Category: life

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Strategies That Can Help You Deal With Being Bullied as an Adult

When we think of bullies and how to survive them, our minds typically go to being young.

I think that’s because we’re – rightfully – extra concerned about the mental health of kiddos whose minds are still developing, and who typically don’t have the experience and life skills to cope.

Image Credit: iStock

Even if we do have that experience and those skills as adults, though, dealing with someone who is bullying us at work or in our personal life still really stinks.

If that’s something you’re dealing with now – or feel like you might in the future – here’s some advice from clinically-trained marriage and family therapist Roger S. Gil on how to handle it effectively (and with class).

1. Separate yourself as much as possible

Image Credit: iStock

You may not have the option of telling the “teacher” for one reason or another, but you can employ what Gil calls “avoidance strategies.”

“Avoidance strategies can be as simple as upping the privacy on your social media, ensuring you’re not alone around the bully, or devising an escape plan should the bully try to corner you.

While the passive approach may not be the most popular one, it may be the only course of action for some people who feel that they cannot address the bullying directly.”

If you’re comfortable, you could do something like ask your boss to reassign your workspace or to be switched to a different team or project.

Basically, if you have the chance to put physical space between the two of you, do it.

2. Refuse to play the victim

Image Credit: iStock

Bullies look for people who they think are vulnerable and weak, because the last thing they want to deal with is someone who fights back, says Gil.

“Bullies might go after the “short” girl, “fat” guy, “ugly” kid, etc. because they feel they can target the person in the area where they are the most insecure. Some bullies will target someone who they perceive to be an “alpha” (e.g. the popular girl, the good-looking guy, etc.) to boost their ego. This strategy serves a social purpose in that the bully is trying to establish power so nobody else will try to push them around.”

Basically the old, “act like it doesn’t bother you and they’ll probably stop” works with adults, too.

You can try laughing when they make jokes at your expense, thanking them for sarcastic compliments, pretending you don’t hear them when they’re being rude, and keeping your cool if you do something embarrassing.

All easier said than done, but if you can manage it, definitely an effective tool.

3. Stand up for yourself

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If the bully keeps pushing after you’ve tried some more indirect routes, you can try standing up to them. Gil recommends pointing out their bad behavior as a great way to get under their skin.

“Assuming the bully is nonviolent and unlikely to find some other way to harm you, confronting them by pointing out that their behavior is bullying is sometimes a good start.

Avoid provoking them but, at the same time, question their motives and what purpose going after someone who has done them no wrong serves them.

This shows that you’re not afraid to call them out and, if necessary, put them on the defensive.”

Some tips for getting the most out of the confrontation include:

  • Prepare for the encounter by knowing what you want to say, as well as where and when you’d like to say it. Having a plan can definitely ease your anxiety.
  • Be calm and self-assured, but don’t attack them. If you get emotional, they may take that as a sign of weakness and turn the tables.
  • Be specific about what they’re doing that you need them to stop.
  • Do it in private. That is, unless you think having backup might be necessary for HR reasons.

4. Loop someone in who can help

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If you’ve done everything you can think of on your own, or if things are going too far and you can feel yourself getting beaten down, don’t hesitate to ask for help. Your safety and mental health have to be a top priority, so Gil says not to let your pride prevent you from getting the help and protection you need.

“It goes without saying that any perceived physical threat should be handled with the assistance of local law enforcement or other community resource.

Some bullies are dangerous and may need legal interventions (e.g. restraining order, police report, etc.) to reduce the risk of harm.”

If this is happening at work, there are protections in place to help. Reach out to your HR department and ask about policies on bullying and a hostile work environment – most employers will act quickly to avoid being implicated.

There you go!

These are some great ideas on how to handle adult bullies, so though I hope you never have to deal with one, now you have ways out if you do.

The post Strategies That Can Help You Deal With Being Bullied as an Adult appeared first on UberFacts.

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Grocery Store Interactions You’ll Be Glad Didn’t Happen to You

Anytime we’re in a space with other people we don’t know, there’s the potential for an awkward interaction or confrontation.

Maybe you’ve never had an awkward or embarrassing moment in the grocery store, but these 13 people definitely have – and after reading through them, you’ll be so, so happy you’ve escaped all of those trips unscathed.

