Long As You’re Nice

thefamilyjewelz Report

Add photo comments
POST
troufaki13
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If God created all creatures with his infinite wisdom, why would he hate something that HE created?

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

Empathy really is a superpower: it helps us cooperate with others, build friendships, make moral decisions, and intervene when we see others being bullied.

Humans usually begin to show signs of empathy in infancy and the trait develops steadily through childhood and adolescence.

ADVERTISEMENT

That being said, most people are likely to feel greater empathy for someone like themselves and may feel less empathy for those outside their family, community, ethnicity, or race.

#6

Minding Your Own Business Is Free

Minding Your Own Business Is Free

Thoeda Report

Add photo comments
POST
am_c0m0
Community Member
3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Minding our own business would solve a lot of our problems.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

Like other traits, empathy may have evolved with a selfish motive: using others as a "social antenna" to help detect danger. From an evolutionary point of view, creating a mental model of another person's intent is critical: the arrival of an interloper, for example, could be deadly, so developing sensitivity to the signals of others could be life-saving.

Babies display an understanding that people’s actions are guided by intentions and can act on that understanding before they turn 18 months old, including trying to comfort a parent. Advanced reasoning about other people’s thoughts develops around age 5-6.

ADVERTISEMENT
#7

Bikinis For Boys

Bikinis For Boys

vacillate321 Report

Add photo comments
POST
Eva the Egg
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I love that he isnt unsupportive, he's pissed over his son being ripped off

Foxxy (The Original)
Community Member
3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Autumn is the best time where I am too, they have the after summer sales to get rid of stock. It is very hard to find swimwear in the shops during late autumn to early spring. And when you do find them they are expensive coz of the limited stock. So shop in autumn to store for the warmer weather.

Autumn
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'n not gonna lie, I got so freaking confused when I saw my name XD Then I realized you were talking about sales. I'm so used to people just calling the season fall.

Load More Replies...
Ezigma
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I know right? It hurt to read that. Kind of started to take away from the point he was making.

Load More Replies...
Random Person
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I thought that was going in a different, much less wholesome diretion

Jianna Clark
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I was so angry until I finished reading it I was like f**k you lady then at the end I went oh now I get it

Ayia Grace
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've seen so many things like this and it always makes me sooo happy!

lara
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I buy ALL my Christmas presents in January. Why? Because what do people want at Christmas, in the middle of winter? Warm clothes. What is on sail in January? Warm clothes, heavy blankets, boots, wool socks, cashmere scarves, etc. What is expensive? Clothes for spring and summer. Anything I can't "purchase" I pick up during the rest of the year when I happen to see it. Shopping is not hard, it is something you do because you want to. People buy gifts just to give a gift. There is no thought or desire behind it. It is a "have to." Finding the perfect item marked down or on sale is like finding a treasure. You don't have to "hunt" just pay attention. Finding the perfect gift marked down or on sale says "I spent a lot of time finding you a gift and I found the perfect one."

juice
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

you assume he's going to express disgust because a "real man" doesn't wear bikinis, but he's actually supportive of his son. it turns out the reason he's mad is he doesn't want his son to get ripped off by paying too much

Load More Replies...
CatWoman312
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

He’s right. Swimsuits are mad expensive in the spring better to wait when they’re on sale in the fall.

Rozanne Blignaut
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They had me there in the beginning! The all caps though! this dude is serious! I love it!

will.u.b.mine
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

...reading this again...me: "NO DON'T YELL AT HIM FOR THAT YOU C**K-SUCKING-SON-OF-A-BITC-oop...no...nvm sowwy man"

Anne Mitchell
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Sorry, too difficult to read this foreign language. I can, sadly, speak and read only English,

Tabby_Sohee
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

For a second I was so confused and now I’m like “oh.... ha... hahaha...”

The weird one!
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

at first i was like ummmm mean..... but then i was like lol but she didnt lie they are cheaper in the fall for some odd reason.

Elaine Mattingly
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That child will never ask for anything ever again from that ................that.

James F. Wilson Jr.
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I see that you (with your ignorance of descriptive English) are teaching him how to use profanity, as probably your ignorant father did for you as well.

hail beavis
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Worry not, Squeezy Jibbs is a youtube comedian and likely not a person who would actually curse at children.

