People Who've Made A Huge Life Decision Based On Advice From The Internet Describe How It Went
The internet isn't always a toxic place full of unkindness that draws its strength from the cloak of anonymity. Sometimes it's a crowd-sourced trove of helpful information about highly specialized subjects.
Sure, research happens on the internet. But other information abounds, too. More general, anecdotal life advice crops up every now and then.
And some people really take that guidance to heart. They apply anonymous strangers' guiding words and experiences to their real life issues. Of course, sometimes the guidance turns out to be ill-advised.
But many are filled with gratitude after acting on internet guidance. One Reddit thread collected the satisfied anecdotes of life-changing internet advice.
omgitsthefranchise asked, "People who made a huge life decision based on Reddit advice, how did it go?"
A Helpful Push to Seek Help
"I sought therapy for my ED (eating disorder) years ago on advice from r/loseit and I'm feeling pretty great!"
"Wayyy healthier mentally and I eat normally now."
"Thanks Reddit for telling me it wasn't normal to cry about whether or not to drink a glass of water."
Just Good Old Fashioned Practical Info
"It's not as huge as some of the others here, but I bought my car based on advice from Reddit. I don't know anything about cars, but I had a budget and I knew what I wanted out of the car."
"Some nice folks on Reddit gave me a few options and some feedback on some Craigslist posts I found, and I got a really nice used Honda Accord that I love."
-- Mononon
Nothing to Regret, at Least
"Maybe not a HUGE life decision, but I followed advice on the dating subreddit and took the first step to asking a girl out. Turns out I can't read signals and she was not interested at all."
"At least I did something though?"
-- Murricath
Paradigm Shift
"Saw some advice along the lines of 'If you're trying to meet new people say yes to things you might not usually say yes to.' I had just moved to a new city for school and a guy asked me to form a study group with him, so I said yes."
"Then he asked me out to lunch, I didn't know him that well and normally would have said no but you know where this is going, I said yes to that too."
"We ended up hanging out more and became good friends over the rest of year. Now we live together and have been dating for 5 years, all because I agreed to go eat a sandwich with him. Cant imagine my life without him."
"We still go eat at that sandwich shop sometimes and reminisce."
-- Indigo_Birb
From Beer and Pizza to Full Time
"I started writing erotica five years ago for beer and pizza money after seeing someone talking about it on an AskReddit thread. I've been writing full time, though no more erotica, since early 2015."
"That thread gave me the kick I needed to start doing writing that made money and helped me transition to doing it full time."
-- daecrist
For Those Newbie Blind Spots
"In moving to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, one Redditor told to me watch out for the 'Pittsburgh Left'-- this is basically when a person makes a really fast left turn against oncoming traffic."
"Truly solid advice. I'm still alive today after 3 years here. That said, I truly loathe this place -- especially its drivers."
-- beebiebr0x
The Beginning of a New Life
"5 years ago I had the courage to click on a link explaining the truth about Jehovah Witnesses. I was able to realize I was raised in a cult, left, and started my life."
"Publicly quit the religion, was announced excommunicated, lost all my friends, most of my family (4 of us left at same time tho!) But it was the best decision of my life and completely changed everything. From my city, job, sexuality, politics, and view of the world."
"So yeah, I always joke that Reddit kinda saved my life."
Entertaining New Ideas
" I started a job dogsitting on the side through a dogsitting website after I saw people on Reddit talking about how great it is and posting videos of the dogs they had taken care of."
"I love dogs and was looking for extra money (and I had some experience), so I signed up and ended up making thousands of dollars over the few years I was active on the site! But the best part was spending time with tons of adorable dogs, meeting new people, and making great memories."
"I wouldn't have known about it if I didn't stumble across the opportunity on Reddit, so it was a surprising and 100% positive experience."
Close One
"I was planning on buying an engagement ring with a precious gemstone. I had picked out the stone and setting from a big name internet website. I turned to reddit and asked for advice and opinions in a couple jewelery and engagement ring subs."
"I was contacted by numerous redditors. I was informed that the gem was garbage, the color was not uniform, the cuts on the stone were horrid and it was all overpriced. I actually was referred to a online gem site. I picked out a really quality sky blue sapphire."
