Boss Repositions Employee's Computer Screen So She Can Spy On Her, And The Internet Responds

Invasion of privacy. Call HR. Take no prisoners. You can't just decide everything is your business....
u/lowkeymeshhhh laid it out for us:
Boss is constantly moving my computer screen. Can she force me to sit in a particular way?!
A little bit of background information: My friend (M) and I are both fairly young (early/mid 20s F) but yet we work in a field that requires a good amount of experience (which we have! They did hire us in the first place). M was already working here for a year before I joined back in May.
Our boss, and owner of the company (O), was nice at first but then she started micromanaging every aspect of our jobs. M stated that O was not like this before I joined the company. First it started with O installing cameras in the office – we work upstairs while O's office is downstairs. O already had a camera upstairs but she installed several more in a particular place so she could directly watch M and I's desk. Once, O called me to scold at me for listening to youtube (everyone in the office does this, especially her own daughters, and everyone does it in front of her). But whatever, I understand at any office doing this is not generally accepted. I stopped using youtube (while everyone else is still using it).
A month or so ago, she came to give M and I some papers and then asked me in a casual way if the computer has to be like this. My desk has two computer screens, both angled slightly in, making a small V. I told her that I positioned my screen like this because the other way was hurting my neck. She said well it was never positioned like that before, and asked me to move my screen. Baffled, I moved it so the screen was straight so she could obviously see it from the cameras. I moved the screen back a few days later since it felt really uncomfortable for my neck.
Now I've been noticing that sometimes the screen is straight again. I know for sure it is her doing it and sooner or later she is going to confront me for moving it back. There is a history of the boss doing petty little things like this, this is just the latest and ongoing one. I have a ton of other instances I can think of where it feels like she is just in particular picking on me.
I legitimately feel discriminated against but I don't have time in my life to make the case plus I know it is really hard to prove this in court. I am in the process of finding a new job but I need advice till then. I just need to know what can I say when she confronts me for wanting to work comfortably. Are there any laws in Florida that I can reference?
TLDR: Boss has been treating me unfairly and constantly moving my screen is the latest thing. Told her the screen hurts my neck, but she keeps moving it back. Any laws I can reference when she confronts me?
Here was some of the citation of laws/advice she got.
One
The surveillance atmosphere of the place is the bigger problem. This place is toxic and will become moreso. The repositioning of your monitor is unimportant in the long run, except in that it is a harbinger of much more controlling stuff that is coming.
Look for another job and get out before they find a pretext to let you go.
Two
Everything about this screams toxic work environment. Going down the checklist.
-Boss micromanages her employees
-Boss installs cameras so she can watch her employees closer
-Boss has hired family members who get special privileges.
-Boss complains about your monitors facing a certain way, avoids specifying her reason as it's purely to monitor you closer
-Numerous other incidents that are just as petty
I'm glad your already looking for work, because this place sounds brutal. In terms of advice, I doubt there is anything she can do to force you to have your monitors facing a certain direction but I would be trying to lay low until I found another position.
Three
Everyone is coming at you with helpful mature advice, but it might be fun to put up some polarized screen protectors. You might be able to trap her into admitting that she wants to see your screen at all times.
Or ask the Admin/secretary/supply orderer to get them for everyone and put on a show about the importance or data security, "protect the product and the customer blah blah..."
You might need the leverage of a new job lined up for this tp be a comfortable play though..
Four
Any laws I can reference when she confronts me?
No. Basically employers can require whatever they want of you provided it doesn't fall within some very narrow boxes. The best you can probably do is try to find a way to set up your monitors that would satisfy everyone (or at least make you marginally less stressed).
But keep in mind that this place sounds pretty toxic and messed up, so I'd do your best to keep your head down and put your energy into finding a new place.
