People Divulge The Basic Skills They Assumed Everyone Had But Turns Out They Really Don't
Many people complain about adulting because they weren't properly taught how to be responsible.
You, know, like paying the bills, filing for taxes, or just getting by on a day-to-day basis without relying on parents.
But people not knowing some very basic skills in life like, say, using a vacuum cleaner or operating a washing machine is on a whole other level.
Curious to hear about certain expectations, Redditor Gaelic_Gladiator_64 asked:
"What is a basic skill that you grew up thinking everyone had until you saw others do it so horribly?"
When dealing with people, it turns out some people are lacking in social graces.
Respect
"Being polite/having manners."
– Marcella111001
Getting A Point Across
"Explaining things. If I explain something and someone tells me they don't understand, I explain it again, but frame or phrase it differently."
"I will never understand why so many people think just saying the exact same words again in a more exasperated/condescending tone is at all effective."
– GODDAMNUBERNICE
Some people are clueless when looking at the various equipment in front of them.
Reading Instructions
"Following an instruction manual. I heard people say 'I don't know how to build an IKEA cupboard.' Neither do I, that's why they ship it with instructions."
– madInTheBox
How To Clean Dirty Clothes
"Using a washing machine and dryer."
– SamuraiJack815
The Neglected Step
"Laundry, especially emptying the dryer lint. So many places I’ve stayed had 'bad driers' that were packed full of lint! How these people did not start a fire is amazing."
– babybaloneyfriend
Being Self-Reliant
"So thankful for my dad, who grew up dirt-poor but had really made something of himself by the time I was in middle school."
"He ingrained in us that no matter how well we succeeded financially in life, we always needed to know how to do things ourselves, even if just not to get scammed by folks we’d hire to do things for us. As long as I’m physically able, I’d rather DIY just for the learning experience. Except major plumbing and electrical. I’m not that egotistical. Haha."
– ThatSpot0701
How To Clean The Floor
"Mopping/sweeping."
– ThatGuyWithThatFace_
"The best tip I can impart for mopping floors is to use two buckets. One with hot water and the other with hot water and cleaning product. Use the hot clean water to rinse the mop before drinking (dunking) it in the bucket with cleaning product."
"That way you can dump and refill the hot water as it gets filthy without losing cleaning product and without smearing the dirt back on the floor."
– arjo_reich
The Strangest 'Wrong Number' Stories | George Takei’s Oh Myyy
Before we all had caller ID, wrong numbers phone calls were commonplace. But now that almost everyone screens their calls, it's wrong number texts that have ...Some people are seriously apprehensive about learning how to use certain electronic equipment.
Intimidating Equipment
"I had a friend who grew up with maids. He was 18 and gay and his family kicked him out. So he got this tiny little run down studio apartment in Los Feliz. He was super proud of it, and invited me to see it. He was using candles to light it when I got there (maybe to save money? Maybe to hide the blemishes?) and had left an ashtray on the floor, which I accidentally kicked and got (cold) ashes all over his carpet."
"He freaked the f'k out. 'What do I do? How am I going to clean that?!'”
“'With a vacuum?' I replied, confused as to why this was a mystery."
"He didn’t have one, so he went to ask the building manager if there was one he could borrow; which there was."
"He pulls this standard upright vacuum into the middle of the room and then stares at it. After a few seconds wondering what he was doing I asked 'do you not know how to use a vacuum?'”
“No, you have to understand, we always had maids, I never even made a bed before last week.”
"So I plug it in, turn it on, and take it a couple times back and forth across part of the carpet."
"Then like a child with the Fisher-Price popper vacuum he went to work. He was over the moon excited. 25 years later it’s a favorite memory of that person."
– moistpup
Computers
"It's still pretty amazing watching how some people use their phones and computers. Like you could give some leeway in the 90s and earlier, computers back then were fairly complicated for a lot of functions."
"But after 30+ years of design refinements to make them about as easy to use as possible, plenty of people, including younger people, interact with them as if they're afraid it will get mad at them personally if they mess up."
– iuytrefdgh436yujhe2
When Everything Is Available At Your Fingertips
"Being able and willing to figure stuff out. A lot of basic skills aren't that complicated. And in this day, if it is complicated, the internet almost certainly has dozens, hundreds, or more, tutorials."
"Quitting because 'I don't know how' should not be the answer. I wish more were taught to figure things out, or seek the help/answers to get it done."
– naphomci
When it comes to hygiene, some people just stink.
