When I was younger I hated the stars. Not the Hollywood kind, the space kind. Before I truly comprehended gravity I thought they were just electric shocks if you will that would one by one fall from the sky to kill us. It's why I also detested lightning, I swore every strike of lightning was an Earth blow scorching the ground. Yeah.... rainstorms at night were traumatizing. Now I adore the rain and the stars but lightning can still send me running for vodka. Oh the things that send us reeling as children.
Redditor u/Shay_da_la wanted to know what things deemed inconsequential by others left an emotional scar on others when they were younger by asking.... What's a harmless thing that terrified you as a child?The Death Beep
<img lazy-loadable="true" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDI0MTk5OC9vcmlnaW4uZ2lmIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY2OTUzODE3OH0.zvZo5g7m5XMTeTAMu9M3rzYGmYjU9SP8fFgDln1Yl7E/img.gif?width=980" id="ad0d0" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="e9f18eaa46124a3b4566bcae3b9d11a2" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" data-width="480" data-height="480" />calling phone call GIF by Feliks Tomasz KonczakowskiGiphy<p>The busy tone when a call went dead. That used to scare the crap out of me. </p><p><span></span><a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/iqhbao/whats_a_harmless_thing_that_terrified_you_as_a/g4sej29?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3" target="_blank">GameGod2815</a></p><p>I think we're conditioned from scary movies. Like that white noise static tv. Thank God those things no longer exist.</p><p><a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/iqhbao/whats_a_harmless_thing_that_terrified_you_as_a/g4swf59?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3" target="_blank"> armen89</a><a href="https://www.reddit.com/user/armen89/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"></a></p>Wrath
<p>That damn alligator under my bed that wanted to eat my feet. You gotta turn the lights out and jump in bed quick to avoid its wrath. </p><p><a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/iqhbao/whats_a_harmless_thing_that_terrified_you_as_a/g4sdwnp?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">NotTheNoogie</a></p><p>And tuck the sheets in under you with no limbs exposed so it couldn't get you? </p><p><a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/iqhbao/whats_a_harmless_thing_that_terrified_you_as_a/g4skdaa?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">karl_fickenschnauzer</a></p><p>The sheets. Stay. Tucked. Also, I always imagined a hand or demonic mouth getting me from under the bed. </p><p><a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/iqhbao/whats_a_harmless_thing_that_terrified_you_as_a/g4sv9da?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">HAL-Over-9001</a></p>Falling....
<img lazy-loadable="true" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDI0MjE2OS9vcmlnaW4uZ2lmIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYyMzc4MTUyN30.XNKNJtUzPuNI7U-R42B7LOZXFa4SbywJG2Nzx88Py_I/img.gif?width=980" id="6cc15" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="6f82af0e0fcb509762079206642760d1" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" data-width="500" data-height="400" />buster keaton kathryn mcguire GIF by MauditGiphy<p>Whenever the floorboards creaked, I imagined myself or my bed falling through the floor into the basement. </p><p><a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/iqhbao/whats_a_harmless_thing_that_terrified_you_as_a/g4s5gsv?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Difference_in_Shades</a><span></span></p><p>Happened to a neighbor's daughter. 13 year old girl, chilling in the bath. There's a creak and next thing the bath is in the kitchen. She wasn't hurt. </p><p><a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/iqhbao/whats_a_harmless_thing_that_terrified_you_as_a/g4sk6i3?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3" target="_blank">tallbutshy</a></p>Shallow....
<p>That little rope of buoys that separated the deep end from the shallow end in the pool. </p><p><a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/iqhbao/whats_a_harmless_thing_that_terrified_you_as_a/g4sbzip?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">boyvsfood2</a></p><p><a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/iqhbao/whats_a_harmless_thing_that_terrified_you_as_a/g4sbzip?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"></a>Yes! I'm 35 and those still creep me out. Not to mention those large buoys in lakes/oceans. I'm not much of a swimmer bc pretty much anything in the water (including dark water itself) creeps me out.</p><p><strong><em>EDIT : </em></strong>I do already belong to submechanaphobia and thalassophobia subs. Creepy stuff! </p><p><a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/iqhbao/whats_a_harmless_thing_that_terrified_you_as_a/g4srg9c?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3" target="_blank">C_J_Money</a></p>drained...