13. I just cringed.

Proudly saying ¨i will pay for it ¨. but came up short $5

#Awkwardgroceystorymoments

12. Her mom probably was mortified, too.

When I was ten, I was dancing in a trader joe’s and I crashed into a huge tower of pre-made coffee jugs. I wasn’t hurt, and nor was the coffee, but my dignity is another story…

11. So many kids have these stories!

9yo me went to the grocery store and there was a lady there who looked very much like a friend of ours.

I got excited and run up to her and hugged her.

She looked down at me and another girl she was with also looked strange at me.

I wished the floor would swallow me.

Apologized in a hurry and left.

10. That is just awful.

Frozen goods isle at Walmart.

Older gentleman opened the freezer cabinet, stuck his head in, proceeded to sneeze, closed up, and walked on about his business.

I chose to purchase my ice cream elsewhere that day.

9. Definite creeper vibes.

So there was a guy that I somehow kept coming across at every aisle. It was totally unexpected.

We were doing our respective shopping and unknowingly came across each other at every other aisle.

After 20 min of this, we crossed again in the Dairy section and he smiled at me. He was very cute so I smiled back. He let me go first for billing too. It felt like a movie and it was some kinda meet cute moment.

A week later he tries to get in touch on fb and Ig. It felt so weird because how did he find me? I blocked him and am very scared to even make eye contact with strangers at any store I go.

8. Being a woman is hard.

Early 30’s, shopping at night. Guy asked me about cookies. Yup, fell right into it. Then he said he just wanted to ask me out. I told him I was in a relationship.

HE SAID HE DIDN’T CARE; my S/O didn’t have to know. I told him that I would know and NO, I would not go out with him.

I was so rattled that I left and paid without finishing my shopping. It creeped me out because it was so late at night. I never went shopping at night again.

7. Bless his heart.

I went to go pay for some items at the self checkout and my card wasn’t working so i tried multiple times and the cashier at one of the stands was like sir is this your card?

and i just stood there being like uhhhhh yes? and so she called in security and i was just like i can pay cash and i am forever made fun of by everyone i know for that

6. A+ parenting.

I was 3 at the time and I saw some candy.

I picked it up but in my rush to catch up with my mom I put it in my pocket and ended up taking it home without paying.

When mom found out, she dragged me to the store and made me confess and return it.

5. Were there drugs involved?

I was on an aisle shopping when the store was pretty empty of customers and look up to see a giant walking “Twinkie the Kid” at the end of the aisle waving at me. Now that’s a huge costumed Twinkie in a cowboy hat & boots.

I wonder if I’ve lost my mind and desperately look around for anyone to verify what I’m seeing, but no one was in sight. I weakly waved back, and he walked off, never to be seen again.

I still picture some guy taking off the costume in the employee lounge, chuckling “Freaked another one out!”

4. The sound I just made.

I’m a teacher, so I often run into my students or their families in the grocery store. As I was walking up and down aisles in the grocery store, I passed a guy, who I recognized from a parent-teacher conference.

He kept staring at me. Finally, he stopped and said, “You look so familiar. Where do I know you from?” I often refer to my students as “my kids,” so I replied, “I think you’re one of my kids’ dads.”

To which he responded, “No. You’re very beautiful. I think I would remember f***ing you.”

It took me a few minutes to recover from that.

3. Double whammy.

This happened about a year or two ago.

I saw the back of my friend Rowan at the produce aisle and I ran over and whacked him on the back of the head (because that’s how we greet each other lol).

When he turned around, it wasn’t Rowan.

It was my teacher. (Rowan’s like 6 feet tall oof)

2. What else are parents for?

As the proud new manager of a grocery store, my son led me on a tour, taking me to see the new display of bulk candy in the middle of the store. As he talked and laughed in excitement, he popped a red and white mint into his mouth and immediately appeared to be choking.

When he couldn’t talk, I screamed for help and gave him the Heimlich maneuver. People came to our assistance while my son gestured that he was not choking, but couldn’t talk. One customer brought him coffee from the break room to “melt” the candy.

My son was completely embarrassed in front of his fellow employees that he was never choking at all, but had a muscle spasm in his throat when he propelled the large candy into his mouth and it slid down his esophagus! He was completely humiliated by my screaming for help!

