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Waiting can be excruciating, especially when you desperately want something to happen — sooner. Whether stuck in a long line, checking your inbox for an important message, waiting for a sign from the heavens, or counting down the minutes until the weekend, the feeling of time dragging by is sometimes unbearable.
 
But don’t let boredom get the best of you. We at Bored Panda like to embrace the moment with funny, relatable memes that capture the absurdity of the everyday wait.

Our “waiting meme” collection has some of the funniest and spot-on depictions of what it’s like to be stuck on lingering. When we say these memes capture the frustration, restlessness, and hopelessness that comes with the wait — we mean it. So, instead of longingly staring at the clock, scroll through this list, and don't forget to tag a friend who also might be stuck waiting. 

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    #2

    Boss In Waiting Mode

    Two climbers scaling a wall in a waiting meme; one is labeled "Me doing a side quest," with a robot as "The boss waiting."

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    #3

    “Change My Mind”

    Man at outdoor table with "CHANGE MY MIND" sign as a waiting meme for patients on brain surgery.

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    Impatience Could Be Affecting Your Waistline, According to Research

    A study by the Royal Economic Society 2014 found that individuals who display impatience and endure longer wait times are more likely to experience weight gain (1). 

    When individuals react negatively to time inconsistencies or delays, they may be more likely to make less optimal choices about their diet. This stress could potentially lead to undesired fluctuations in their BMI. 

    The research findings emphasize the importance of waiting patiently and approaching the situation with composure.


    #4

    After Pushing the Wrong Button

    Kermit the Frog in different contemplative poses, humorously depicting the anticipation of waiting.

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

    Me when I press "Shut down" instead of "Hibernate" and have to boot it up again XD

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    The Surprising History of Waiting in Line

    While it seems like we have been waiting in line for as long as we can remember, historically, we haven’t. In fact, the most exhaustive English dictionary, 1775, didn’t even have a word for standing in line, writes Shaunacy Ferris for Mental Floss in 2016 (2).

    In 1837, French revolutionary Thomas Carlyle described the revolutionaries as a “long string of purchasers arranged in a tail, so that first to come be the first served.” 

    In 1854, an American traveler chronicled his experience of “the queue,” which he observed while traveling through France, describing it as a novel concept. When Industrialization finally arrived, lining up became commonplace as people piled to work, went on their daily commute, and bought their wares. 


    #7

    “When You’ve Finished the Series”

    A waiting meme with a man looking bored on a swing, at a table, and in an empty pool area.

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    Practical Strategies for a More Peaceful Life

    If you are in a tizzy every time the world isn’t moving at your ideal pace, it may be an excellent time to start being proactive about your waiting time. After all, little annoyances will always get in the way, so making the necessary adjustments to bide your time is a wise move.

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    Thankfully, patience is a muscle we can develop, according to Ramona Ford, PhD (Cleveland Clinic, 2024) (3). “It’s kind of like dancing. Everyone can improve with practice,” Ford says inspiringly.

    Waiting is challenging because cultural shifts have primed us to expect instant gratification. Fortunately, you can manage it through mindfulness by slowly building your tolerance for discomfort via listening and empathy. It may take time to master the perspective of patience, but it’s surely worth the wait. 

    #8

    The Look of The Excruciating Wait

    A man in a suit yelling in frustration behind bars; waiting meme humorously showing impatience.

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    #10

    A Lesson in Patience

    Anime character eye close-up in waiting meme, captioned "Patience is necessary to reach one's goal" for a phone price drop.

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

    And zero years of security updates left. Gets hacked, lose all savings and the house.

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    #13

    The Hidden Dangers of Facebook Marketplace 

    Man waiting in snow with toaster, humorously anxious about a Facebook marketplace sale gone wrong.

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    #14

    “Your Order Has Been Shipped”

    Pug waiting meme with dog sitting on chair by glass door, illustrating funny anticipation for a package delivery.

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    #15

    “The Hardest Part”

    Sad kitten waiting meme with text "THE WAITING IS THE HARDEST PART," highlighting the struggle of patience with a forlorn look.

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

    🎶Every day you see one more card You take it on faith, you take it to the heart The waiting is the hardest part🎶

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    #16

    Sitting Pretty

    A waiting meme of a child in a pink princess dress and tiara, sitting with folded hands, expressing impatience.

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    #17

    “Still No Season Four on the Horizon”

    SpongeBob waiting meme: cheerful first year vs. exhausted second year waiting for season 4.

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    #19

    That Long-Awaited Cuddle

    Kitten enjoying a peaceful nap against a person's arm, exemplifying waiting memes' humor and comfort.

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

    I'm pretty certain this is me when Mr Auntriarch gets back from archery. Except not so cute

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    #20

    “What Happens in the Meantime”

    A waiting meme in comic format with a cartoon dog protecting, attacking, and waiting for its human.

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    References

    1. Charles Courtemanche, Garth Heutel, and Patrick McAlvanah. “Impatience, Incentives, and Obesity.” Royal Economic Society, 2014. | https://bpb-us-w2.wpmucdn.com/sites.gsu.edu/dist/f/528/files/2014/06/ecoj12124-utphys.pdf

    2. Shaunacy Ferris. “12 Impatient Facts About Waiting in Line.” Mental Floss, July 5, 2016. | https://www.mentalfloss.com/posts/national-park-availability-alerts

    3. Cleveland Clinic. “How To Be Patient: 6 Strategies To Help You Keep Your Cool.” Cleveland Clinic, June 5, 2024. | https://health.clevelandclinic.org/how-to-be-patient