Getting The Stank Eye
"This is a big problem."
"My parents didn't teach me good hygiene. I stank all the time and it's not something people will tell you about. They will complain to people around you."
"My wife taught me better hygiene and it has changed my life. I'm doing much better professionally and random strangers are no longer mean to me seemingly for no reason."
"I wish there was a good resource I could refer my stinky friends to so they could learn about it."
The Talk With The Manager
"A new woman had started at our company. She stank, and her manager found out when co-workers were doing the middle school mean girl sh*t to her."
"Manager stepped in and took the woman aside to discuss. Turns out that this woman's parents told her never to wash her vagina but failed to explain that she still needed to wash the vulva and area around there."
"She also put a stop to the gossip and whispering. One of the best managers I ever worked with."
– SJExit4
A Rejected Solution
"When I was in management, we had a lady that smelled horrifically like dirty crotch. I spoke to a few others in management and another woman there who was friends with the stinky lady, we got together and figured out she had no way of washing her clothes. So we got together and not only got her a washer and dryer, but picked it up for her and delivered it."
"She still refused to use it because she was, she admitted, too lazy to do so. Everyone was pissed."
– jenguinaf
How To Address The Problem
"As a co-worker and as a 'lead' i've let people know they have an odor and other coworkers have mentioned it. Both thanked me."
"There were reasons for them smelling and I'm just gonna say this; Don't talk about people behind their backs. Have the decency to sit down with them and say, 'Hey, i know no one wants to hear this, but I'd rather you be a little upset with me for saying it than for me to keep my mouth shut.' Say something to that tune and they won't be AS defensive. Cuz yeah, no one wants to be told they stink."
– CaRiSsA504
Result Of Bad Parenting
"As a foster parent, it doesn't surprise me at all. Poor hygeine is so common with the children we host. Bad parenting is never teaching your child to do basic things like washing, wiping your butt, brushing your teeth, or even just using soap in the shower. That kind of teaching requires some basic level of parents caring about their kids and taking some 5-10 minutes to just talk to their kids."
"There are so many bad parents out there, and that is so unfortunate."
– Nix-geek
I know there are some people who don't understand how to use Google maps. That just boggles my mind.
"How do you get there?" "Where is it?" "What train gets me there?" are all questions I've gotten from time to time when planning to meet up with them.
Seriously, go to any app that involves the use of a map, and a path opens up like magic.
I don't know if it's laziness to avoid relying on an app when they can get a verbal answer or if they are so intimidated by technology.
It's time to learn, because it's never too late.
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People Explain Which Things Get Way More Hate Than They Deserve
There's an old saying that, "You can't make everybody happy," and that seems true for practically anything, from people's actions to TV shows to simply having to do the laundry.
But there are certain subjects and activities that seem to get a lot more hate than they might deserve.
So much so, it's confused some people.
Curious if other people noticed the hate, Redditor StoneCT asked:
"What gets more hate than it should?"
A Small Kindness
"Smiling at others randomly or just being friendly."
"It seems that a quick smile, acknowledging someone’s presence, or saying hi is just not the thing to do anymore?!"
"Makes me kind of sad. I’m pretty introverted, but I just want to be outwardly happy out and about without being met with glares or resting b***h face."
- flapsAhoyMateys
Honoring the Inner Child
"Being an adult and liking things that are considered childish."
"People get so much hate and get told to 'grow up.' Listen, I didn’t get to enjoy my childhood. Let me enjoy things. Let me play video games. Let me watch the animation. Let me buy that Tamagotchi. It’s not hurting anyone."
- HippieWitchyWoods
Going It Alone
"Solo-traveling is freakin' liberating. Sure, I get a little lonely, but there are NO schedules and you can randomly stop if you see something even slightly interesting."
- DerpsandRags
Just Getting Some Fresh Air
"I go out by myself all the time. I’ll go for a few drinks just to get out of the house, grab a beer, sit outside to enjoy the weather."
"Occasionally I’ll run into people I know, and they try to invite me on for their night, and I’m like, 'I’m good, man, just having a few beers.'"
"And I get these, 'Ookaay? Whatever' type replies."
"Just because I’m out doesn’t mean I want to be social, I just want to be around socialization sometimes."
- turtles138
The Joy of Mocktails
"Not wanting to drink. When you tell someone that you don't drink, most of the time they act like you just told them you juggle heads in your spare time."
