People Share The Hardest Metaphorical Pill They've Ever Had To Swallow
Life is full of hard lessons. Whether it's how to manage friendships and expectations of other people, or realizing that even if you do your best, things don't always work out. That's okay - what's really important is embracing the challenges and focusing on your strengths.
Liteboyy asked: What's the hardest metaphorical pill you've had to swallow?
Submissions have been edited for clarity, context, and profanity.
10. Friendships don't always revolve around just you.
Sometimes your friends don't consider themselves as close to you as you do to them. The hard pill: This doesn't make them a bad friend, it just means that everyone has their own social network and you can't always be at the center of everyone's.
This didn't affect me as much as I thought it would but I've seen it really hurt some other friends of mine.
I got married last year. I've been saying for years that even though the guy who was my Best Man was pretty much a lock for the position (since we've been friends for almost 20 years now), if he ever gets married I already know who his Best Man will be and it's not me.
The guy who was my runner up for the position is getting married next month and I'm not even in the wedding party.
It can be hard to face the fact that your best friend may not see you as their best friend, but understanding empathy and realizing that everybody has their own lives is an important skill to have in order to ground yourself and keep yourself from being a narcissistic dickhead.
I'm only 20 and nowhere near getting married, but sometimes I just like to imagine my wedding party for shits and giggles. There's 2 people that currently have a spot locked on: a close friend who I've known literally my entire life because our parents are best friends, and a guy who I've known for less than two years but in that time span he's pretty much become an older brother to me. Life is crazy.
9. It's possible to like bad people.
Just cause you like someone doesn't make them not a sh*tty person.
Also, just because someone is a sh*tty person doesn't mean no one will like them.
And just because someone doesn't like you that doesn't mean they're a sh*tty person
8. Necessity is the mother of invention.
No matter how wrong someone is or how painfully obvious a solution to one of their problems is to you, sometimes they have to figure it out on their own and there's nothing you can do to change that.
Having a kid taught me this. I can tell her the stove is hot, but it has to be experienced anyway. Same with, certain things are sharp. No matter how I explain it, or even try to show her, she'll end up testing it.
No matter how I explain it, or even try to show her, she'll end up testing it.
"Show her" how? Like getting her hand close to the heat to show that it would hurt to touch it? I'm wondering what's the best way to go about teaching her that.
7. We aren't all a match.
You're not meant for some people like some people aren't meant for you.
"One day, when you are 14, 28 or 65, you will stumble upon someone who will start a fire in you that cannot die.
However, the saddest, most awful truth you will ever come to find –– is they are not always with whom we spend our lives."
Beau Taplin
6. Gotta roll with it.
Super simple but...some things aren't just meant to be. A relationship, job, whatever. It's not lack of trying or wanting. It's just how she goes, bubs. The f*cking way she goes.
And sometimes you end up prostituting yourself for cheeseburgers. Way she goes.
5. Perfection is not a reasonable expectation.
Sometimes trying my best is not enough.
It is possible to commit no mistakes and still lose. That is not failure; that is life.
Jean-Luc Picard
Inversely, I often fool myself into thinking I'm trying my hardest when I'm not.
4. Self-reflection is undervalued.
Sometimes I'M the problem. I'M the one who needs to chill out and back away from the situation.
Edit: holy crap I leave reddit for one day and my inbox has exploded. Obligatory thanks for the gold and silver!
So many people live and die without ever truly understanding this
But how do you stop blaming yourself for everything and being constantly worried that you said or did something wrong, even if logically you know it isn't a big deal?
I used to be an arrogant asshole, until I realized how much of a dick I was being and became extremely overcritical of myself. It's very much affecting my quality of life.
EDIT: Just wanted to say I really appreciate all of these responses, it helps a lot just to know that I'm not the only one who deals with this, and I hope it will also help others.
Same way, man. As hard as it sounds, I just be myself. I think more in social situaitons how I might respond that someone might take as being a dick. Sometimes its fine to make light hearted jabs and jokes but I just keep to myself more.
Really, people will judge you so you might as well be yourself. But, it's good you're making an effort to improve something you dislike about yourself. I wish you the best of luck.