"A fellow redditor was able to custom fabricate the exact ring my now fiance wanted. This was the most expensive thing I've ever bought (outside of a car) and I was so thankful for the advice of this community."
-- speddullk
Accepting the Truth
"I left my dead bedroom marriage after reading posts on that sub."
"The best advice I saw was 'There's always going to be an excuse not to leave. First it's because you live together. Then it's because you're married. Then it's because you have kids. You just become more and more intertwined until you feel like you literally can't leave. There's never a right time, but that doesn't mean it's not the right choice.'"
"It was exactly what I needed to read to leave my marriage. Best decision I've ever made."
Strangers' Words of Affirmation
"Maybe not a huge decision but the the support I've received from Reddit for my art has been astounding and life changing for me. I'm still working on getting prints made to sell( virus has made things a bit difficult) but the fact that people want to buy my work is mind blowing."
"I've never been good at anything in my life and without Reddit, I would still think I'm not really good at anything."
-- Coder-Cat
The Push to Share
"It went really well! Someone recommended opening up to people and so far I'm really happy that I've chosen to do so!"
"While this definitely doesn't apply to everyone, people seem to be happier to help each other than others might think. It's helped me take a much less cynical view of the world and has helped me feel more like we're in this together"
Some Judgement, More Concrete Advice
"I quit a toxic job during this bad economy and totally panicked and looked to reddit. Some told me that was stupid because we were hitting a recession and some were very supportive. But most gave me great tips for looking for a new job and I took their advice."
"2 weeks later I was offered 2 jobs and a week later I picked one. And I'm happy."
-- jazo_raptor
Someone Who Had the Details
"I did AmeriCorps because of a comment. I messaged the user and they were the tipping point in my decision to volunteer for a position that was a 19 hour away drive. It worked out great because one of my sites liked me enough to hire me full time."
"Now, it's mostly online but it's still going great."
The Discovery of Tone
"Not really advice but more the interactions."
"I use to be quite judgement online and quick to insult. Simple interactions with some decent people made me realise that I was acting poorly. I would like to think I'm more polite now."
"Applying this in my real life as well, it's hard breaking habits but it's getting a lot better and it's made my life easier, less conflicts and more results."
-- Cryovat321
Communication Growing Pains
"I've been married for 20 years and together with my husband for 25. With info from relationship advice and the Ask Men section, I've learned over the long whiles a better way to communicate with my husband."
"Nothing big, it is just that I've learned to read his cues better and how to change how I react to things that used to enrage me. I am now very clear on why things upset me instead of assuming he already knows, for example."
-- Handbag_Lady
A Life-Saving List
"The time reddit got me out of depression, some person gave my 10 things to do and I did them and I have to admit I might now be here unscathed without them."
"If that person sees this thank you, really helped me out and now I get to be the one helping others out of their problems in life."
-- Hutch25
Help to See What was Always There
"Uhh I found out I'm transgender, it answered a few questions and raised so many more" -- dictatortahtz
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Adulthood has been pretty nice, I have to admit. I quite like it. But it isn't always easy and some lessons are more difficult to learn than others.
It's so important to learn how to budget, for instance, because being an adult can get expensive. Between rent, food, utilities, and other odds and ends, you'd be shocked how quickly money flies out the window. Understanding this (and keeping an eye on your finances) pays dividends in the long run.
But that's also assuming things go well or smoothly – unexpected expenses arise and those come with their own consequences.
People shared their thoughts after Redditor FrequentPilot5243 asked the online community,
"What is an adult problem no one prepared you for?"
"All your young life..."
"Lack of purpose. All your young life you are given a purpose of passing exams and learning, then all of a sudden you are thrown into the world and told to find your own meaning."
Captain_Snow
There is something to be said about how much of childhood was demarcated by time. You lose those markers as an adult and that can be a big shock.
"You can stay up..."
"You can stay up as late as you want. But you shouldn't."
geekfit
Yep, better not do that on a work day. You'll regret it, trust me.
"I didn't know..."
"I didn't know that other adults have the emotional intelligence of teenagers and it's almost impossible to deal with logically."