- yankstraveler
No Relationship
"Being single. Everybody acts like it’s the worst thing in the world, but if you are content with being on your own, it’s really not. It’s actually quite relieving to not have the responsibility of another person."
- No_Lengthiness_8069
Still at Home
"Being in your twenties or above and living at home with your parents or other family members."
- Ragnbangin
Living Childfree
"Being a millennial and wanting to live childless or childfree. For heaven's sake, just let people choose how they want to live their lives."
"Want to be childfree? Cool! Want kids? Cool!"
- obbycake
Love What You Love
"Brussels Sprouts are my favorite vegetable."
- Tall_Dark_and_Lurking
Loveable Midnight Furbabies
"Black cats are some of the cutest, most goofy kitties ever. I love them!"
- SunnyBunchy
What's with the Hate?
"Donkeys. Those poor fellas just be chillin', doing menial work, and not disturbing anybody, and for some reason, the term came to mean someone who's utterly incompetent and stupid."
- dvd25
Something Written By Hitchcock
"Crows are the best. Gotta respect an animal that'll tell its friends about you if you treat it well or f**k it over. They are just smart MF-ers."
"They'll pay you for snacks and possess an intellect on par with a seven-year-old human. Some say they rival apes."
"Clearly, the only thing stopping them is the lack of hands with opposable thumbs."
- AdmiralClover
Helping the Environment
"Nuclear energy. It's very safe, but a couple of massive disasters due to gross negligence (and also the fact that the word nuclear is involved) have given it a bad image to the point where people just assume it's dangerous and a bad idea."
"Tell you what the bad idea is, it's sticking to fossil fuels."
- WarmProfit
"Moist"
"The word 'moist.' People love to jump on the bandwagon of hating it. 20 years ago, nobody hated it, but since some people started making a scene over it, it’s become a thing and it's dumb."
- hakuna__fritata
Judgment: The Sequel
"People being found not guilty of crimes."
"Usually, before a trial people have made their mind up about a situation and think a person is guilty. So when the jury gets all the information and finds someone not guilty, people get mad at the person found not guilty and the jury."
"Do we not want a system that looks at evidence-based information before making a decision that will affect someone’s life?"
- tistick
Redditors were surprised to see some of the things that were receiving such negative attention, especially since so many of these are a person's individual choice and which don't impact other people's lives at all.
Sometimes we're in a hurry when we're getting our groceries, and in our rush, we decide the self-checkout line might be the faster option.
But frustratingly, sometimes that is not the case.
Redditor TPABolts88 asked:
"At stores in the U.S., what's so wrong with 'self-checkouts'?"
The Cost of Groceries
"The people who are clueless about self-checkout are definitely an issue, but they're not the only issue, at least to me."
"My main thing is that these self-checkouts are a money-saving measure for the store/company. But the store's/company's prices stayed the same or rose."
"If I'm doing the work that they used to pay someone to do, my grocery bill should be reduced, or at least stabilized."
- SayHiIntrepidHeroes
Not Worth It
"'Please place your item in the bagging area' about one second after I scan the item."
"The scanner scans the item two times and then has to wait for a person to come to cancel the item."
"I hate how these things work. I'm not opposed to using them when they work right and they should really be working better but they're annoying as h**l. I'd rather deal with a human."
- Illustrious-Mix9904
Unnecessary Errors
"'Please place your item in the bagging area' needs to come on like one or two seconds later than it does. It seems like ShopRite wants me to hurl everything sideways so it passes over the scanner and lands in the bagging area in a single motion."
- Muroid
Sensor Issues
"When they have over-sensitive sensors that need an employee to reset the scale after every item, and there's only one employee watching a dozen self-checkouts, it slows everyone down (Meijers was notorious for that)."
- Old-Passenger-9065
Inconsistency Woes
"For me, the biggest issue is the inconsistency store-to-store with sensitivity. One store I shop at often has zero problems with the self-checkout. Occasionally I get the 'please wait for attendant' notice, but that’s maybe one out of five times."
"The other store I go to the same amount, the self-checkout makes me question my sanity every time."
D**n_you_Fe2O3
The Adult Hokey Pokey
"You put your item in the bagging area. You take your item out of the bagging area."
"You put your item in the bagging area and you shake the self-checkout machine all about."
"You do the hokey pokey as an employee comes around. That's what it's all about!"
- TechyDad
Over It
"I straight abandoned an entire grocery cart half-scanned. It ran into some sort of an error, wanting me to put something in the bag I’d already put in the bag and wouldn’t let me move forward."