3. You can't control other people.
The only constant in my life is me. I can do all I want to keep another person in my life, but we ultimately do not decide whether they stick around or not.
2. Selfishness isn't always a negative thing.
That sometimes you have to forgive people for being selfish. And that sometimes you yourself have to be selfish.
That was really big for me. Learning that being selfish IS OKAY. You don't always have to focus on everyone else, sometimes you need to focus on yourself.
1. Cherish the experience and always continue to learn and grow.
I HATE what I went to college for. Stuffed that four-year degree in a blender and found a new job. Couldn't be happier now, even with less money
I did the same thing, and went from working in a depressing laboratory to running my own doggy daycare. I could not be happier.
When talking to a friend who brings up one of our favorite books, celebrities, or tv shows, we often find ourselves saying we're "obsessed".
Our excitement is often met with a sneer from our friend, but we don't give it much thought.
Owing to the fact that even if they're better at containing their excitement than we are, deep down everyone has an obsession of some sort.
Naturally, it's not particularly healthy to be "obsessed" with anything, as nothing should take up the majority of our time.
Even so, if one were to take a very close look at society as a whole, we might find that just about everyone has an unhealthy obsession they just can't break.
"What’s an unhealthy obsession people have?"
Schadenfreude Much?
"Love to hate."- Odd_Adhesiveness4804
Never Settle!
"Being in a relationship no matter the cost."- hibbletyjibblety
"Pointless relationships."
"Settling for less just because you think you can't be alone is not healthy."- shutyourmouf03
Aging Gracefully Always Pays Off
"People are obsessed with youth and some people will do anything to maintain its appearance."- Mad-farmer
There's So Much More Beyond Your TV Screen
"24 hour news cycles."- SuvenPan
Slow And Steady Wins The Race
"Having to be first."
"It's okay if you beat me to the pump, or if you beat me to the grocery checkout line."
"It's okay if you get to the freeway exit before me, or pull in front of me on the highway."
"I'm patient, and it's a virtue."
"Have to credit my father who taught me this."
"He was an airline captain for over 30 years who is a very patient man."
"Thanks Dad."- Look-At-The-Aliens
Humming Season 17 GIF by The SimpsonsGiphyThere Are So Many Better Ways To Be Social
"Obsession with their social media image."- knovit
Has No One Seen All About Eve?
"An obsession with everything celebrities are doing."- Streak_Free_Shine
There's A Reason Paid Vacation Days Exist!
"Work/productivity."
"Everybody needs a break, not just every once in a while, but often."- RoKe3028
To Each Their Own
"An obsession with each others lives."
"Seriously just let people live as long as they’re not hurting anyone just leave people the f*ck alone."- MiseinToxicity
"Other people's sex lives."- huiscloslaqueue
Worry About Yourself Saints And Sinners GIF by BounceGiphyIronically, Making Calls Is One The Last Things They're Used For Now...
"Their phones."
"It's one thing to keep yourself busy, it's another to never let yourself be bored."
"Being bored is important sometimes, it makes you think/helps clear your head.'
"Phones make it ridiculously easy to never let yourself get bored, to the point where it ain't healthy."- Crestego
"Being on their phone all the time, especially while driving."
"I see this literally every day, despite laws against it."
"I constantly have to honk at people sitting at green lights, because they can't possibly be inconvenienced with their own thoughts for 2 minutes sitting at a red light."- dallased25
Mistakes Are How People Learn...
"Being right all the time."- lee24k
Sheldon Cooper Rules GIF by CBSGiphyIt's very easy to scold or ridicule someone for being inordinately fond of someone or something.
However, before passing judgment, always a good idea to take a step back and examine our own behavior.
As we may be no different at all.
People Who Make More Money From Their Side Hustles Than Their Day Jobs Share Their Experiences
In this day and age, it's not uncommon for people to have a side gig -- an extra job as a way to make more money -- aside from their regular 9 to 5.
It's also not super uncommon for some of these people to find that their side gig can -- and sometimes does -- pay them more than their 9 to 5.
My best friend is a brilliant journalist by trade, but he makes way more money by freelance editing than he does as at the paper he writes for. Freelance editing is a side gig, however. He doesn't do it all the time, and yet makes enough to pay his monthly rent just by doing one freelance job!