<img lazy-loadable="true" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDI0MjIxNy9vcmlnaW4uZ2lmIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY1MDM2NDkzOH0.uik5pd00-w-Wd9HcSwcD2uXmgaDLZB1NtHvRXQHupQQ/img.gif?width=980" id="942e7" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="91ca9e5e986d0796fc078550c9bb441f" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" data-width="336" data-height="188" />drain Draining GIFGiphy<p>I thought the bathtub drain would suck me down with the water. </p><p><a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/iqhbao/whats_a_harmless_thing_that_terrified_you_as_a/g4sgx97?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">harlotScarlett</a></p>'it's what took Terry's leg'
<p>Terry Fox.</p><p>So in Canada we have Terry Fox Day and the Terry Fox walk because this guy, Terry Fox, tried to run across the country on one leg to raise cancer awareness.</p><p>My child brain however didn't quite understand why. I didn't really understand what cancer was and nobody would tell me anything more than 'it's what took Terry's leg'. I assumed it was a person or something. </p>Choppers....
<img lazy-loadable="true" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDI0MjU0NC9vcmlnaW4uZ2lmIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY0MTc4NTM4NX0.GZCO0isqjKKUmaZ5LZXsAuH8x-oOTuXgRxHbSOaMs8w/img.gif?width=980" id="ec65d" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="f880b26f04578d47b6ee5dd0b5768338" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" data-width="240" data-height="180" />cat flying GIFGiphy<p>Ceiling fans. I was afraid that it would come off the ceiling still spinning and chop me up like a helicopter blades. That and millions of bugs crawling through the windows and covering my bed like the plastic casket things people used to lay in on fear factor. </p><p><a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/iqhbao/whats_a_harmless_thing_that_terrified_you_as_a/g4sdqpz?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">redheadedrec</a></p>Into Oblivion....
<p>Escalators scared the crap out of me. Trying desperately to fit within a rectangle before it becomes a step, jumping off of them at the end to avoid being sucked down into oblivion. And there was one or two anecdotal stories from the news to convince me that they were, in fact, killers. </p><p><a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/iqhbao/whats_a_harmless_thing_that_terrified_you_as_a/g4sdfcp?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">jakerhamster</a><span></span></p>The Glow....
<img lazy-loadable="true" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDI0MjcwMC9vcmlnaW4uZ2lmIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY1NjU4MzAyMX0.amjENB5Yd3etj7aieqNWMB1TGbsluqM38TNinXCSZPU/img.gif?width=980" id="f5180" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="8728d27934baf2b02a0a4ca58b1dae7a" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" data-width="420" data-height="233" />scary the ring GIFGiphy<p>Old televisions right after you turned them off, they would glow for a bit. That's when the monsters could come out of the TV and get you. </p><p><a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/iqhbao/whats_a_harmless_thing_that_terrified_you_as_a/g4saxbg?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">deepsleepsheepmeep</a></p>Why Hulk? Why?
<p>I was on the toilet, and for some unthinkable reason i was scared that the hulk would come out the toilet and shove a knife up my butt. Why the hulk? either way, it freakin confuses me. </p><p><a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/iqhbao/whats_a_harmless_thing_that_terrified_you_as_a/g4sirfu?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Possible_Fan_9371</a><span></span></p>Nobody is perfect. We can't all be great at everything. Even though we so desperately believe we can do it all, that is not the case. That realization can become a haunting issue when it pertains to life's simpler activities. For instance... I can't do math. After years of struggle and self doubt I realized... who cares? I hate math; hand me a calculator. No shame. We are just wired to intake info in different ways. And sometimes certain wires are just not meant to cross. Often times the deceptively simple alludes us and it's a mystery.
Redditor u/HarveySteakfries was hoping everyone was wiling to compare notes and admit to all the small things that so many of us just can't seem to conquer by asking.... What are some basic things that you can't do?Chop-Chop
<img lazy-loadable="true" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMzUzOTcyNS9vcmlnaW4uZ2lmIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYyNzg4MDA4Mn0.U5uI3VnfazMFp_FFXQ4woYOo_YV7TDskWmLJzdifenk/img.gif?width=980" id="39eab" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="74415b256dc6c03e8e55f5771c287c31" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" data-width="480" data-height="480" />nicole byer chopsticks GIF by NailedItGiphy<p>Use a chopstick (I'm asian). </p><p><a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/i1stko/what_are_some_basic_things_that_you_cant_do/fzzhhbb?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x" target="_blank">oandebba</a></p><p>Try eating spaghetti, I'm Italian and I hate those pieces of crap, long live the mezze penne rigate. </p><p><span></span><a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/i1stko/what_are_some_basic_things_that_you_cant_do/g00g0ts?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x" target="_blank">leonardotigli</a></p>Sorry. And you are?
