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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

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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.

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    #2

    Halloween For Everyone!

    Halloween For Everyone!

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    #3

    Come On In And Long As You’re Nice

    Come On In And Long As You’re Nice

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    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?

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    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.

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    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

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    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.

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    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.

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    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

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    #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

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    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.

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    "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

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    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.

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    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

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    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!

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    #19

    It's The Thought That Counts

    It's The Thought That Counts

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    #20

    Never Too Late For New Beginnings

    Never Too Late For New Beginnings

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    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?”

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    #21

    We Are All Nerds Together

    We Are All Nerds Together

    Night_skye_ Report

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    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.

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    #23

    Good Guy Owner

    Good Guy Owner

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    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).

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    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). 

    #25

    Stress Relief

    Stress Relief

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    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.)

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    #26

    Money Is Power, But Also Not

    Money Is Power, But Also Not

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    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.

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    #27

    Better Late Than Never

    Better Late Than Never

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    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.

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    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.

    #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

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    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.

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    #32

    Showing Respect For One Another’s Professions

    Showing Respect For One Another’s Professions

    coleonoscopy Report

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    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??

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    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.

    #35

    You Get To Decide How You Define Being "Grownup"

    You Get To Decide How You Define Being "Grownup"

    DancingAndrovski Report

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    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?

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    #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

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    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.

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    #39

    Ok Zoomer

    Ok Zoomer

    HipstaBarista Report

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    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!

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    #40

    They Had Us In The First Half

    They Had Us In The First Half

    RsquaredT Report

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    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.

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    #43

    Speak Everything

    Speak Everything

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    #44

    Learning Is Awesome

    Learning Is Awesome

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    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. ;)

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    #46

    You’re Doing Just Fine

    You’re Doing Just Fine

    RedGalDread Report

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    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.

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    #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

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    #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

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    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 :)

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    #55

    We All Handsome

    We All Handsome

    pau1rw Report

    #56

    If It Makes You Happy

    If It Makes You Happy

    bolabamos Report

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    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

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    #58

    Dad Knows Best

    Dad Knows Best

    SheriffJewel Report

    #61

    Sizes

    Sizes

    wehealthyqueens Report

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    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.

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    #63

    Come On In! Keep Trying

    Come On In! Keep Trying

    reddit.com Report

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    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.

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    #65

    Do What You Like

    Do What You Like

    TimePie1 Report

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    *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

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    #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

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    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.

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    #72

    Everyone Deserves The Right To Complain

    Everyone Deserves The Right To Complain

    imgonegg Report

    #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

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    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.

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    #76

    Nice To See This

    Nice To See This

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    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?

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    #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

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    #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

    #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

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    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.

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    #87

    I Swear To God

    I Swear To God

    Jazzbandrew Report

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    #89

    What Counts As Traveling?

    What Counts As Traveling?

    xshareddx Report

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    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.

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    #90

    Spotify Wrapped

    Spotify Wrapped

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    #91

    Fixed It

    Fixed It

    DomeAcolyte42 Report

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    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