"I waited like five minutes and there was no employee anywhere to be seen. I could scan anything and it started beeping at me if I removed items to put them back in my cart."
"So I shrugged it off and said, 'f**k it,' left everything where it was, said sorry to the guy stuck in line behind me, and walked my happy a** out the door to another grocery store where I proceeded to take my items to an actual human who won’t get stuck like the computer does."
- funklab
No Technical Difficulties, Please
"I'm 100% introverted so I love them. As long as nothing goes wonky and I have to call someone over to fix something."
- iamcatfurniture
Human Error
"Sometimes when I go to use self-checkout, I end up behind someone with an entire f**king cart of groceries who very clearly is not technology-savvy in the least. They stand there looking at the thing like it just landed from Mars, look around desperately for assistance, and start mashing s**t."
"Anyway, that’s the only thing wrong with them. Stupid people. Get in line if you have 60 items and can remember a time when everyone on the same street shared the same phone number."
- tykogars
Unforgivable
"I think the issue is the customers at this point. Self-Checkouts have been a thing in most major grocery stores for almost 20 years at this point."
"If you're still incapable of following the directions on a touch screen after 20 years *you* are the problem."
"I'm tired of forgiving stupidity."
- Ohgood9002
New Self-Scan Options
"Sam's Club in the US has a phone scan option. I love it. I scan as I go, I can see my running total so I know if I'm over budget and I check out as I'm walking to the front. They have one or two people checking every person on the way out."
"Most of the time I don't mind self-checkout, but when I have a lot of stuff (ie weekly grocery trip) it doesn't make sense. When there are no regular lanes even open and people are forced to do big runs via self-checkout, that's when it's annoying."
"Now, at fast food places, I think it's dumb. My orders get screwed up enough as it is. If I'm going to put the order in and check out on my own, I'd rather go make the food too so I KNOW it's right!"
- Dizzy149
Senior Citizens
"I think of lonely senior citizens whose only interaction might be at the checkout. My aunt was a cashier and she made it her business to chat up anyone who wanted to when she retired, there were so many people who told her they would miss talking to someone."
"I read on Reddit a while ago that in the Netherlands, they instituted 'slow' lines to address this, which warms my cold, under-insured American heart."
- TheGreenBeagle
Profiting Who?
"They're meant to replace jobs. These large companies don't want to continue paying employees to scan and bag your items, they want you to do it for free instead. It's all about profits at the expense of low-wage workers."
- Ounceofwhiskey
Always Faster
"There's nothing wrong with them. I get through self-checkout 10x faster doing it myself, no matter how much I have."
- B0rtles
Me Time
"I don't want to wait for someone to scan and bag my stuff anyway, I enjoy having the option of doing it myself. In and out of the grocery store, no muss no fuss, no questions, no asking for donations, etc."
- BakuTheMooneater
Though most people now utilize the self-checkout lines, they seem to have an endless supply of concerns about them.
From technical errors to human errors, they may not always be the time-saving machines major companies insisted they were.
Some of the best comedians of all time have passed through the doors of Saturday Night Live over at New York's Rockefeller Plaza, and many of them have gone on to achieve superstardom.
Some of the comic legends of the 1970s include Dan Aykroyd, John Belushi, Gilda Radner, and Chevy Chase, while the 80s saw Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Eddie Murphy.
Cast members making star turns today include Kate McKinnon, Pete Davidson, and recently exited actress, Cecily Strong.
With so many greats that have made millions laugh over the years, people have their wide-ranging favorites.
Curious to hear from fans online, Redditor Nickster1619 asked:
"Who is the best SNL cast member of all time?"
Repertory cast members from earlier seasons get a shout-out.
Known For Eugene–The Anal Retentive Chef
"Quite possible! It's Phil Hartman."
– Jaoxpax
The Larry King And Burt Reynolds Impersonator
"Idk about the best, but Norm McDonald was always my favorite."
– Burgerpocolypse
Memorable Sketch
"Norm did a skit where he played a police sketch artist who wasn't any good at eyes or hair so everybody had a giant hat and sunglasses. It was a rip on the Unabomber sketch with the hood, bandana and glasses. It was so dry and hilarious."
– tuenthe463
Best Weekend Update Host
"Norm was by far the best weekend update. No question. Seth Meyers and Tina Fey were second. I'm a big fan of Michael Che because I've been following him since he was doing stand-up. Who else? Dennis Miller, meh. Collin Quinn, I like the guy but he wasn't my favorite weekend update by a long shot. Norm was the perfect person for that gig."