<p>Remember names and faces. Don't know what my deal is but unless my brain decides I should remember you for some reason, I will probably forget I've even met you. It's screwed up and embarrassing really. </p><p><a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/i1stko/what_are_some_basic_things_that_you_cant_do/fzzrqli?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x" target="_blank">Glass_Force</a></p><p><a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/i1stko/what_are_some_basic_things_that_you_cant_do/fzzrqli?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x" target="_blank"></a><span></span>Ugh, I feel you. It was a great night when I turned to my GF's friend and said "I'm sorry, what was your name again?" and she was like "It's Caitlin! I am literally your GF's best friend, we have met <span style="background-color: initial;">three times!" </span></p><p><span style="background-color: initial;"><a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/i1stko/what_are_some_basic_things_that_you_cant_do/g00wkf9?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x" target="_blank"> cmprsr</a></span><a href="https://www.reddit.com/user/cmprsr/" target="_blank"></a></p>1 + 1=.... UM?
<p>Do basic math quickly. Like simple adding and subtracting math. I used to be a bartender, and one of the basic jobs of a bartender is surprisingly enough to check ids. Well whenever any handed me their id I couldn't do the math fast enough to actually be sure they were over 21. So I just said okay. Later they put up the sign with date that the birthday had to be after to be served. Made it slightly easier. </p><p><a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/i1stko/what_are_some_basic_things_that_you_cant_do/fzznmmj?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x" target="_blank">Medleyfish</a><span></span></p>Goodnight....
<img lazy-loadable="true" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMzUzOTcyOS9vcmlnaW4uZ2lmIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY2OTQ2NzY2N30.tQOaBqikfTnvC1bs5V2KZhbzZpaeh-_EMyGlmBkJqAg/img.gif?width=980" id="a0416" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="4a5bf16c590b5a2573d995f760ccb6a7" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" data-width="260" data-height="146" />Baby Reaction GIFGiphy<p>Get to sleep at a reasonable hour. </p><p><a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/i1stko/what_are_some_basic_things_that_you_cant_do/fzzk6gg?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x" target="_blank">-eDgAR-</a><span></span></p><p>I always go to sleep after midnight, have done for years now. It just feels natural to me now, any time before that and its too early for me. I've been told to go to bed earlier by a few people. Its definitely easier said than done - as I just lie in bed looking at the ceiling if I'm forced to go to bed before midnight. </p><p><a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/i1stko/what_are_some_basic_things_that_you_cant_do/fzzx5pa?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x" target="_blank"> thunderfart_99</a><a href="https://www.reddit.com/user/thunderfart_99/" target="_blank"></a></p>Hello....
<p>Interact with someone that I don't know. </p><p><a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/i1stko/what_are_some_basic_things_that_you_cant_do/fzzje4g?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x" target="_blank">SGScoutAU</a><span></span></p><p>Like anything, it takes practice. I'll admit though, making conversation with strangers doesn't feel as natural as if it was to somebody you know. </p><p><a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/i1stko/what_are_some_basic_things_that_you_cant_do/fzzwzdl?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x" target="_blank">thunderfart_99</a></p>Doped....