SuperProgress6386
Try working customer service sometime. You'll deal with these people all the time. I don't miss those days.
"No one really talks about..."
"Almost all of your friends won't be life long. No one really talks about how common it is to lose touch with people or grow apart. Most of your life will be spent either making new friends while losing old ones or being alone."
EmotionalTale1044
This is true and we all go through it. I have already gone through it several times.
"Being able to do..."
"Being able to do so many things because I'm an adult but too tired to do any of them."
London82
It's amazing how much having to work sucks all your time and energy from you.
"You are held to account..."
"You are held to account for bad behaviour for which you are negligent even if you had no intention to cause harm. As a lawyer, I see this all the time. People don't think they're responsible for mistakes. You are."
grishamlaw
This is a big lesson to learn and it's probably important to teach young children that they don't get away with their mistakes so easily.
"The intricacies..."
"The intricacies of workplace politics."
Steve_Lobsen
This is a big one and can be a big culture shock the first time you start working. Not understanding workplace politics can make your life more complicated than you'd like.
"Figuring out..."
"Figuring out what makes you happy. Everyone keeps trying to get you to do things you're good at, or that makes you money, but never to pursue what you enjoy."
eternalwanderer5
Unfortunately, so many of the things that bring people joy aren't necessarily the things that will make them money, and that really gets to the heart of unjust our system can be.
"I always thought..."
"One adult problem nobody prepared me for is how expensive everything is. I always thought that as an adult I would be able to afford the things I wanted, but it turns out that's not always the case! I've had to learn how to budget and save up for the things I want, and it's been a difficult process."
DullDog8126
Learning how to budget properly is a valuable lesson. Those who don't learn it have a hell of a time as adults. It's harder than it looks.
"You may have heard..."
"You may have heard from your older relatives that when you get older, it'll be your turn to take care of them. You never really understand just how much it takes until you're in that position."
WanderingGenesis
As someone who has done it, it was perhaps the most difficult thing i have ever done – and there was little, if any, support. It's a big wake up call.
No one ever said life is easy. Hopefully learning, accepting, and anticipating some of these struggles will make your life easier.
Have some thoughts of your own? Feel free to tell us more in the comments below!
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Countless men and women think hands and forearms are the sexiest part of a man, which is why many people are over the moon about the sight of a man in a button-down with rolled-up sleeves.
There's just something about it, isn't there? You're thinking about it right now, aren't you?
If you've not a single clue what people are attracted to, then have a look. You'll be surprised some rolled up sleeves, form-fitting T-shirts, and a well-tailored suit can take you.
People shared their thoughts with us after Redditor [deleted] asked the online community,
"What is the sexiest thing a man can wear?"
"Especially in combination..."
"A properly tailored suit. So hot, even on average or below average looking men. Especially in combination with good general hygiene and a nice aftershave."
EconomyVanilla67
Then it sounds like you'd have a great time walking down Wall Street anytime before 5 p.m.
"My boyfriend has..."
"My boyfriend has an old green T-shirt that's barely too small but it makes his shoulders and pecs and back look SO good and it slims down his stomach. So... old T-shirts that contour their bodies well."
serial_heartbreakee
Ah yes, the form fitting T-shirt. Baggy ones have their place, sure, but the form fitting T-shirt is truly something.
"I'm a guy..."
"I’m a guy and while I’m not endorsing it, I’ve gotten the most drenching levels of thirst from both men and women while wearing a Spiderman suit. Fellas, do with this info as you see fit."
Maquina90
So what you're saying is you're the only person in a Spider-Man outfit who can get a date while heckling people in the middle of Times Square.
"I like when they know..."
"A little bit of stubble. I like when they know they don’t have to be clean cut or put together to be fine."
chubbygoodgirl
Clean shaven isn't for me. Stubble definitely has its place!
"If my husband..."
"If my husband, who is 50 and not considered fashionable, ever went back to his younger metalhead days and wore tighter jeans and Doc Marten boots I'd sit on his face so fast."
SeraphoftheDark
I mean... you could tell him. Would probably do wonders for your sex life.
"In public..."