– arcaneresistance
The "Beverly Hills Cop" Star
"Eddie Murphy. He carried the show when he was on it, and it probably would have been cancelled if he wasn’t there to do so."
– ovid10
Iconic Characters
"Seconding! Murphy was at a career peak during his time with the show, and his characters - Gumby, Mr. Robinson, Buckwheat - were iconic."
– Brilliant_Tourist400
The Church Lady
"Dana Carvey was incredible in his time."
– Iwannascream2
The 2000s boasted these greats.
Now Starring In "Barry"
"Bill Hader"
"I dont really watch a lot of SNL so my knowledge is limited. He just always appeared to be having a really good time on the show and he's one of the ones who could make me laugh sometimes."
– adios-b*tchachos
The Giggles
"I loved it when he’d get the giggles at something he was going to say and he couldn’t deliver it because of his laughter. That was as good as the joke."
– opossumonmyporch
Love To The Ladies
"Gotta send love to my ladies, it’s Tina Fey for me. Amy Poehler is also a goddess but I don’t remember her as much until Parks and Rec. Also Kenan Thompson? He had such a long run!"
– __nothankyou__
Kiss Me, Kate
"Kate McKinnon. She is the most versatile cast member of modern times."
– Guest8782
Longtime Cast Member
"Gotta give some love to Kenan. He is often the center and driver of the sketches. So consistent and has been there so long now."
– Naes422
No one made me crack up harder than the great comedy legend, Gilda Radner.
In 1975, the SNL alum was one of the original "Not Ready for Prime Time Players"–the freshman cast of the show's first season.
A character of hers I'll never forget was the know-it-all Weekend Update advice expert, Roseanne Roseannadanna. YouTube clips of her hilarious turn as the wacky consumer affairs reporter show her comedic timing and delivery brilliance.
Unfortunately, Radner left us too soon in 1989 having died from ovarian cancer. She was 42.
As Forrest Gump famously quipped "stupid is as stupid does".
Forrest was right, as far too many people judged him by purely looking at him, which should not have been indicative of his, or anyone's, overall intelligence.
Even so, we've likely all been guilty of judging someone's intelligence based on a first impression.
Likely owing to something outrageous they said or did.
"What makes you instantly question someone's intelligence?"
One Shouldn't Always Be So Confident...
"Being confidently ignorant."- Tattooed-Tango
amanda tanen catwalk GIF by HULUGiphyLearning Is An Eternal Gift
"An unwillingness to learn new things."- Electrical-Bid-9577
Don't Be Fooled...
"Interest in a pyramid scheme."- GameCox
"When people are really into a MLM scheme."
"I’m not taking about 'I’m a bored house wife so I decided to start selling makeup, leggings, whatever it may be, because I’m bored and this gives me something to do'.”
"I’m talking about the people who consider it their career and are huge into the Boss Babe lifestyle."- Milehighcarson
Talking Season 3 GIF by The SimpsonsGiphySpreading Garbage
"When they post one of those things on Facebook saying 'only a few will share!' or when they comment on one of those clickbait 'God has a blessing for you today say amen!' posts."- se7ensquared·
Do You Even Know What I'm Saying?
"Arguing without listening."- dezx156
"Talks a lot and never listens."- BaronVonOstrich
angry daffy duck GIF by Looney TunesGiphyAnd Now For Something Completely Different
"When you prove your point in a discussion and the other person explains that it doesn’t even matter because their REAL point is something that’s an off-shoot of that subject in a 'gotcha!' manner."- No-Mud-5854
Loud Is Almost Never Right
"People who can only argue by raising their voice."- malkumecks
They Have No Idea What They're Missing
"Active hostility to books (as opposed to simply not reading them)."- Manganela
"Being proud of never having read a book."- peppermintcreams
Nice Try
"When they repeat a certain statement word for word I get the impression that they memorized something to sound more intelligent than they are."- Armedes369
Talking Nigel Thornberry GIFGiphyHow Much Proof Do They Need?
"They aren't open to changing their beliefs when given new information."- Pretengineer_825
What Are They Trying To Prove?
"Oddly enough, when they try and tell me their IQ."- manwithoutcountry
It is often the people who try to prove how smart they are who end up doing just the opposite.
A truly intelligent person would know better than to do that.