<p>Produce dopamine at an acceptable level. </p><p><a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/i1stko/what_are_some_basic_things_that_you_cant_do/fzzhdk3?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x" target="_blank"> Nick_Blaize</a></p><p><a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/i1stko/what_are_some_basic_things_that_you_cant_do/fzzhdk3?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x" target="_blank"></a>It's serotonin you want if you'd like to feel content and happy not dopamine. Too much dopamine will make you miserably.<a href="https://www.reddit.com/user/Nick_Blaize/" target="_blank"></a></p><p><em><strong>Edit:</strong></em> this is an oversimplification and there are many pathway signals in the brain that we still don't completely understand on the whole. Far from it. So please do not think this one thing will solve a complex issue. </p><p><a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/i1stko/what_are_some_basic_things_that_you_cant_do/fzzu54l?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x" target="_blank">Cashmar</a></p>Bad Bite
<p>Bite into apples or an ear of corn. </p><p><a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/i1stko/what_are_some_basic_things_that_you_cant_do/fzzgyjf?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x" target="_blank">PregnantMexicanTeens</a><span></span></p><p>I have to cut up apples and whatnot bc one of my front teeth is partially fake. If there was somehow only apples and corn on the cob available and no knives? You gotta come at it from the side and hope you have floss. </p><p><a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/i1stko/what_are_some_basic_things_that_you_cant_do/g00k0d2?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x" target="_blank">JollyHorror</a></p>bad cycle
<img lazy-loadable="true" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMzUzOTc0MC9vcmlnaW4uZ2lmIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY1NTg2MzY0N30.cdODIpAJ5PXLwe42mas8An1r1LF6StBjz97JytLsjeY/img.gif?width=980" id="c76bc" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="ffc43671c2f80bfd307293ba3d5e7e5f" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" data-width="367" data-height="332" />bike ride GIFGiphy<p>I'm 16 and I cant ride a bike. </p><p><a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/i1stko/what_are_some_basic_things_that_you_cant_do/fzzh3k0?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x" target="_blank">zaltybaen</a></p><p>A common mistake when beginning is trying to keep balance by moving the front wheel. Move your body slightly left or right instead. It is also much easier to keep balance at faster speeds. </p><p><a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/i1stko/what_are_some_basic_things_that_you_cant_do/fzzsjyf?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x" target="_blank">TheGoldL</a></p>Bodies are weird
<p>Process dairy. Thanks for nothing, ancestors. </p><p><a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/i1stko/what_are_some_basic_things_that_you_cant_do/fzzkxgi?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x" target="_blank">IDKHow2UseThisApp</a><span></span></p><p>Yes, I have problems with this. However, when I was pregnant I craved ice cream so bad and ate it several times a day and my body was ok with it. Bodies are weird. Type of ice cream: just one kind, superman. </p><p><a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/i1stko/what_are_some_basic_things_that_you_cant_do/g00nl0j?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x" target="_blank"> RhineStonedCowgirl</a><a href="https://www.reddit.com/user/RhineStonedCowgirl/" target="_blank"></a></p>Don't Pucker.... Blow....
<img lazy-loadable="true" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMzUzOTc2MC9vcmlnaW4uZ2lmIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYxNjU4MTkwOH0.zzv8hVU6J40LbFyQjKSfrXHqwIJXVo-Jt0_bXt3iTbQ/img.gif?width=980" id="4f52e" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="26e87690b729360f03b8fafb8aeeab57" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" data-width="425" data-height="510" />whistle whistling GIFGiphy<p>Whistle, snap my fingers, blow bubbles with gum. </p><p><a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/i1stko/what_are_some_basic_things_that_you_cant_do/fzzil70?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x" target="_blank">sylvania_spelunker</a></p><p>From someone else on reddit:</p><p><a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/i1stko/what_are_some_basic_things_that_you_cant_do/fzzil70?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x" target="_blank"></a><span></span>As someone said, whisper 'Q'. (Elongate the Q, expel all of your air over 4 or 5 seconds of whispering a single Q. You should be close to a whistle if not whistling at the end of the exhale). The idea is that you want to direct a stream of air downwards, across the opening of your lips. It's like blowing across the top of a coke bottle, only you're doing it from the inside.</p><p>To do this, you push your tongue up to the roof of your mouth for a cat/lizard/vampire hiss: hhkhkhkkhhhhkkkkkhh.</p>Cereal Fails
<p>I don't know if it's just me and God I hope it's not but for the life of me I cannot open a resealable package the correct way. You know the packaging that's like tear here along the lines to get to the resealable part? Without fail every time I tear it off and somehow there's just enough to not be able to get to the resealable part. My girlfriend watches me every time I open one with the same disappointed face. She has to watch the man she fell in love with paw at a bag of cereal like a seal wearing oven mitts. </p><p><a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/i1stko/what_are_some_basic_things_that_you_cant_do/fzzro9t?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer dofollow">Jewish_Keebler</a></p>"khhh"