"In public, a tight, but not too tight, somewhat stretchy shirt. Gives a subtle hint to what's underneath. In private, a pair of boxer briefs exhibiting the same characteristics as the shirt above is also hella sexy."
BellaDingDong
Again, some love for the form-fitting T-shirt! And form-fitting underwear is great, too!
"Anything that tells me..."
"Anything that tells me about him or what he’s into. A T-shirt with a video game he likes, a rock band, Hell, even anime. I like men that aren’t afraid to let their personality come through in their clothes. And if you’re not into music or games? I like a nice flannel."
Sobadatsnazzynames
It sounds like you definitely appreciate some personality and that's sweet!
"A nice trenchcoat..."
"A nice trenchcoat, some sick goggles, a devilish grin, and four massive metal arms protruding from his back."
SWEGDovahkin
So it sounds to me like you're really attracted to Alfred Molina as Dr. Octopus. You've seen Spider-Man 2 and No Way Home countless times, haven't you?
"I made out hard..."
"COLOGNE!!! I made out hard with a dude I was not even remotely attracted to whatsoever for an entire summer just because he SMELLED SO DAMN GOOD!!! And bonus points to him for never telling me the name of it. Seriously boys, find your scent!"
SweeTNtasty
Whhhhhhoa. Tell us how you REALLY feel while you're at it.
"I love..."
"I love baggy black hoodies. It’s so simple but so attractive on anyone."
Jacksparrowscompass
Well, it sounds like that works... for you.
That's good.
Well, guys. You know what to do.
Time to get yourselves some well-tailored suits, some form-fitting T-shirts and at least a pair of Doc Martens while you're at it.
Have some suggestions of your own? Feel free to tell us more in the comments below!
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We live in the stories of our family that came before us.
Unfortunately, social media and a constant stream of digital records did not exist in the time of either of the Great Wars.
Can you imagine a selfie taken from the trenches or from storming the beaches of Normandy?
Just because we can't see it, though, doesn't mean we haven't heard the tales, been swept away in the stories, the details, of one of the most horrific and heroic times in our collective history.
Because some of our family were there, and they told us about it.
Reddit user, AdInteresting3335, wanted to hear stories from the most harrowing time in history when they asked:
"Did anyone have stories from WW1 or WW2 passed down to them if so what’s the story?"
It's war, right?
Of course most of the stories are going to be tragic tales of loss and fear.
A True Hero
"One grandfather earned a Purple Heart during WWI because he went out out alone under heavy shelling to flag down an ambulance for his buddies. The physician who later treated him at the field hospital said his own leg was torn up so badly he shouldn't have been able to take 10 steps on it."
"Ultimately he didn't save any lives, though. And the ambulance got shelled too--killing the entire ambulance crew. He was the sole survivor."
doublestitch
"I can’t imagine being the sole survivor of all of my buddies, PLUS the dudes you were calling for help. Wow."
bananabugs
Too Young, Too Much To See
"My grandfather was in the US Navy in the Pacific during WW2. My mom would tell me about how when she was a kid he'd used to get really drunk and tell disturbing, graphically detailed stories about all the horrific sh-t he witnessed during the war. Stories about friends drowning or getting burned to death in raging fires, the terror caused by incoming kamikazes, etc."
"My mom was like, 8 or 9 years old at the time and being subjected to that understandably messed her up a bit. I never worked up the nerve to ask my grandfather about his experiences directly since it was obviously so traumatic for him. He eventually died due to complications from Parkinson's disease as well as being an alcoholic for decades."
"I sometimes wonder how different his life might have been if he hadn't enlisted as a fresh faced 17 year old. Given the timing, he might have been able to avoid getting drafted and stay out of the war entirely. Shoulda coulda woulda, I guess."
Prank_Owl
Stuff Stays With You Forever
"Completely different war, but my mom's father's father, so my great grandpa on my mother's side, was in WW1. Apparently, once a year or so he'd just sit in a rocking chair for several days on end falling apart and crying, wouldn't talk or move or eat, and my great-grandmother would just put a blanket on his lap and sigh and say he's thinking about the war and he'd be ok in a few days."
"This sh-t was so common ... Is still so common..... I'm glad it's less shameful and more people can get help these days."