Five
This is ridiculous. I work in IT for a small company. We bend over backwards to make sure users are comfortable without making accommodation requests. Ergonomic keyboards and mice, stand up desks, dimmed lighting above their desks, etc. The owner spares no expense to be sure that their employees are comfortable. This is how you keep employees, not by micromanaging them.
I'm the type to ask flat out, "What exactly is the problem here?" and make my case against it... in front of everyone. If you're not willing to do that, like everyone else has said, keep your head low and find another job. Good luck!
Six
In addition to finding a new job if she turns it then turn it back. Every time. If she confronts you then tell her as mentioned it causes you severe neck pain. I would also ask her very politely if there's a reason why she wants your monitor to be straight even though you've told her it causes you pain? Make her say it aloud. I'm curious.. are you a different race than your boss and coworkers?
Seven
I mean, yeah the surveillance atmosphere is a problem.
To fix the specific issue of your neck, tell them that your neck is a problem, and if the cameras can't be moved, then perhaps they can install monitoring software so basically your computer sends them your screen, directly from the software, and regardless of which way it's positioned.
Monitoring the employees is not an issue that's specific to your company, and there are better solutions than the cameras. They should talk to an IT guy, even Geek Squad can probably help, about setting up the network to prevent non-work-related stuff like youtube, and logs of what apps the employees use, so that the cameras aren't necessary.
Otherwise, you can also say that you take pride in being a professional and working hard, and if there's anything your boss can suggest that would improve your productivity, you're open to her suggestions.
But yes, look for another job and just lay low until then. Neck pain, don't let it accumulate, though, talk about moving the cameras and/or software that can send them your screens, if they really feel the need.
Eight
I agree with everyone else who suggested looking for a new job because this is a sign that your boss a toxic attitude that isn't conducive to a comfortable work environment.
But for the monitor positioning issue: ask for an ergonomics assessment. depending on the specific laws in your state, and sometimes laws differ depending on whether your company counts as a "small business" or not (small businesses sometimes don't have the same legal obligations as large businesses), this might be something she is legally obligated to provide for you. I know this is the case in several states I've lived in the US, but then again I've tended to be at large companies/organizations so I would read up on the relevant laws in FL. An ergonomic assessment is basically where someone comes in and makes sure your desk/chair/computer stuff is positioned optimally for your body size/mechanics so you don't get any kind of injury (e.g. neck issues, carpal tunnel syndrome, that kind of thing) from doing your job. If the ergonomics people recommend putting your screens in a "v" shape, there is little your boss can do to make you put them straight again — that would put her at risk for a lawsuit, because you would have concrete evidence that an expert in ergonomics came in and made recommendations to prevent injury, and then your boss deliberately went against those recommendations.
Nine
I hear you on this. I've been the person with the target on my back by a toxic manager.
First, I want you to realize that there is nothing you can do to get her to stop being shitty. All you can control is your own behavior. This is so important for you to understand--there are things you can do to minimize the likelihood of pissing her off, but you cannot preempt your boss's whims. You cannot anticipate what is going to piss her off, but you will drive yourself crazy if you try. From personal experience, I can tell you it is emotionally draining trying to head off whatever nonsense somebody like this is going to come up with next, and it feels even worse when you do everything right and they still pull something new out of their ass. Start learning to accept that no matter what you do, she may take issue with it, so look out for yourself.
Keep your nose clean. Cleaner than your colleagues. Head down, be polite and agreeable, no unauthorized internet use. It's not fair that you're being targeted but in most cases they don't have to apply the rules equally. You generally (not always, but in most cases) have to be able to prove that the unequal application of rules is a direct result of discrimination against a protected class. Basically, don't give your boss a reason if she's looking for one.
From there, continue moving your monitor in whatever way makes you most comfortable. I'd personally get a doctor's note. Bring it to her politely. This may piss her off, but oh well (see: my first piece of advice), and it grants you a little protection. That's not to say that people like this don't retaliate illegally, but again, you can't control that. There are plenty of other ways to surveil you if she wants--she can move you desks or install software or whatever. She knows this and this is some micromanaging, power play nonsense.