<img lazy-loadable="true" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMzU1MjY4My9vcmlnaW4uZ2lmIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY2NTAwNDM0NH0.x6uQz14DByhLIHr6dhraBMw5i-WSS3YeKfASOgwc5Hs/img.gif?width=980" id="64a1a" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="51a51caef0478c3d9366ce559dc33b91" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" data-width="480" data-height="400" />season 10 friends GIFGiphy<p>My native language is Russian, and the phonetics of the letter 'r' are very different to those in English - you have to roll the letter, kind of like in French or Spanish. However, I still can't do this, even after years of practice and failed assistance to try and learn how to pronounce the letter; I replace it with an awkward "khhh." </p><p><a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/i1stko/what_are_some_basic_things_that_you_cant_do/fzzm1ce?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer dofollow">pigeonman33</a></p>Drowning
<p>Swim. </p><p><a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/i1stko/what_are_some_basic_things_that_you_cant_do/fzzil26?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer dofollow">TizzleDirt</a></p><p>Saaame. Maybe it's only in the US where it's a shame to not know to swim. I was fine in my home country bc a lot of people don't learn how to swim. </p><p><a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/i1stko/what_are_some_basic_things_that_you_cant_do/g01dxp9?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer dofollow">langgam_13</a></p>Muscle Movement
<p>Raise only one eyebrow. How do people do that? </p><p><a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/i1stko/what_are_some_basic_things_that_you_cant_do/fzzowbb?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer dofollow">crypticmint</a></p><p>Yeah, I used to know how to do 1 but not the other without compressing muscles of the other one. Then i got face paralysis and couldn't move half my face for about 2 months until i began going to physical therapy where i had to learn to move my face again.</p>learning life
<img lazy-loadable="true" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMzU1MjY4NS9vcmlnaW4uZ2lmIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYzNTM3NDU1Mn0.DK2LinCHfbHytnih1coYO4P4uUw5YQgk4FSQo_gd1pc/img.gif?width=980" id="dbe1a" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="845c899b7c2c6b595fb967e1d188dc99" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" data-width="500" data-height="208" />johnny depp everything GIFGiphy<p>Pay taxes, drive a motorcycle, networking, flirting, create ties with people, fix stuff, go to places without a GPS and cooking. </p><p><a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/i1stko/what_are_some_basic_things_that_you_cant_do/fzzizj3?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer dofollow">rafael-a</a></p>Twisted
<p>I cant twist my tongue to the left, I encourage you to try this, idk why I cant, I can twist it to the right but no matter how hard I try I can't twist my tongue to the left. </p><p><a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/i1stko/what_are_some_basic_things_that_you_cant_do/fzzh18e?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer dofollow">NiteKlaw</a></p><p>It's genetic, same as the pattern in which you clasp your hands together with fingers interlaced. Whether it feels natural to have your left or right forefinger in the top position is genetic. </p><p><a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/i1stko/what_are_some_basic_things_that_you_cant_do/fzzmvb0?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer dofollow">SuzQP</a></p>Lonely Still
<p>Find a girlfriend. </p><p><a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/i1stko/what_are_some_basic_things_that_you_cant_do/fzzksea?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer dofollow">notyouravgredditer</a><br></p><p>Same, where do you even find them and how do people have the confidence to ask girls out, not something I could ever relate to lol. </p><p><a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/i1stko/what_are_some_basic_things_that_you_cant_do/g00xoy3?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer dofollow">GMD3S1GNS</a></p>52 Pickup
<p>Shuffle cards. Embarrassing when I have to mix them all up in my hands. I'm 29. </p><p><a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/i1stko/what_are_some_basic_things_that_you_cant_do/fzzpise?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer dofollow">Mr_hungry_face</a></p><p>Here is sexy card shuffle <a href="https://youtu.be/Eora8ZEBQLM" rel="noopener noreferrer dofollow" target="_blank">tutorial</a>. </p><p><a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/i1stko/what_are_some_basic_things_that_you_cant_do/g00vmk7?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x" target="_blank" rel="dofollow"> likelyilllike</a><a href="https://www.reddit.com/user/likelyilllike/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer dofollow"></a></p>Side to Side
<img lazy-loadable="true" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMzU1MjY4OC9vcmlnaW4uZ2lmIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYyNjg0ODU2Nn0.S7mL-JENoGbbJifXoPBL_ltCRfvFZsDzJ8F0VKs_vRI/img.gif?width=980" id="84752" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="cc7f4c9ed6985360a7b3c0215892f80b" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" data-width="500" data-height="260" />googly eyes GIFGiphy<p>I can't move my eyes to the left and right, only up and down! If I want to look to the side I have to move my whole head. If you see me reading it looks like I'm constantly shaking my head. </p><p><a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/i1stko/what_are_some_basic_things_that_you_cant_do/fzzkmoo?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer dofollow">estherestheresther</a></p>Licensed to Walk....