Redditors have discovered other side gigs that pay them more than their regular 9 to 5, and are ready to share their experidnces.
It all started when Redditor DonkKinnis asked:
"People that actually found a side hustle that makes more than your 9-5, what was it?"
I Need A Weapon
"Making swords, it started as a hobby - like let's see where we can take it. It is now a company with 15 guys employed, and 1,500+ swords a year. Best job ever"
– Charming_Height_6944
"You’re living my husbands dream. He would love to forge swords as a hobby. If you feel so inclined, can you message me with info on your starter setup? It’s my goal to surprise him someday with a fully functioning beginner forge, but I have no idea where to start"
– _StaRrFoxX_
"Lucky for you guys England and France are at war. Business must be booming."
– Tudpool
Happy And Healthy
"I was a therapist for 5 years in acute inpatient psych, and I burned out HARD. From awful pay, zero security, staff getting cut but workload increasing, and the work culture being one of “suffering Olympics” where you’d see who can work the most on the least sleep, it was inhumane."
"In the last 2 years, I turned my photography hobby into a successful business! I shoot weddings, elopements, couples’/family sessions, you name it. I work much less and make much more, plus the second hand dopamine is fantastic for my own mental health."
– LimitedGenius
"Me, working inpatient psych as a nurse, studying this thread like my life depends on it."
– Addwon
Knickknacks
"I sculpt miniatures for 3D printing, RPG, DnD etc. I make roughly triple what I was doing at a previous ''real'' entry job."
– CougarJo
Just Whistle While You Work
"Cleaning houses makes pretty good money. It's surprising how much people will pay you to just come in once a week and do a little cleaning."
– Sprinkle_drama
"My dad told me once of a acquaintances wife who started a cleaning business. Not by hour but charged for the task. Floors swept and mopped was $xx dishes done and benches wiped $xx carpets vaccumed $xx bathroom cleaned $xx toilet $xx. It worked brilliantly esp for young busy working men. Having set prices for set tasks was easier for them to get their heads around than 3-4 hours cleaning. She did very very well out of it"
– SupTheChalice
Flowers DO Cost A Fortune!
"Wedding Florist. Quit the 9-5 last year!"
– _adsbygoogle
FOOD!!
"I sell brownies on delivery apps"
– andydessa
"There is a kid who did this with frozen pizzas from his apartment on YouTube."
– Elegant_Housing_For
"This is f-ing brilliant."
– HappyPixie
I Want One!
"I sew stuffed animals, quilts and sometimes children’s clothing. I use to work in a nearby hospital working with Covid patients and Covid samples. I can make my old paycheck in a day if I spend the entire day working."
– YrsaAse
Should I Be Scared?
"Building killer stereo systems I’ve also have been building patio chairs really just making stuff if you can make it but make it well and take pride in your craftsmanship there’s a market for it"
– Bass_head_thomas
"Read this too fast and thought it said “serial killer system” and I was very confused and slightly worried for a moment."
– Infinity9999x
A New Idea Is A Good Idea
"I’m a software engineer. I had a coworker who was into bowling and couldn’t find an app he liked to track his stats, so he wrote one himself after using it, his friends started asking if he could give it to them. He put it on the App Store. Within a year close to half his income was coming from his app selling."
"He tried to repeat his success a few times, but none of his other apps ever caught on."
– dring157
Didn't Even Know This Was A Thing
"Secret shopper."
"So technically I don’t have a 9-5 cause I’m a student, but it’s still a VERY well paying hustle."
"Essentially all I do I drive around the city, go to random stores, buy a lottery ticket, see if they ask for ID, and leave. Then I fill out some paperwork, and I’m done."
"They compensate full gas charge, and give roughly 30$ per store. I can easily do 20 stores in a day. The problem is once all the stores are done, I can’t check anymore."
– Mattrockj
Very Entrepreneurial
"I'm the unofficial tech guy for a pretty large retirement community. It started by me setting up a dvd player for my grandma, she started telling her neighbors and now one day a week I go by and will spend the day doing minor stuff for tech illiterate people. Half the time it replacing batteries, allot of the residence are given computers their kids or grand kids that ill set up for them. I charge next to nothing, but usually will ask for the old tech if im replacing something which i refurbish and sell. Alot of people buy their grandma new mac book every 2 years that are barely used, then given to me."