WoodyAlanDershodick
Let's brighten things up past the typical doom and gloom.
What are some of the more outlandish stories from being in the war?
Out Before It Even Started
"My Grandpa's only WW2 story involves him arriving in France and proceeding to trip over a small hole in the ground and break his ankle on his first day there. It never healed right and he was sent back to the states. Walked with a cane for the rest of his life."
Herogamer555
"Don't take this the wrong way but he's a lucky man"
Python_PY
That Magic Of The Chocolate
"I've posted this a few times before, but my grandpa was a child on a farm in Germany during WWII."
"On of my favorites was while a bunch of allies were traveling by. A group of Americans broke off and came up to the farmhouse. Through the language barrier his family figured out they were asking for milk. They get some and hand it over never expecting to see it again."
"The Americans take it and kind of stand around for a bit. After a while they bring it back up and manage to convince all the kids to come up. They split it out the drink they made to all the kids."
"Turns they made chocolate milk."
"I doubt this is the only reason my grandpa moved to the US, but I suspect its part of it."
SteevyT
Secret Families And Secret Chickens
"While I have have several family members who died in action, here are the more interesting stories. My great grandparents (with 7 children) were living in Russia under nazi occupation, hiding a Jewish woman in their cellar. Their neighbors knew about it but none of them snitched. The entire family would’ve been gunned down if they did."
"Also, a bomb once fell on their house but everyone survived although my great grandfather was severely injured. Great grandma secretly raised a chicken for him to eat for his injury, as they were starving because the Nazis were raiding the villages for food. On one such raid, she denied having any food but they heard the chicken clucking. That’s probably the nearest the family got to being shot."
Ok-Armadillo-1171
You don't know what happens in the heat of war, in the midst of chaos and bloodshed, but you know that decisions have to be made, choices must be followed up on, and some people earn the title of "The Greatest Generation."
Wait For It...
"My grandfather was one of the soldiers that stormed the beaches of Normandy. I didn't hear about that particular portion of his story, but i do know that he was under fire and jumped into the trench only to land on a dead soldiers body. The corpse still smelled of a cologne called 'Evening in Paris' and when grandpa came home to the states he couldn't stand the smell of Evening in Paris - it caused severe ptsd flash backs for him."
"I wish i knew more of his story but he's been missing over 20 years now and is presumed dead."
Objective_Ranger_587
You Kept Items From The Men On The Front Line?
"My great grandfather was in the trenches of WWI. His wife sewed him a coat because, well, trench warfare. The salvation army was running a program where they would get care packages from the states to soldiers in the war, so she handed the coat over to them to get to her husband."
"A month later she saw some admin from the salvation army walking around wearing the coat. He called her a liar when she said she made the coat for her husband, at least up until the policeman overseeing the argument was convinced to cut a seam to reveal the letter and hidden money she sewed into the lining."
"The salvation army also charged my great grandpa for hot coffee while the red cross gave it to the soldiers for free."
"Yeah, my family doesn't donate to the salvation army."
Astramancer_
See? This Guy Gets It.
"Great Grandfather earned his commission during the Battle of Flers–Courcelette. He was company Sergeant Major 25th CEF. During the battle his Major and platoon commanders were either wounded or killed. He took charge of the company and after storming and taking the village he continued to lead his men until another hundred yards of German trenches were captured and held for two days and two nights. He fought at Ypres and The Somme and several other battles during WW1. (I have his uniform, medals, walking stick, battle field maps, field binoculars, photos etc)"
Errol-Flynns-Ghost
It's been over a hundred years since the first World War meaning those stories are all now coming secondhand.
The farther we get, the fewer stories we'll hear firsthand from those who were there in WWII.
Listen, if you get the chance.
It's a gift.
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People Describe The One Quality That Makes Someone Instantly Interesting
What is it about someone that captivates you instantly?
Could it be the twinkle in their eye as they talk about their passions? Or perhaps its their overwhelming sense of humor that draws in everyone in the room?
Whatever it might be, everyone has that one trait, that one quality, that can make them instantly interesting to someone listening nearby.