<p>Drive a car (I'm in my early 30s). </p><p><a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/i1stko/what_are_some_basic_things_that_you_cant_do/fzzizyb?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer dofollow">MansonsDaughter</a></p><p><a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/i1stko/what_are_some_basic_things_that_you_cant_do/fzzizyb?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer dofollow"></a>I have a friend I went to high school with back in the 80's who was scared to learn to drive. Her mom thought it was because her dad was teaching her to drive and he was being a butt to her so she asked me if I could teach my friend to drive.</p>Picking up a new passion is exciting. Certain things seem like they'd be super fun to start because they look so simple to do. However, a lot of times, things that look easy are, in fact, the total opposite. Here are a few examples of things that are way harder than they look.
u/PrideOfPR7 asked: What's something that looked easy but you failed horribly when you tried it?
Let me cry...
<p>I once tried to do one of those things where you drink an entire water bottle in a couple seconds and i ended up choking on it and spitting it out all over my friend/cousin. the embarrassing part was that this was in my history class. everyone was just staring at me for a moment in complete silence and i was dying laughing but also super embarrassed. the look on my teachers face as she slowly shook her head and sighed made me want to cry. <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/gaonoz/whats_something_that_looked_easy_but_you_failed/fp0z6ef?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x" target="_blank">txketheride</a></p>multiplayer....
<p>trying online multiplayer for the first time.</p><p>I remember dominating my friends/family (I used to win 90% of the time) at Halo, Gears of War, and COD on local multiplayer. then when I finally got Xbox live I vividly remember getting stomped by other players for weeks until I adjusted to online.</p><p>I'm pretty good now but every now and again i'll vs someone who is on a whole other level and i'll get put in my place again. <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/gaonoz/whats_something_that_looked_easy_but_you_failed/fp146ip?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x" target="_blank">ThatKiwiBloke</a></p>the struggle.
<img lazy-loadable="true" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMzI2NDI1Ni9vcmlnaW4uZ2lmIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY1OTI0ODEzNH0.dVaR6fJVfhX6TMj1h_mqTsVT9CQnGyJ6vy2zmwlPL3M/img.gif?width=980" id="7d29d" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="207ceb87092deed555112bbfd25ac131" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" data-width="320" data-height="240" />Giphy<p>Maintaining good posture for a whole day—you gotta start that crap early in life otherwise you're gonna struggle even in your 20's LOL. <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/gaonoz/whats_something_that_looked_easy_but_you_failed/fp16kuk?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x" target="_blank">bapresapre</a><span></span></p>Immediate.
<p>Waterskiing. <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/gaonoz/whats_something_that_looked_easy_but_you_failed/fp0y8bu?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x" target="_blank">Boston_Strong_CQB241</a></p><p><a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/gaonoz/whats_something_that_looked_easy_but_you_failed/fp0y8bu?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x" target="_blank"></a>Even though we went out to a big lake (Mead) almost every weekend during the summer while I was growing up, it took me years to be able to slalom ski. Everyone else in my extended family seemed to pick it up immediately. <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/gaonoz/whats_something_that_looked_easy_but_you_failed/fp1z9ku?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x" target="_blank">MazeTheorist</a></p>Let's Talk About....
<img lazy-loadable="true" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMzI2NDI2MC9vcmlnaW4uZ2lmIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYyMTI4NzIwOH0.yQC6vA70TTqWLVossR-OVrgiGts195MdECWA74R4V8c/img.gif?width=980" id="30063" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="33244c9764ce16a5487408e95038af95" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" data-width="500" data-height="250" />Giphy<p>Im just gonna say it.</p><p>Sex. <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/gaonoz/whats_something_that_looked_easy_but_you_failed/fp15cgm?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x" target="_blank">Ranger343</a></p><p><a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/gaonoz/whats_something_that_looked_easy_but_you_failed/fp15cgm?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x" target="_blank"></a><span></span>I honestly want to say that sex should be fun and not grueling and hard. It's ok to be lazy and slow. I like to lay on my back at an angle and him lay on his side and neither one of us is doing a whole lot of work. It's harder to touch but extremely enjoyable. <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/gaonoz/whats_something_that_looked_easy_but_you_failed/fp1arik?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x" target="_blank">demonfairy69</a></p>The Switch....
<p>Making a time table and following it to turn my life around.</p><p>I always thought I can do it the day I decide to. It turned out to be very difficult and I had/have a lot of moments when I just turn the old me. Now I know it is not a flick switch but a continuous process and one is supposed to take many small steps. <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/gaonoz/whats_something_that_looked_easy_but_you_failed/fp12mo6?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x" target="_blank">lowkeyjakey</a></p>I suck.