1. Trip on me once…

I brought down a police officer.

I was leaving the shop with three bags and managed to miss the top step of the stairs (not even 1 meter drop). Shopping bags tearing at my arms, I fell forward and right into a tall guy who had a coffee in hand and wore a vest with giant letters saying POLIZEI. Me and my shopping bags knocked him straight down and landed on top of him. Needless to say, his coffee was gone and I was mortified.

is colleagues helped us up, we were both ok. I offered new coffee and his colleagues teased him about his non-existent reflexes and that he should maybe return to the car instead of raiding the nearby metro station.

Worst part: I saw him again a few days later. I was walking down the steps to the metro station and he was coming up. When he spotted me, he changed sides and hold his coffee with both hands.

I am secondhand dying, y’all.

If you’ve got a similar story you could share, please regale us in the comments!

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Folks Who Grew up Poor Share the Items They Thought Were Luxuries

I didn’t grow up poor but I didn’t grow up rich either, so I remember believing that some things were definitely luxuries.

But if you truly grew up in poverty, your whole perspective is different about how you view the world.

And those kinds of things stay with you forever.

AskReddit users who grew up poor talk about what they considered to be luxuries.

1. Hot water.

“A hot shower.

Cold showers were always available, but when you scraped enough cash to get some diesel fuel and get the burner to kick on long enough to have a hot shower man, absolutely nothing better.”

2. Clothing.

“New clothes.

I grew up pretty poor (no TV, no toys, but had a Sears catalog). My dad got in a serious accident when I was in 4th grade and almost lost his life. He won a small settlement from the community college he was working at and I was able to buy new clothes for the first time in my life.

Before this all I ever had were hand me downs from my cousin and donation clothes from the church. Most were worn to the point of having patches on the knees.

The worst part about getting new clothes for the first time is I felt terrible the whole time picking out new clothes because I always felt like a financial burden to my parents. I remember going to Miller’s Outpost and picking out typical 80’s clothes (OP, TnC, etc.).

It’s funny how growing up poor affects my everyday choices, for better or worse. I’ll never outgrow some of the feelings I had as a poor kid and I feel for any kid who has to endure a childhood of poverty.

It will affect them and their choices for the rest of their life.”

3. The good stuff.

“Honestly, I didn’t know that Pasta Roni was $1 until I was a grown man. I thought that was some gourmet sh*t.”

4. Going hungry.

“Having breakfast.

It’s gotten to the point where I can’t eat in the morning because my body is so used to waiting.”

5. No movies.

“Going to the movie theater!

I saw a grand total of, like, three movies at the theater when I was in high school. My classmates would be discussing movies that had just come out and I never knew what to contribute to the conversation because I had not seen them yet.

Finally started seeing movies at the theater when I started earning my own money.

We weren’t really poor, it’s just that most of the money went towards our education, basic necessities, and luxuries like an internet connection. Pretty middle class, but I guess there’s a huge difference between first world middle class and third world middle class, ahaha!

It also wasn’t very common for high schoolers to hold part time jobs, although I’m not sure now?”

6. Instruments.

“I don’t know if anyone can relate, but in about 3rd maybe 4th grade, me and my twin brother had a music class where we were both required to buy a recorder, like a plastic flute thing.

Well my mom said we didn’t have the money so my twin brother and I tore the whole house up in search of $6 for two recorders. We brought a ziploc bag full of change pennies, nickels, dimes etc.

I think the teacher felt sorry for us, cause she paid for our recorders when the rest of the students left the room. Gave us the ziploc bag back.

Thank you Mrs. Albrecht.”

7. Brand name.

“Brand name cereal was for the upper class, man.

Every time I saw Reeses Puffs on top of the fridge, I knew tomorrow was gonna be a good day.”

8. Wow.

“Grew up pretty poor in Arkansas in a trailer.

I literally got a door to my bedroom for Christmas one year.

It probably still was the best gift I ever received.”

9. Scraping by.

“In middle school I was on reduced school meals so it would be .40 for lunch.

So my parents would always give me 2 quarters every morning for lunch, now the cafeteria would also sell cookies which wasn’t part of the lunch set for .50 each.

So saving .10 each day I could afford one cookie by Fridays lunch. Good times.”

10. Trying to stay warm.

“A new winter coat.