Continue looking for another job. Don't get stuck there, don't get complacent, and do what you can to adhere to the other rules while you're there.
Ten
I don't understand this type of behavior by employers.
If your boss thinks you're goofing off at work why doesn't she just fire you and hire somebody else?
It's some sort of powertrip bullshit. You need to get out of this place. This lady is never, ever going to give you a raise or promote you.
Eleven
Are there seriously people in here suggesting that having your monitors parallel to one another instead of angled to face you directly could cause worker's comp level injury? I mean, come on, with modern computer monitors, you shouldn't even have to move your head at all.
I may be inviting the downvotes, but when I was in my 20s, I said a lot of stuff that seemed convincing at the time but looking back was incredibly transparent. I'm not buying the neck pain excuse. Are you sure you're not doing things you're not supposed to be doing, OP?
Twelve
Is there anyone in your office with a grudge?
I had similar things happen to me once and after I left that business I found out another employee had been trashing me to my boss out of fear of competition.
Thirteen
Florida is a "2 party consent" state when it comes to recording. In other words if your boss wants to stay out of hot water she would need to be able to provide clear evidence that you were informed of the recording (like signs saying "this area is under video surveillance".) Additionally recording in areas where privacy is assumed (like a bathroom) is a great way for someone to get into trouble.
But best case, you start legal action and then what? She gets fined? It sounds like she is just a jerk, do you want to be working (hard) for a jerk? I would just nod, say whatever and find somewhere else to work ASAP.
Fourteen
Now I've been noticing that sometimes the screen is straight again.
She's being passive-aggressive and isn't immediately confronting you. It's been a month and still no confrontation. This is to your advantage. You could have another job lined up before she even confronts you. Just keep looking for a new job. Keep putting the screen back the way you like it until she explicitly tells you "Keep the screen in this position exactly at all times or else." Play dumb and tell her that you didn't understand that's what she wanted but of course now that you understand you are happy to do it the way she likes. Then never tilt the screen again after her command not to.
After this, If your neck is really hurting too much, then maybe you can offer her other alternatives. "Hey boss, I know you like to see my screen as I'm working. What if we use screen-share, or a smaller camera positioned directly at my screens? Then you can see my work, and my neck doesn't hurt." The surveillance is creepy, but if you can find a way to placate her while saving you from neck pain, then you can still look for a new job and at least your neck doesn't hurt.
Fifteen
Your boss is an *ss, but she's within her rights to be an *ss, which sucks. As long as having the screens like that isn't actually dangerous, she can require you to have them however she pleases. You can try to go to HR, if your company has one, or her manager, but both options leave you open to retaliation, and in either case, you might get no help at all. I'd suggest keeping your head down and don't make a big deal about it - try sitting a bit farther back and see if that helps your neck, or even going down to only one screen if it's really bad. It's not fair, or right, but it's the hand you've been dealt, it looks like.
Get a new job asap, and don't ever use her as a reference. Check out the Ask a Manager advice column for advice on toxic workplaces and how to write a good resume and cover letter.
Sixteen
Go into work and slant the monitors to your needs then before you leave the office, reposition then straight again. If your boss confronts you, she will have to explain how she notices that they're not slanted after work hours but are slanted during work hours.
We get it, we're all super busy, and sometimes it's really hard to get all the chores done around work and living our lives.
But there are appliances we can have in our home, like a dishwasher, that can make those chores much more convenient.
However, they could really ruin our day, too, if we use them incorrectly.
Redditor Loud-Situation2643 asked:
"What should never go into the dishwasher?"
Can This Go Without Saying?
"The toilet brush! I read a story here about somebody that does that regularly."
- BOFHOOC
"That’s disturbing. I had a landlord tell me to put my cat’s litter box in the dishwasher weekly to keep the cat smell down. I did not take her up on that advice."