<img lazy-loadable="true" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMzI2NDI2Mi9vcmlnaW4uZ2lmIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY0MjA3MDQ1NX0.xx1isaAuhHxk9ZwPXgyqFnXUPGmcvEl-ogyTWtz855w/img.gif?width=980" id="15d4d" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="4b825c3838d70d7c361f6bdf7675eb2c" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" data-width="480" data-height="336" />Giphy<p>Woodwork. You buy wood, you cut it to the right dimensions, you screw/glue it together. Seriously, how damn hard can that be.</p><p>Yet somehow, I suck at woodwork. <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/gaonoz/whats_something_that_looked_easy_but_you_failed/fp15v6g?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x" target="_blank"> HoggishPad</a><a href="https://www.reddit.com/user/HoggishPad/" target="_blank"></a></p>Jump! Or not....
<p>Ski jumping a tiny little 1foot high mogul size jump without using legs as shock absorbers and ending up landing in a fire sale 🔥 and split lip from ski shooting up my face into the air. Required 3 stitches to fix. Scar reminds me daily to not be a dumb fool. <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/gaonoz/whats_something_that_looked_easy_but_you_failed/fp0yj5b?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x" target="_blank">j_k_802</a></p>RIDE!!!
<img lazy-loadable="true" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMzI2NDI2NS9vcmlnaW4uZ2lmIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYxOTk1NTc2OH0.6Dts1tO4j1yscwZM_822x9YTb6PP12spFypYhztEijA/img.gif?width=980" id="e94a4" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="68eb5dd145bb447c2c306f08d234bc98" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" data-width="480" data-height="268" />Giphy<p>Riding a mechanical bull. It looks easy, and when I talk to people who have done it they gave me a few pointers. I watched all night at people who were both good and bad and "figured it out". I hopped on and of course I did well when it went slow, but as soon and the operator sped it up, WOOSH i went. <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/gaonoz/whats_something_that_looked_easy_but_you_failed/fp15ujz?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x" target="_blank">shaka_sulu</a></p>Using the fingers...
<p>Knitting. I worked with a woman at a hardware store who would knit while she was taking care of customers (the woman was a goddess of hardware). I am a Doctor Who fan and I asked her to teach me. Making my fingers move the way they needed made my hands feel alien like I was forcing them to do something they weren't made to do. </p>Bob Ross is the solution.
<p>Painting. It looks so simple, but it hardly ever is.</p><p><a href="https://www.reddit.com/user/thisisisle/" target="_blank">thisisisle</a></p><p>Just paint along with Bob Ross! Who needs creativity when you can imitate instead?</p><p><a href="https://www.reddit.com/user/twirlingpink/" target="_blank">twirlingpink</a></p>Not as simple as it looks.
<img lazy-loadable="true" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMzE4MTYxMC9vcmlnaW4uZ2lmIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY0Mzg2NDI3MX0.xmCL9QcYH9UIzn0ujYbPMErxWq8-bTrr2kyKTjDU6jk/img.gif?width=980" id="1a19d" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="e62e5a16c38656288df8ba418d2c5cda" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" data-width="402" data-height="484" />Giphy<p>Dancing. They make it look so easy and smooth!</p><p><a href="https://www.reddit.com/user/Orangekosher21/" target="_blank">Orangekosher21</a></p><p>When your college GF is just twirling and shimmying around and you try to do... things. Then she's pulling out her phone, calling 911 and saying "help my boyfriend is having a seizure."</p><p><a href="https://www.reddit.com/user/ThadisJones/" target="_blank">ThadisJones</a></p>It happens.
<p>Cartwheels. D*mn near broke my arm when I tried.</p><p><a href="https://www.reddit.com/user/Nachtopus/" target="_blank">Nachtopus</a></p><p>Competitive dancer here: dislocated my elbow trying to do an aerial because "I've done years of cartwheels and I flip on hoops and silks all the time, an aerial is just a cartwheel with no hands, how hard can it be?"</p><p><a href="https://www.reddit.com/user/mollybecute/" target="_blank">mollybecute</a></p>They're very different instruments.