I don’t remember having a new winter coat until I was probably 14 or 15, they had always been hand-me-downs from my cousins.

They were usually at least ten years old by the time I got them and the stuffing would be all clumped up.”

11. Sad.

“School parties where everyone brought something to share for lunch.

“If you don’t bring something, you don’t get to participate…”

I brought two carrots after not being able to afford school lunch for two years. Even the teacher laughed at me.

My young self just decided that day that some people don’t deserve lunch.”

12. Hiding.

“Staying at someone’s house who wasn’t poor, like a relative or friend.

Their house was also so clean, beautiful, pictures on the wall, knick knacks on the counter, and carpet you could play on because it was clean.

I spent my entire teenage years hiding where I lived.”

How about you?

Did you grow up poor?

Whatever the case, we want to hear from you.

In the comments, tell us what you considered a luxury when you were growing up.

The post Folks Who Grew up Poor Share the Items They Thought Were Luxuries appeared first on UberFacts.

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What Myths Are Still Widely Circulated as Truth? Here’s What People Had to Say.

Have you ever tried to have a debate (or even a polite conversation) with someone who just can’t be talked to because they won’t listen to reason about a certain topic?

That can be frustrating. And it can be REALLY frustrating when that belief isn’t true and has been disproven over and over again.

But that’s the kind of world we live in because people are stubborn and they don’t like to accept new ideas…or facts.

Here are some myths that AskReddit users think are still widely circulated as truth. Let’s take a look.

1. Be careful out there.

“If an HIV positive person has s*x with another HIV positive person, they don’t have to worry about protection.

They do, because there are 140 different strains of the HIV/AIDS virus, and getting infected with another strain, especially a potentially-deadlier one, could be dangerous.

Also, pregnancy is still a very big risk for HIV positive women. If you are considering a s*xual relationship, get tested, and talk to your doctor about birth control.”

2. History lesson.

“That people in general though the world was flat until Columbus sailed the ocean blue.

No, the Ancient World figured that out a long time before.

People just thought that it wasn’t possible to sail across the ocean to Asia because sailors would run out of food by then, while Columbus thought that wasn’t case because he thought Asia was bigger than contemporary estimates.”

3. What does that logo mean?

“The white on blue roundel in the BMW logo represents the white blades of a propeller against the blue sky, alluding to BMW’s history as a manufacturer of aircraft engines.

This myth was popularized in BMW’s advertising for aircraft engines. (And perpetuated by the movie Finding Forrester.)

In truth, the blue and white come from the Bavarian flag, presented as a circular coat of arms in reverse order to avoid a trademark law prohibiting the use of symbols of state sovereignty in a commercial trademark.

It was only in later marketing for aircraft engines they overlaid the logo over spinning propellers, as coincidentally it could be taken to look like a propeller against the sky. They made all sorts of engines for land vehicles as well.”

4. Fact or fiction?

“That one I’ve heard repeatedly is “shaving makes your hair grow back thicker.”

I have had lengthy arguments with more than one person about this.”

5. Space race.

“That the US spent over a million dollars and two years to develop a pen that could work in space…whereas the Soviets decided to just use a pencil.

In the early days, both used pencils, but since pencils are made out of graphite, and graphite is conductive, snapped graphite particles are dangerous in a pressurized space capsule….to put it lightly.

Fisher, the owner of the pen company, spent his own money to develop a pressurized ball point pen. And cost only about $3.00 per pen.”

6. Snake stuff.

“The Myth: You can tell if a snake is venomous or not by the shape of its pupil (slit for venomous, round for nonvenomous).

The Truth: Pupil shape has absolutely nothing to do with whether or not a snake has venom, and, if you’re close enough to get a good look at a snake’s pupils, you’re probably close enough to get bit.

The Advice: If you cannot, from a safe distance, immediately identify a snake beyond a reasonable doubt, assume it’s dangerous and behave accordingly; keep your distance, stay out of its direct path, and keep your eyes on it until one or the other of you leaves the area.”

7. Hmmmm…

“That urine neutralizes jelly fish stings.

Use vinegar instead.

That stuff will actually save you, at least long enough for an ambulance to arrive.”

8. That old story…

“That Marylin Manson removed 2 of his ribs to blow himself.