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

Experts say that people high in narcissism, or who have a narcissistic personality disorder, can exhibit empathy and even compassion. However, that ability only goes so far, as ultimately they prioritize their own needs.

Some researchers believe narcissists can become more empathetic by developing greater self-compassion, which can increase their own feelings of security and self-worth and enable them to open up to hearing others.

#10

Shout Out To The Solo Eaters

Shout Out To The Solo Eaters

benImran17 Report

ADVERTISEMENT
#13

Someone I Went To School With Posted This About Giving Their Son A Unicorn-Themed Birthday Bash. Positive Parenting For The Win

Someone I Went To School With Posted This About Giving Their Son A Unicorn-Themed Birthday Bash. Positive Parenting For The Win

frauenarzZzt Report

Add photo comments
POST
Zuila
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My boy loves colour pink and red. As soon as he was able to show it to me, I have made him red birthday cake and bought red or pink clothes. He also liked to play with baby doll, toy washing machine and cooking gadgets and we allowed him to play what ever he wanted. That phase has now mostly passed, but red is still his favourite colour.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

"Do a thought experiment," Mark Davis, a professor of psychology who has spent decades studying empathy, said. “Imagine if humans didn’t have the capacity for empathy. What would it mean if, in fact, we never gave a damn about what happened to other people? That’s an almost an inconceivable world."

"As awful a species as we can be — and we certainly have the capacity for terrible things — we’re also capable of some pretty wonderful things, noble things, self-sacrifice."

#14

Family Is A Family Is A Family

Family Is A Family Is A Family

ElanMorinMetal Report

Add photo comments
POST
Julie C Rose
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A while ago someone asked me if I “have a family”. I said yes and was genuinely confused when she started asking me about kids.

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

Interestingly, the word "empathy" is relatively new. It didn’t enter the English language until the early 1900s, derived from the German word einfühlung, according to Daniel Batson, a researcher of empathy and professor emeritus at Kansas University.

#18

Felt Like This Might Belong Here

Felt Like This Might Belong Here

calysoe Report

Add photo comments
POST
MauKini
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My husband doesnt find my jokes funny, but he cracks up when i cant finish the joke because im laughing so hard.. I love him!

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#19

It's The Thought That Counts

It's The Thought That Counts

Scraw16 Report

#20

Never Too Late For New Beginnings

Never Too Late For New Beginnings

manupuwaga Report

While some people are more naturally empathetic than others, there are easy, evidenced-based exercises that anyone can do to increase their empathy. 

First, talk to new people. Trying to imagine how someone else feels is often not enough. Luckily, the solution is simple: ask them. "For me, the core of empathy is curiosity," Jodi Halpern, a psychiatrist and bioethics professor at the University of California, Berkeley, who studies empathy, told The New York Times. "It's what is another person’s life actually like in its particulars?”

ADVERTISEMENT
#21

We Are All Nerds Together

We Are All Nerds Together

Night_skye_ Report

Add photo comments
POST
Roxy Eastland
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I can completely relate to this. I love it when I discover that a friend that I've known for years has an in depth knowledge on a subject I never suspected.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#23

Good Guy Owner

Good Guy Owner

oscarfacegamble Report

Add photo comments
POST
MauKini
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I love this. In Germany it is forbidden by the law to look for food in supermarket dumpsters. As long as the food doesnt pose a safety hazard, the food should be donated (which some supermarkets do, but its only a few plus they have to pay tax for the food which they are donating, so not many do this).

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

You can start conversations with strangers or invite a colleague or neighbor you don't know well to lunch. But the trick is to go beyond small talk – ask them how they're doing and what their daily life is like.

Put away your phone and other screens when you’re having conversations, even with the people you see every day, so you can fully listen and notice their facial expressions and gestures.

Also, follow people on social media with different backgrounds than you have (different race, religion, or political persuasion). 

ADVERTISEMENT
#25

Stress Relief

Stress Relief

DailyWally Report

Add photo comments
POST
Hans
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And do not geet engaged into ridiculous competition. You do not need to have read the full History of Middle-earth to enjoy watching the hobbit. (You should, though, before criticising supposed plot-holes.)