– handsthefram
Fun, Fun, Fun
"I became an Uber driver and make over 10k a month these days. Really enjoying it too."
– Alexanderdaw
Music Ties It Together
"I started a wedding DJ business and found people were willing to pay a premium for a non-cheesy DJ who doesnt make the night or party about them. Even though I only worked Friday-Sat-Sundays due to weddings mostly being held on these days, I was making 2x my 9-5 job."
– JamesKPolk130
"This day and age it does make sense to do this. Invest in a good sound system. Invest in a decent light setup. Be sure to have a wi-fi connection at the venue so if someone requests a song you can easily download it. Watch people have a great time"
– chxnkybxtfxnky
The Universe At Work
"I left my job in publishing and performed the same functions on a freelance basis for about two years."
"I made only about 5-10 percent less gross. Once you factor in my lack of commute to Manhattan, not havimg to buy clothing for work, not getting lunch out, etc., net was only single digits less."
"It was also cool because every so often the universe would toss me a random extra day off. That was hard to give up."
– AlanMercer
Check And Mate
"I make custom chess board sets for professional chess players."
– Magnetic_penis_strap
I understand. I would pay big money for one of those!
Do you have a side hustle we should know about? Let us know in the comments.
Let's be honest: men and women are different, and even that statement is pretty diminutive of the truth.
Men and women feel things differently. They think about things differently and go through different things. Their experiences and knowledge base are different.
Sometimes, this means men and women don't understand each other very well. The best way to solve a mystery is to ask a question, but men sometimes feel nervous about doing so. They don't want to offend women by getting too personal, and they don't know how else to proceed.
That's why it's a good thing Reddit exists. Men have finally asked their questions, and women have answered!
It all started when Redditor Asking35 asked:
“Men, what is something about women you are curious about but too afraid to ask?"
Perfect Nest
"What’s with all the pillows?"
– Canucker5000
"They make this glorious nest so I can sleep on my side without my hips tightening overnight, support behind my back and shoulders, support against my boobs, good positioning for my arms and legs, etc..."
"It's wonderfully comfy and cozy."
– ISwearIUsedToBeSmart
Health Is Hard
"Why do you steal my food"
– SleepingAddict21
"You left it unguarded lol"
– Blondy85019
""I'll have the 'My wife's not hungry". It comes with French fries, onion rings, and chicken nuggets."
– warda8825
"omg I've been waiting for the opportunity to answer this!"
"I don't know about other women, but for me it's because my husband isn't as health conscious about what he eats as I am. And I know that doesn't make sense at first but hear me out..."
"I don't have the same metabolism as my husband and have to monitor what I eat not to gain weight, which I don't like doing cuz it makes my back hurt. The problem is, my husband constantly brings home junk food or take out. He'll always ask if I want something from taco bell or Wendys or something and I'll say no because I genuinely don't want him to bring me any cuz I'm trying to be healthy. But it's always wishful thinking because as soon as he comes home and I catch a whiff of those McDonald's fries I literally can't resist eating some. Or when we're on the couch and he's munching on a cheesy taco, my salad start to look less appetizing and I find myself just staring at his food."
"This never happened when I lived alone because I would just buy healthy groceries so there wouldn't be any junk food at home tempting me with their seductive amazingness. And when I eat out alone I just order something healthy and there's nobody there tempting me with their delicious plate of nachos."
"So yeah to sum it up it's basically just me wishing to eat healthy but then not having any self control when my partner indulges in junk food in front of me."
"Any guys out there, if you want to test if your girl is doing the same thing, try eating healthier and see if she tries to steal your bowl of brown rice with veggies the same as she steels your fries. If she has no problem leaving your food alone when you eat healthier, then maybe stop eating junk food in front of her lol. Or continue, but just expect that she is not going to want to order whole meal but is going to have trouble resisting a couple fries when the smell hits her."