I will never understand how this one traveled around the world before widespread use of the Internet for stuff like this. Some of the other ones, sure, they were stuff that sounded medical or scientific were circulated by papers or magazines.

But this one somehow circulated in places that may have never even known who Marilyn Manson was.”

9. Those poor fish.

“That goldfish have a 6 second memory.

I mean it’s still not great, I think like a couple months. But still….

Get your fish a bigger d*mn tank”

10. They don’t?

“Undercover police have to tell you they are policemen when you ask them.”

11. Not true.

“Catherine the Great died after attempting to have s*x with a horse.

This myth was started by the French.

And then they ask why everyone believes Napoleon was a tiny, tiny man.”

12. Brainpower.

“That we only use 10% of our brain.

I legit read something that said “Normal people use only 8% of their brains; Einstein was able to achieve what he did because he used 11%. Imagine if we unlocked all of our brain.”

It’s scary how misinformation can be so prevalent.”

13. I remember this one.

“Something about touching baby birds and their parents abandoning them due to the smell of human touch.”

14. I wish it was true.

“That Mr. Rogers was a sniper and/or had tattoos covering his arms.

Both untrue.

Fred Rogers lived a pretty mundane live and dedicated considerable time to creating television programming that didn’t rot kids brains.”

Now we want to hear from you.

In the comments, tell us what myths you think people out there still think are true.

Please and thank you!

The post What Myths Are Still Widely Circulated as Truth? Here’s What People Had to Say. appeared first on UberFacts.

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People Share Myths That a Lot of Folks Still Believe Are True

This is gonna be interesting!

The world is flat. Climate change is a hoax.

These are all examples of myths that are not true that people believed (and some still believe) for years and years.

We live in a superstitious world where people cling to their beliefs and ideas, no matter what kind of evidence is presented to them.

Let’s see what myths folks on AskReddit still think a lot of people out there believe are true.

1. Eat up!

“Carrots being good for your eyes.

It was a myth created in WWII by the Allies to explain how their pilots got so good at shooting down enemy planes all of a sudden.

The real reason was radar technology.”

2. False!

“That Lucky Strike is named such because it used to be that one cigarette in every 20 packs is a joint.

And if you found that joint, you were the lucky one.

In reality, the name comes from striking it lucky as a gold prospector. This joint claim has been disproved.”

3. That’s a tough one.

“The myth that if you work your *ss off during your college days, its gonna be smooth sailing in your adult years.

Nope.”

4. These people…

“That masks are ineffective.

Masks are incredibly effective, for both the wearer and those around them. Mask fibers are woven close enough to block the droplets that carry the coronavirus.

People say it’s like using a chain link fence to stop a fly, but it’s more like using a chain link fence to stop a fly that’s hitching a ride on a baseball. It reduces transmission drastically. It is proven science. I mean, for god’s sake, no one questions surgeons and nurses who wears them.

They do not block your breathing. And yes, they trap your coronavirus particles, but if they’re trapping your coronavirus particles then you already have coronavirus. It won’t make you more sick.

Masks are simple, easy. Put it over you face, and you’re doing your part to bring an end to this pandemic. All you people out there who are refusing for “my freedumbz” are making this thing last longer than it should and kill more people than it should.

You want things to go back to normal? You want the economy to come back? You want business to stop shutting down? You want children to actually go to school in person? THEN WEAR A MASK.”

5. Trippy!

“That LSD, Psilocybin and Cannabis are drugs that are highly addictive and have no medicinal value.

The literal reason for them being schedule 1 drugs and considered extremely criminal.

Its all bullsh*t and not true at all, Nixon made this up to harass and arrest his political opposition in the antiwar left and pro-rights blacks. They even admitted doing this and knowing well that the war on drugs would neither work nor had any sound reasoning behind it, yet 5 decades later we still kill thousands worldwide every year because of Nixon.

Most of the myths in reddit pages like this are silly or benign, while this myth is among the most deadly misconceptions that is only recently being very slowly reversed in younger generations.”

6. Oh, boy…

“The Earth is flat.

I went on a date with a guy that believed this. I laughed because I thought he was joking. He was not.

It was our only date.”

7. The old days.

“That cars were built better back in the day.

No, they weren’t.

Those old cars barely made it to 100k miles before sh*tting out.