- annissamazing
"Your toilet brush. My friend found out the hard way her housemate was doing this WHILE DOING THE DISHES."
- raz0rflea
Apparently... Dinner?
"Fish. I worked apartment maintenance and a lovely old couple ruined, like, three dishwashers in a row by using them to steam fish. Very gross, considering the pre-wash cycle uses the gray water from the last cycle."
"Smelled pretty bad, too."
- poppykayak
"Lasagna."
- SiloueOfUlrin
High-Quality Knives
"I'll admit, we run some knives through, but only the crummy ones. The good ones, NEVER, and ideally those are hand-washed right away after use and not left to sit with anything on them."
- InannasPocket
Cast Iron Accessories
"I found a La Creuset Dutch Oven on clearance sale at crate and barrel of all places. I immediately bought it. Still, a lot of money to spend, but it was the best purchase I ever made for my kitchen."
"I fully understand why people pass these down from generation to generation. It’s in amazing condition for the number of times I’ve used it. And it’s dishwasher safe!"
"I still hand wash mine, because it’s like a child to me, and I don’t trust my partner to handle it! I always said I’d be a chef if I didn’t love what I do right now. So the fancy kitchen stuff I have always gets hand washed."
"P.S. their website says it’s dishwasher safe, but they recommend a hand wash for longevity and because the enamel can eventually wear down in a dishwasher."
- TheGhostofGiggy
Also, Wooden Kitchen Accessories
"Wooden Cutting boards."
- theSealclubberr
"This is one of my luxuries in life. Using a machine to wash your wooden spoons will shorten their life by a lot. Hand washed and well cared for a wooden spoon will last decades."
"A set of bamboo wooden spoons is like $12, so I buy a new set every year or two. $12 to not hand wash every night? Yes please."
- mwbbrown
Liquid Dish Soap. Enough Said.
"My daughter did this once, WOW, what a soapy disaster."
- CRCs_Reality
Also, Laundry Detergent
"When I first moved into my own apartment, my mom gave me a sandwich bag full of about a dozen detergent pods as a 'These will help you start off on your own' gesture."
"The first night of living in my own apartment, I fired up the dishwasher. 20 minutes later while playing video games, I noticed this wave of suds moving toward me from the kitchen. When I say a wave, I mean it. I have never seen so many d**n bubbles."
"That’s how I learned my wonderful mom gave me both dishwasher detergent pods AND laundry detergent pods in the same sandwich bag. I had a 50/50 odds and boy did I lose, lmao (laughing my a** off)."
"Needless to say, this happening on my first night living on my own had me questioning what I was doing, and if I would be better off living in my mom’s basement for the rest of eternity."
- mitten_man69
We Need a Storytime for This One
"The part of the blender that says, 'Do Not Immerse.'"
- PomeloLongjumping537
Protect the Detailed Glassware at All Costs
"All my PRETENTIOUS fancy brewery glasses. Those designs are staying where they are."
- JonathanWattsAuthor
"I put a printed shot glass into the dishwasher that was part of a set. It came out clean all right, picture completely dissolved."
- Luneowl
That Would Be Terrible
"Your secret cash stash."
- ThinkingOz
Ew ew ew.
"Mashed potato residue. Oh my god, it gets on EVERYTHING. Especially if the chunks are too large to fit through the filter. It just sits in the water and coats everything."
- ioncloud9
For the 'Friends' Fans Out There
"Paper, snow… A ghost!"
- TheAceBoogie
Divorce.
"I found out recently, you aren't supposed to put your girlfriend's collectible Starbucks cups in there."
"They melt."
- scumbag801
Reddit's Got Jokes
"A baby."
- DrunkWestTexan
"As a new father, I wish you'd told me earlier."
- ancalime9
And Feathered Jokes
"A duck."
- beetus_gerulaitis
"Who are you that you are so wise in the ways of science?"