– koolaid-girl-40
Confidence Is Key
"Do you actually like it when a man approaches you with the intention of asking you on a date? I don't mean catcalling and that sort of weird sh*t, just being genuine and straightforward."
– PastOrdinary
"Depends on the situation. And talk to/get to know me first."
"Also, if I say “no” don’t persist."
– mercfan3
"Depends a little on how. If it's someone I've already met a couple of times, like a colleague/fellow student or friend of a friend, I don't mind if he is forward and asks me out - that confidence is attractive, and something I'd envy him, lol."
"If its someone I don't know or just met I prefer if he gives me his contact information rather than asking for mine. I'll most likely say no if it is the latter."
"Something simple like, "Hey, I really enjoyed talking to you and would like to go out sometime to get to know you better. Here's my number". That puts me less on the spot and if he's not my type there won't be the awkwardness of immediate rejection."
"But that's just me."
– Mugwumpen
Be Honest
"Do you admire a guy after he chooses to be vulnerable and bare it all in front of you?"
– awara_bakchod
"Yes. Personally, I have a hard time opening up and just talking about my feelings in general. Whenever my husband does, it makes me feel like I’m doing something right."
– asiazoldyck
Sending A Message
"Why do they all put their hand on their man’s stomach for photos?"
– RojoandWhite
"We want to make sure whomever is looking at the pic to know this is my romantic partner, not my friend."
– KathTurner
"Mine, that’s why."
– Jelly-Unhappy
Monthly Visitor
"Is there a calendar function to the menstrual cycle that you guys have memorized? Like does it happen some time on X number week of the month or is it much more systematic and occurs every 30/31 days?"
– TheGamingNerd80085
"First of all, the period is the first 5-7 days of the menstrual cycle. The menstrual cycle is 28-35 days long."
"Everyone is different. Some people it’s every 28 days on the dot exactly, other people it’s “oh it’ll happen sometime this week” and some people it can vary massively. The average is every 28 days but a normal (normal meaning not to be concerned about) is 28-35 days. And then some people do not have a regular cycle, I myself have had it go from 32 - 52 days in the last year."
"Your period happens 12-14 days after you ovulate, which happens on day 12-14 in a 28 day menstrual cycle. The time in between is called the luteal phase. Then your period starts, and the cycle starts over on day 1."
– anchordwn
Girls Just Wanna Have Fun
"Hmm, well I've always wondered why women need an entire Sephora store's worth of makeup just to go to the grocery store. But I'm pretty sure if I ask that question out loud, I'll get hit with a mascara wand. So I'll just keep wondering in silence."
– Extension-Release558
"I’ll gladly answer this without throwing anything at you!😂 Make-up is fun; it really is that simple for a lot of us. That’s along with wanting to look our best, which in turn makes us feel our best."
– Maleficent_Tie4767
I Don't Get Cold...Sort Of
"How are y’all not freezing when you wear dresses to the club in winter"
– adz568
"We are. We’re just tougher than men ;)"
– bigkitty17
"It’s not that we aren’t cold most times, it’s that we are taught by society in general that we have to ignore our own comfort for other people."
– tweetybirdlover
It's Mine Now
"Why do you take our hoodies and never give them back?"
– HumpieDouglas
"Because they smell good and they're comfy :)"
– SelphiesSmile
Everyone's Different
"what part of the male body are you attracted to"
– Tonton1605
"Hands that are well kept and groomed finger nails, nice eyebrows and eyes"
– P0pCandie
"I personally like a nicely trimmed beard. Scraggly beards look horrible IMO."
– kaydaugherty423
"Biceps."
– the-Lady-Lazarus
Hear Me Coming
"Do y'all ever wear heels just to hear the clip-clopping of them on the pavement like you're the main character in a movie? Because that's what I'd do if I wore heels, and I wish to know if there's a woman out there whose brain is on my wavelength or if this is just me."
– VoidChickenFan
"Yup. but the feeling is stronger when walking in a fancy building"
– RominaRaBer
"I choose my heels by a) how they look b) how they sound. If they are quiet, I don’t usually get them."
– notgonnasext
Exactly! What's the point of quiet heels?
Thanks to the ladies of Reddit for sharing their responses to some of these Redditor's questions.