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

Money Is Power, But Also Not

Money Is Power, But Also Not

VoxorHD Report

Add photo comments
POST
Marianne
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Also when the minimum wage rises, you can hope that other employers will also offer more, to give people a reason to stay in their job instead of taking an 'easier' minimum wage job.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#27

Better Late Than Never

Better Late Than Never

VoxorHD Report

Add photo comments
POST
Nat Hedley
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Dude in my graduating class (back in 1997) was 84 years old at the time of his graduation. Learn like you'll live forever, it's never too late.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

But don’t just stand in someone else's shoes, as the saying goes—take a walk in them. For example, consider attending someone else's church, mosque, synagogue, or other houses of worship for a few weeks while they attend yours, or visit a village in a developing country and volunteer.

If you don't have enough time for these activities, you can simply explore a new neighborhood, or strike up a conversation with a homeless person in your community.

If someone’s behavior is bothering you, think about why. Consider what it’s like to live their daily life.

ADVERTISEMENT
#29

Gay Pride Can Be Whatever You Want/Need It To Be

Gay Pride Can Be Whatever You Want/Need It To Be

squeakim Report

#31

How Lovely

How Lovely

holliepoetry Report

Add photo comments
POST
Zuila
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Thank you for this! Kids will never learn how to behave or communicate with others if they can't be at public places. My kids usually behave very well, but can be quite loud.

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

Showing Respect For One Another’s Professions

Showing Respect For One Another’s Professions

coleonoscopy Report

Add photo comments
POST
Roxy Eastland
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What a weird comment. Don't we all love the person that turns up at our doorstep with our eagerly awaited parcel??

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

Remember, you don't need to understand everything about someone to make them feel respected. Just don’t make assumptions about people based on what your life is like. The people on this list certainly haven't.

We’re all humans, and we all have a desire to connect with one another. Building our empathy, considering the perspectives of others, and opening ourselves to uncomfortable conversations can make that happen.

ADVERTISEMENT
#35

You Get To Decide How You Define Being "Grownup"

You Get To Decide How You Define Being "Grownup"

DancingAndrovski Report

Add photo comments
POST
Something
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why would a saleswoman at a furniture store not want to sell furniture?

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

Taking Care Of Your Mental Health Is Important

Taking Care Of Your Mental Health Is Important

huracanEVO Report

#38

We’re All In This Together

We’re All In This Together

KingOfNiFe Report

Add photo comments
POST
WilvanderHeijden
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A lot of people do make it their business to decide what other people should earn, how and where they should live and why they shouldn't have universal healthcare. They're called Republicans.

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

Ok Zoomer

Ok Zoomer

HipstaBarista Report

Add photo comments
POST
Marianne
Community Member
3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Smartphones are the library of Alexandria? Wow, I have to remember this one!

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#40

They Had Us In The First Half

They Had Us In The First Half

RsquaredT Report

Add photo comments
POST
Karl Baxter
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I find it amazing that some Christians arrogantly think that their religion somehow “owns” marriage. People were getting together and pairing up in a variety of rituals 1000s of years before Christianity turned up.

View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#43

Speak Everything

Speak Everything

blazinfastjohny Report

#44

Learning Is Awesome

Learning Is Awesome

MagnetOfWeird Report

Add photo comments
POST
Marianne
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Also my favorite ones! And I love to talk about them to whoever cares to listen. ;)

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

You’re Doing Just Fine

You’re Doing Just Fine

RedGalDread Report

Add photo comments
POST
Roxy Eastland
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This stupid meme also failed to recognise that to develop skills and side hustles we really benefit from the support of friends and family. Hanging out and chatting enables our brains to get things in to perspective, sort out what we've learnt so far, and subconsciously start to work on what is to come next.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#48

Gonna Remember Who Spoke To Me And Who Didn’t

Gonna Remember Who Spoke To Me And Who Didn’t

CodePurple_ Report

#49

Accept Everyone And Respect Their Decisions Y’all

Accept Everyone And Respect Their Decisions Y’all

smol_catto_ Report

ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
Continue reading with Bored Panda Premium
Unlimited content
Ad-free browsing
Dark mode
#52

Very Positive Message I Saw Scrolling Through IG

Very Positive Message I Saw Scrolling Through IG

AndrewBert109 Report

#53

Sorry. I Just Had To. It's Too Nice

Sorry. I Just Had To. It's Too Nice

JayArDee123 Report

#54

Let People Live!