- MacTechG4
While dishwashers were invented to make our lives a little bit easier when it's time to wash the dishes, there are some items that, when placed in there, could really ruin someone's day.
TV enthusiasts could argue that shows on television are a more compelling and superior form for media entertainment.
A story arc can be played out to its fullest potential without shortchanging the audience with a two-and-a-half hour duration of a film.
While movies are in their own category, TV shows–including short miniseries–can engage an audience over a span of seasons as long as there is more stories to tell.
Some TV shows break away from the formula and can feature anthology–or standalone–episodes that are impressive in their own right.
Whether it's a featured independent storyline or a memorable moment within a show's season, Redditor stevenpost asked:
"What's the greatest episode of a tv show ever made?"
These comedic shows offered up plenty of memorable laughs.
From "The Simpsons"
"Marge v. the Monorail"
– bloom_picayune
That Dark Mockumentary
"What we do in the shadows - 'On the Run' (the Jackie Daytona episode)"
– Bakedalaska1
Such A Snakehole
"The snake juice episode of Parks and Rec."
– GuinessForDinner
Touching Cameo
"The scrubs episode with Brendan Frasier. I didn't know a 22 min show could make me cry."
– metarinka
This classic TV show still resonates with newer viewers.
It's Hard To Choose
"The twilight zone episode monsters are due on maple street"
"The tools of conquest do not necessarily come with bombs and explosions and fallout. There are weapons that are simply thoughts, attitudes, prejudices... to be found only in the minds of men. For the record, prejudices can kill... and suspicion can destroy... and a thoughtless, frightened search for a scapegoat has a fallout all of its own—for the children and the children yet unborn. And the pity of it is that these things cannot be confined to the Twilight Zone."
"Will the real Martian please stand up is also a classic"
"Incident on a small island, to be believed or disbelieved. However, if a sour-faced dandy named Ross or a big, good-natured counterman who handles a spatula as if he'd been born with one in his mouth, – if either of these two entities walk onto your premises, you'd better hold their hands – all three of them – or check the color of their eyes – all three of them. The gentlemen in question might try to pull you in – to The Twilight Zone."
– theMothman1966
Here are some hauntingly compelling examples.
Based On The Tragic Event
"Chernobyl- Vichnaya Pamyat"
– hambone10
'... they mistakenly sent the one good man. For God's sakes Boris, you were the one who mattered the most.'
"Not the best line of that episode, but definitely in the top."
Shoutout To Firefighters
"It’s difficult for me to pick a 'best episode' from Chernobyl because in my mind it’s possibly the best television ever made from start to finish. Pacing is fast and there’s literally not a wasted shot in the entire series."
"Open Wide, O Earth is my honorable mention episode just for the inclusion of the firefighters. Full-blown body horror that hits even harder because it’s based on stuff that actually happened. The show has lots of excellent horror sequences but the firefighters arc definitely stands out as the most memorable to me."
– Hefty_Tendy
Picard's Wakeup Call
"The Inner Light - Star Trek TNG"
– Doit2it42
The Gripping Tracking Shot
"'Who goes there' of True Detective is a serious adrenaline ride. Great episode from a fantastic show."
– Smoque_
The Face Off
"Better Call Saul - Chicanery."
– earhere
One of the best episodes I've seen recently was from the penultimate episode of This Is Us.
After taking a break from watching the show after being overwhelmed with being behind, I was encouraged to keep watching it. I'm glad I did.
Not only did this particular episode profoundly give the beautiful show a worthy send-off, but it also helped me process a lot of emotions as I continue to struggle to deal with a family member living with a cruel mental illness.
Everyone has insecurities.
Be it speaking in public, wearing beach attire, or even one's profession, very few people don't have at least one topic of conversation that is bound to make them red in the face.
Some people are pretty adept at hiding their discomfort and can manage to persevere through their phobias with their dignity intact.