Do you have anything to add? Let us know in the comments below.
I've never dated someone older.
Just hasn't happened.
I'm not averse to it, but I'd feel more comfortable with someone closer in age.
I hear there are a ton of benefits, though.
Learning. Growing. Sharing.
It can be comforting to be with someone who has navigated life in certain ways already.
Redditor hotmomkaia asked:
"Men of Reddit! What are the advantages of dating an older woman?"
The Reddit community opened up about their dating experiences.
Randy
Olivia Wilde Reaction GIFGiphy"I've dated some older women who were frisky as hell."
uncultured_swine2099
"My girlfriend is only a few years older than me, but she is BY FAR the horniest I've been with."
Phantom579
Talk 2 Me
"The communication. An older woman that can communicate well will cut through the bulls**t and get straight to what she wants and expects. It’s refreshing as hell."
Fresh-Grab-8005
"Yeah agree. My GF and I are both in our late 50s. Had a long talk on the phone last night and spent some time talking about potential issues between us. Both of us have come out of long and not particularly pleasant marriages."
"We each have low maintenance adult kids. We both have our own places so we don't have to be in each other's space all the time. We are both financially secure so if we want to spend money on some together time then we just do it. I wouldn't have it any other way."
michaelrohansmith
Swoon
"Older women play less mind games than younger women do. They're more straight up, and often know what they want. The difference between an older woman flirting and a younger woman flirting, in my experience, is night and day."
"Younger woman flirting: 'Hey I like your hair, can I touch it?' Older women flirting: 'I am absolutely swooning over you. If I wasn't married, you'd be with me tonight.'"
-lighght-
Basics
"I've been with a few older women, I have also dated women of a closer age. In my personal experience I will say that older women communicate much more, don't have unrealistic standards, they have a lot more experience both in life and the bedroom. The biggest one of all is that older women are just super hot! Is there anything I've missed?"
MuscleMummy
Eat Up
dinner GIFGiphy"She knows where/what she wants to eat."
MalibK
"Right, but she still won’t tell you."
QuintShahkHuntah
The food argument has been the downfall of many a couple. Just pick a place!
She Knows
Growth Growing GIF by Insecure on HBOGiphy"Maturity. It’s night and day. Most older women actually have their lives together and don’t play the childish game of validation."
Cactus_Pear94
Back then...
"When I was 18 I dated a 28 year old for about a year. I wasn't a virgin, but my experience up until then was just awkward teenage sexual stuff. She taught me the value of the non-sex parts of a sexual relationship. How to listen and learn what your partner enjoys and how to communicate what you enjoy. She helped mature my views on relationships, foreplay and sex in ways that someone my age wouldn't have been able to."
Nythoren
Love It
"I’m not dating an older woman but I am in a sexual friendship with a 49 year old mom (we have an agreement that the sex will stop but the friendship will continue if either of us get in a serious relationship). She is extremely good at responding to text messages and being on time. She even apologized for being five minutes late one time. I love this about her because most people I know can’t freaking answer their phone."
beefstewforyou
Forever
"Depends what you are after but I found that there was less pressure of 'is this going to be long term' as you both have realistic expectations up front and know that will not change. Generally because of that, I found there was never any drama and just honest conversations. With one, she would actually talk about what sort of woman she saw me ending up with one day. No jealousy, just an understanding that we were enjoying each other's company for now."
Working_Turn_6625
Helping Me
archivesontario yes GIF by Archives of Ontario | Archives publiques de l'OntarioGiphy"I'm not dating an older woman, mainly because I'm married to one."
"She is 5 years older than me, but it sometimes seems like a much bigger gap when you account for maturity level."
"She's actually helped me do a better job of understanding and managing my emotions, which is nice."
Issueless
"Perhaps more confidence, steadiness, realism, honesty to themselves and others, fewer illusions and less sensitivity to influence. All just generalisations from my own experience. I don't have mommy issues or anything but I feel more comfortable and equal with slightly older women. I know myself pretty well, I'm pretty independent and I'm not being pushed either."
collective_artifice
Love who you love.
Age is only a number.
Do you have any experiences or lessons to share? Let us know in the comments below.