Reddit user, _GreyX, wanted to know what snags your attention in someone when they asked:
"What's one thing which makes someone interesting to you instantly?"
It doesn't even have to make sense why that person is interesting to you.
If they're only funny to you, and no one else, doesn't matter.
You'll sit, listening to them, for as long as you can.
Make Me Laugh
"Sense of humour"
Full_Throttle33
"I have entire relationships that are built on mutual humor. Sincere humor is the best, when someone can be their full selves with you - serious moments are appreciated and occur but our love language with one another is our ability to laugh together."
pnwstep
You've Seen Things Others Haven't
"If they have traveled outside their home country or have lived/are living outside the home country."
sqdot
"As someone who spent the last 15 years outside my home country, this is normal for me, or that they’ve learned a second language.(I have too just not always the language of my host country)."
Mixedstereotype
Math And Numbers All The Way
- "If they're interested in math I instantly love them. Haven't met anyone tho"
- "Funny sarcasm a bit situational, but if someone is good at using sarcasm in a gunny way I want to be they're friend."
Totally Got Into A Fight With A Bear
"Facial scars, and not ones done intentionally. If you got a big ol scar on your face, you've seen some sh-t, and I am dying to hear about it."
The_Patriot
"I have a fairly prominent scar close to my eye that I got from walking into the corner of a table as a 2yo."
"Can't say I've seen sh-t, but I sure as sh-t didn't see that table."
qnrd
Conversations are tricky to navigate, especially when you think you'll do nothing but bring the group chat down.
That's why when someone perks their ears up to give you the floor, it's intriguing.
Let's Talk TOGETHER
"They draw people into the conversation by finding topics of mutual interest."
Back2Bach
"A great tip for doing this is to abandon any embarrassment at knowing nothing about someone's passion. Instead of trying to change the subject or staying quiet, ask the basic questions that come to mind."
"You'll find there are two types of people - those who delight in explaining why they're so passionate to you in a way that makes their passion practically contagious and those who can't be bothered making an effort. The first group are the ones you want to talk to anyway, as they not only match the effort you made but make it effortless for both parties."
texanarob
Take Your Time. I'll Listen.
"People who can find the sentence through all the stuttering I do and are actually interested to chat for an undetermined amount of time"
thiccccpotato420
"Hang in there buddy! It's a shame how society treats people who stutter! I'm a speech therapist and the biggest problem for my patients isn't the stuttering, but the inability of other people to just take a little bit more time and let them finish their sentences on their own time"
pugglik
Or Maybe We Don't Need To Talk At All
"Ability to enjoy and appreciate comfortable silences without having the need to constantly talk."
howwouldiknow
"Seriously."
"Nothing's more annoying than someone who constantly talks just to fill the air."
Sweet_Taurus0728
You don't know why, you just know how it feels.
It's a gut thing, deep down inside, that lets you know this person is something special.
Let It Out
"Passion. Doesn't matter about what, they could be passionate about installing toilets and I'd listen to them. I find it infectious."
Confident-Fee-6593
"YES fully f-cking agree. My friends always apologize when they go on about something I’m not into/haven’t even heard of, but I could listen to it for hours. Just hearing the excitement in their voice and seeing their eyes light up just soothes my soul."
hi_j1nx
"They’re not afraid to like things. I’m so bored of people whose personality is based around not liking things or being too cool for things. Coming from someone who used to be extremely cynical — cynicism is boring."
nineelevenairways
Eyes That Make You Feel
"Their eyes. Some people have very kind eyes and I’m extremely attracted to that."
snarfymcsnarfface
"Omg this. So far I’ve only met one person with really kind eyes and there was a time when I was in bed just crying about it cause whenever he looks at me it’s like all the mistakes I’ve made in my life doesn’t matter"
WittyRich
Speak Your Truths
"Honesty. Even at their own expense. Extremely attractive trait in friends or significant others."
Detharal
"Double this. It comes down to being able to accept wrong and being unafraid to open themselves up to judgment, criticism, and consequences of action, which is a huuuige display of strength, and == hot. Dishonesty is insecurity at best, malice at worst."
acidnbass
Trust your gut.
You never know what kind of fascinating individuals you'll be lucky enough to interact with.
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