Let People Live!

literallysofie Report

Add photo comments
POST
maia martin
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

also, cisgender people can put their pronouns in their bio in order to be more welcoming to people who are transgender/nonbinary :)

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#55

We All Handsome

We All Handsome

pau1rw Report

#56

If It Makes You Happy

If It Makes You Happy

bolabamos Report

Add photo comments
POST
Roxy Eastland
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have the same thing about children's names. Call your child whatever you damn well want and the rest of us will be sure to teach our kids not to be playground bullies

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#58

Dad Knows Best

Dad Knows Best

SheriffJewel Report

#61

Sizes

Sizes

wehealthyqueens Report

Add photo comments
POST
Roxy Eastland
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Never got the lack of love for smaller guys. Some of the cutest guys I've ever known have been shorter than me.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#63

Come On In! Keep Trying

Come On In! Keep Trying

reddit.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
Laugh or not
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wrong, you should care that someone is trying to learn a new skill: help them if you can and they ask, encourage them if they need, and be in awe of personal growth.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#65

Do What You Like

Do What You Like

TimePie1 Report

Add photo comments
POST
*screamsinbisexual*
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes! This is so important!!!!!! I love video games but I’m absolute garbage at them so easy mode is a lifesaver haha

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#68

Gotta Clean Up

Gotta Clean Up

SpermaSpons Report

#69

Girl In Red's Music Is For Everyone

Girl In Red's Music Is For Everyone

Liberosix Report

Add photo comments
POST
Watching
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"I like tits but my bops are for everyone" is my new mantra. And I'm not a lesbian.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#72

Everyone Deserves The Right To Complain

Everyone Deserves The Right To Complain

imgonegg Report

ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#74

Melon Flavored Jellyfish's Mom Says The Gates Are Open

Melon Flavored Jellyfish's Mom Says The Gates Are Open

alexthegreatoff Report

#75

I Decided To Make Some Original Content, Am I Doing It Right?

I Decided To Make Some Original Content, Am I Doing It Right?

illustralie Report

Add photo comments
POST
Roxy Eastland
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I wish it was more universally understood that when a child is crying and reacting over 'some little thing' it is literally their whole world at that moment. Yes, even if they want something and can't have it, they are just shaken up by the dissonance inside themselves. How adults react to them teaches them buckets. Sympathy with the feelings would be a good and honest start. And there's nothing wrong with saying 'well, let's rethink if you can have it' either.

View more commentsArrow down menu
#76

Nice To See This

Nice To See This

Jesus_Shaves_ Report

Add photo comments
POST
MauKini
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

also, if id attempt to work on my car it would probably be worse after.. Also: How on earth did he take this picture?

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#77

We Are All Just Humans Trying To Make It To Tomorrow

We Are All Just Humans Trying To Make It To Tomorrow

allhailjhanell Report

#78

For Those That Might Not Have Known, And Those That Know But Needed To Hear It All The Same

For Those That Might Not Have Known, And Those That Know But Needed To Hear It All The Same

burritobaby70 Report

#80

One Of My Favorite Tweeters With His Gates Wide Open!

One Of My Favorite Tweeters With His Gates Wide Open!

Browncoat-Tiefling Report

ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#84

We’re All In This Bumpy Sweaty Party Together

We’re All In This Bumpy Sweaty Party Together

Tiffanymp3 Report

#86

Gym Doors Open, Come Inside

Gym Doors Open, Come Inside

lulz1996 Report

Add photo comments
POST
Ian Koch
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

yes. I'm so underweight (77 or so when I should weigh 90-ish, I'm almost 14, my birthday is March 27!) that I had to get a blood draw to see if my digestive system worked properly, we're still waiting on the results but I think I'm ok.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#87

I Swear To God

I Swear To God

Jazzbandrew Report

#89

What Counts As Traveling?

What Counts As Traveling?

xshareddx Report

Add photo comments
POST
IzzieM
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If I leave my city... I'm claiming it as traveling. Whoop, road trip!!! ...to the next town over.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#90

Spotify Wrapped

Spotify Wrapped

ConsumeFecalMatter Report

Add photo comments
POST
#91

Fixed It

Fixed It

DomeAcolyte42 Report

Add photo comments
POST
Logic and Reason
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

For context, the original had the man replying with ‘I’m a soldier on Call of Duty’.

#92

A Little Advice For The Ladies

A Little Advice For The Ladies

ivvix Report