Others are not so lucky and often go to great lengths to hide their insecurities, only to make them even more apparent.
"What screams 'I’m insecure'?"
The Wisest People Are Those Always Willing To Learn
"When people are unable to admit that they don’t know something."- slimytoads
Other People's Success Are Not Your Failures
"Mocking someone else's achievement."- SuvenPan
Never Pick Yourself Up By Taking Others Down
"Belittling others."- Term-Haunting
"Always talking badly about others and trying to make them look weak/bad."- Pildith
Maybe Honesty Isn't Always The Best Policy...
"When you're quick to be 'brutally honest' with others, but have a meltdown when someone does it back to you."-eF240uKX52hp
Not As Funny As They Think...
"People who tear other people down as a joke but then get mad when they get it handed back to them."
"Clearly they either aren’t joking or are too sensitive to be dishing out sh*t."- babythrottlepop
Being On Top Adds More Possibilities Of Falling Down...
"Trying to one-up people in every conversation."- Flanky_Bwai
"One upping people in conversation."
"If I tell you I had a great trip to X place, I don’t need to hear about your better trip to someplace else that’s ostensibly 'better'."- I_Am_The_Grapevine
Some Things Speak For Themselves...
"Constantly saying what kind of person you are."
"If you were, you wouldn’t have to tell us."- ubereddit
A Little Contrition Goes A Long Way...
"Never apologizing."
"Making excuses and even twisting the facts but never apologize."- SuvenPan
But Enough About Me, What Do You Think Of Me?
"Constant projection and self-serving compliments."- nhabz
What Are They Even Trying To Prove?
"Revving your vehicle loudly every time you pass another person."- msnmck
Superior By Association
“'You will address me by my husband’s rank!'”- Psychological-Stay16
PDA Much?
"Elaborate Instagram and Facebook posts declaring love for one’s significant other over and over and over."- jbmaun
Always Needing Validation
"People who can’t think or feel anything without being told that it’s okay to do so."- Diesel07012012
It's sad that so many people think the only way to overcome something which makes them embarrassed or afraid is by embarrassing or demeaning others.
When being open and honest about your insecurities might, instead, result in your finding common ground with others.
And making new, lifelong friends in the process.
People Confess Which Things From Their Childhood They Thought Were Normal Until They Were An Adult
Every family has customs or traditions which are unique to them.
Be it all gathering together to watch The Muppet Christmas Carol every Christmas eve or an annual fried chicken picnic with dark and stormies every fourth of July. They are well aware not everyone does this, which makes it all the more special.
However, depending on the way it was introduced to them, some children are raised to think certain customs or habits done by their family are, indeed, normal.
Only to grow up and realize that theirs might have been the only family in the world which partook in them.
In some cases, this discovery is met with laughs and maybe the tiniest bit of embarrassment.
Other times, it's no laughing matter.
"What's something about your childhood that you thought was normal at the time but realiszd as an adult that it wasn't?"
Seemed Like A Good Idea, Until You Read Why...
"Having a cooler in the car."
"My parents always packed one, there were cokes and waters in it."
"The weird part was there was also always beer in it."
"Didn't matter if we were going 12 hours or 1 hour, they packed a cooler."
"Didn't realize how much my mom was drinking until years later when she become a non-functioning alcoholic."- IslandsOnTheCoast·
Dad Of The Year!
"When i was a kid I thought that all the Korean candy stores were free."
"Like you could go in, take what you wanted and leave."
"I would make friends with other Korean kids, take them to my favorite candy stores and tell them to help themselves. which they did."
"So apparently, whenever we'd visit my family in Korea, my dad would talk to all the candy shop owners in the neighborhood and tell them to put anything me or my friends took, on a tab."
"Maybe it was because i barely even spoke korean, but that whole situation just seemed perfectly f*ckin normal to my oblivious little self."- yaybunz
Boundaries Exist For A Reason
"In hind sight I realize that what I thought was 'freedom' was actually neglect."