<p>As a pianist, I badly overestimated how much of my ability would translate to trying a drum set for the first time.</p><p><a href="https://www.reddit.com/user/Tbone139/" target="_blank">Tbone139</a></p><p>Ironically it was the opposite for me. I started off on piano, was mediocre at it, but then became really good on the drums.</p><p><a href="https://www.reddit.com/user/Jakov_Salinsky/" target="_blank">Jakov_Salinsky</a></p>Stick shift is the worst.
<img lazy-loadable="true" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMzE4MTYxMi9vcmlnaW4uZ2lmIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY3NDE3Njg0OH0.mMFIu-f0heReib4X8e-Km7vayxeonfLwAIEIbzp89qQ/img.gif?width=980" id="5db4e" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="b2242f76ec456fc54a69a51a6414dbef" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" data-width="320" data-height="240" />Giphy<p>Driving a car for the first time.</p><p><a href="https://www.reddit.com/user/JohnO500/" target="_blank">JohnO500</a></p><p>ESPECIALLY if it's stick and you never noticed. Stalling a car multiple times in a parking lot is very humbling.</p><p><a href="https://www.reddit.com/user/boochpls/" target="_blank">boochpls</a></p>Relatable.
<p>Losing weight.</p><p><a href="https://www.reddit.com/user/melindseyme/" target="_blank">melindseyme</a></p><p>Opposite of this is true too - gaining weight is just as difficult. I add heavy cream to everything imaginable just for the extra calories. I have grown to f*cking hate food.</p><p><a href="https://www.reddit.com/user/Preskewl_Prostitewt/" target="_blank">Preskewl_Prostitewt</a></p>A lot of people THINK they're good at it...
<p>Rapping, I feel like everyone underestimates it until someone dares you to try it and you absolutely fail.</p><p><a href="https://www.reddit.com/user/treblethedog/" target="_blank">treblethedog</a></p><p>Everyone who tries rapping always starts with "my name is ____, I'm here to say..." lmao it kills me every time.</p><p><a href="https://www.reddit.com/user/mrschestnyspurplehat/" target="_blank">mrschestnyspurplehat</a></p>Exercise is hard.
<img lazy-loadable="true" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMzE4MTYzMy9vcmlnaW4uZ2lmIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY3MjQ1NDI2MH0.TjGJPqQIRfwD4ohICLmIGEQZ_nLB-UVMuvu2qQAuSms/img.gif?width=980" id="95115" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="0b09ddce671ee9d628451ef3b8661299" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" data-width="500" data-height="288" />Giphy<p>Pull ups. I learned very quickly that I have basically 0 upper body strength.</p><p><a href="https://www.reddit.com/user/thatpurplegirl140/" target="_blank">thatpurplegirl140</a></p><p><a href="https://www.reddit.com/user/thatpurplegirl140/" target="_blank"></a>Related:</p><p>I wanted to improve my upper body strength and looked up one of those 30 day push up things. Day 1 was like 5 push ups.</p><p>Turns out I can't even do 1, I just collapsed on the floor when I had barely moved from full up position.</p><p>I had to start on some other arm strength exercises first.</p><p>I'm 3 weeks in and still can't do a full proper press up but I can get down about half way, and get back up again!</p><p>Upper body stuff is hard.</p><p><a href="https://www.reddit.com/user/PM_ME_VEG_PICS/" target="_blank">PM_ME_VEG_PICS</a></p>Street Fighter = chess?
<p>Playing fighter games like Tekken or Street Fighters. The pros know the special combinations for every character and there's apparently a technique where they can "read" their opponent's pattern so they can plan their next move, sort of like chess.</p><p><a href="https://www.reddit.com/user/fihsbogor_is_back/" target="_blank">fihsbogor_is_back</a></p>Not so easy.
<p>My godd*mn computer desk. You get it and you think "Oh this'll be easy, I'll just follow the directions. I know how to use a screwdriver what could go wrong???"</p><p>12 missing screws, 1 manual written in Portuguese, 6 and half hours and one broken relationship later you realize that maybe you aren't the handyman you thought you were.</p><p><a href="https://www.reddit.com/user/The_Pusa/" target="_blank">The_Pusa</a></p>There are just a few life foundations we assume everyone is taught by a certain age or it's been acquired through breathing. These simple life musts tend to allude some and that can be a shocking discovery to many. It's like learning that someone doesn't know it's not ok to kill because it will get them into trouble. Like... how did you miss that day in Life 101?
Redditor u/MissVikingQueen wanted to discuss the simple things in life that should be a no brainer by asking....