"Kids aren't supposed to be left to themselves in such a degree that they end up raising themselves."
"From personal experience doing so leads to a lot of misunderstandings on how things are supposed to be."- Hattkake·
A Little Sensitivity Does Go A Long Way
"Being really sensitive to people's emotions because you never know if they could be in a bad mood."
"Turns out I learned that from my dad to make sure I don't make it worse."- UpstairsDifficult966
Think Carefully If You Have What It Takes To Be A Parent...
"Parents aren't supposed to make fun of their kids, complain about what they have to do for their children, and break down when they don't feel validated by their own child."- Doobledorf
"My mom never cooked, and there would be a lot of nights where I went without food because she didn't buy any."
"I thought it was normal for a mom to sleep the majority of the day."
"In reality she was always f*cked up on painkillers."
"Then, with my grandmother, she was controlling over whatever clothes, shoes, and how my hair looked."
"I always had to look like a good Christian boy."- Additional-Soup3853
Wait, what?
"I was in college before I learned that you don't have to get your mother a gift for your birthday because 'she's the one that did all the work that day'."- lylertila
Kind Of Sad To Think Self-Sufficiency Is So Rare...
"Being able to fix things myself."
"My dad is an engineer and throughout my childhood we'd come up with random creative projects to build stuff, he'd show me how to fix things and what safety precautions to look out for."
"Now if something happens at my flat I know how to fix it (or I call my dad and he'll guide me)."
"My boyfriend and friends have no idea how I know this stuff or how to do these things themselves, I always thank my Dad!"
"It's great because I get to save a lot of money, and I've saved money for my friends too!"
"Also, it means a lot to me because at the time and the town I was in girls weren't encouraged to do engineering, but my dad didn't care."
'I was little girl and thought it was essential for me to know how to do these things myself."
'I think he also hoped I'd one day become an engineer!"- imhere2913
Sadly, Not As Common As You Thiink...
"My parents were happily married and our home was happy and loving."- IllChampionship5
"Actually liking your parents/siblings/family."
"Almost everyone I know can't stand the people they grew up with, which I find strange."- ThatDukeGuy
Making A Custom Even More Meaningful
"Every Christmas my parents would buy me and my siblings one Christmas ornament to decorate the tree, which typically highlighted a special event or something important or a topic we were highly interested in that year."
"The tree started off rather bare at first, but after five kids and twenty-five years, that thing was filled from top to bottom, and shows a history of our lives."
"I thought it was how everyone decorated family home Christmas trees for awhile, but apparently it’s pretty unique to us."- RummelNation
Leading To A Massive Vocabulary No Doubt...
"Having a room full of dictionaries."
"I was baffled when I met kids in secondary school (as an adult doing a teacher training course at the time) who didn't even understand the basics of how to use one in their own language, let alone a two-language one."
"My dad was a translator so growing up it was just a normal thing, and I would sometimes just take one and look up random words in different languages for fun."- MrLuxarina
Unbelievable That This Isn't Normal
"Being taught to care about everybody, regardless of race, religion, or politics."
"We were lower middle-class farmers and we played with everyone."
"Everybody was welcome in my parents home."
"We had a ginormous garden and my parents gave our neighbors food out of it."
"My parents taught if you give out love, it’s returned 10 fold."
"Needless to say that bit us in the butt some times."
"But my parents died living and believing that."- SCGranny64
Not Exactly Normal, But Far too Commonplace
"When it would rain we would put pots and pans down to catch the drips."
'I would be sent to go have a slumber party with cousins whenever the electricity would get cut off due to nonpayment."
"I thought it was commonplace for people to go thru stuff like that."- RacksDiciprine
Ultimately, everyone's childhood is unique.
Many are grateful to learn just how unusual or special their childhood is.
For others, the discovery proves to be far too little too late.
Do you have something to add? Let us know in the comments.