Cars these days can go on for 500k+ miles if you do preventive maintenance on them throughout the years.”

8. Don’t wait!

“That you have to wait 24 hours before you can report a missing person.

If someone is missing, go get help!”

9. The numbers.

“10% of people are gay. This is taken from the Kinsey reports, and out of thousands of statistics, 10% appears only once.

It’s actually much more accurate to say (according to Kinsey) 4% are gay, 50% are straight, and 46-48% are somewhere on the bis*xual spectrum.”

10. Nope.

“That tax cuts for the rich result in job creation and a wealthier middle class.”

11. Old George.

“The myth that George Washington’s false teeth were made of wood should be put to rest.

The teeth in the contraption that he wore at times were teeth of different animals like elk, for one. The teeth were held in with wooden pegs.

Hence the myth.”

12. Gross.

“Margarine is healthier than butter.

It’s not, not even close it causes heart disease faster and your body doesn’t even recognize it as food.

Flies won’t even touch it.”

13. All kinds of stuff!

“Lightning round:

That Galileo was the first person to come up with a heliocentric model.

That Copernicus was the first person to come up with a heliocentric model.

That everyone believed the world was flat until Columbus.

That Columbus’ ships were named Niña, Pinta and Santa María.

That Columbus was the first European to discover America.

That tetanus is caused by rusty metal.

That Napoleon was comically short.

That the Great Wall of China is ‘the only manmade structure visible from space’.

That there is a rule in English that you aren’t supposed to boldly split infinitives.

That there is a rule in English that says ‘I before E except after C’.

That pot is a “gateway drug”.

That Einstein flunked math as a child.

That Mrs. O’Leary’s cow started the Great Chicago Fire.”

14. History lesson.

“The European “Dark Ages”

People seem to love the idea that, between the fall of Rome and, like, DaVinci or something, everyone in Europe was just blowing spit bubbles and looking at the funny pictures in the Bible.

Not only was there not a complete absence of classical learning in Europe during the dark ages, but throughout the dark ages and mediaeval period, there actually was a fair amount of progress in fields like architecture, engineering, metallurgy, philosophy, theology and yes, even science.

But then again, I suppose it all ties back to the notion that people in the past were somehow far stupider than we are.”

Now it’s your turn.

In the comments, share some more myths that are still widely believed to be true.

We can’t wait to hear from you!

The post People Share Myths That a Lot of Folks Still Believe Are True appeared first on UberFacts.

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People Who Grew up Poor, What Did You Consider a Luxury? Here’s What People Said.

It’s interesting how our childhoods affect us for the rest of our lives.

I remember a friend once told me that their grandmother used to save pretty much everything that could be reused or repurposed around her house. And I do mean EVERYTHING.

The reason was that she grew up during the Great Depression and those hard lessons stayed with her throughout her whole life.

Folks who grew up poor, what did you consider to be a luxury?

Here’s what people on AskReddit had to say.

1. No vacations.

“Going places during school vacation.

The kids would be all like “what!? you’ve never been to XYZ amusement park!?”

No, Trisha. My family doesn’t even have a car.”

Which is another luxury to me.”

2. None of that!

“Being allowed to turn on the heat during the winter.

And also being able to hire a professional to fix broken appliances, plumbing, etc.”

3. A big treat.

“My Mom had 7 children in 10 years, 1950-1960.

I remember having a whole bottle (those smallish glass ones that came out of the machine for 10cents) of soft drink to my self instead of sharing 1 bottle between all 7 of us.

I was perhaps 5 years old. I still remember this as the best thing ever.”

4. New clothes.

“I wore hand-me-downs or thrift shop clothes because we couldn’t afford all new ones. At the beginning of the school year, my mom would give my siblings and I $50 to spend on new clothes plus we’d get a new pair of gym shoes.

I struggled to pick out new things because I knew she and my dad were giving up something for us to have new things. Often, I’d get a couple of things and ask her to save the rest for later, then I’d pick out the cheapest shoes I could.

Even now, buying clothes for myself is super stressful and I only buy when it’s on clearance or at Goodwill.”

5. A big moment.

“I almost never even had winter coats since all my older siblings were female. I would just wear a decent hoodie over a ton of layers of old clothes.

When I got my first new coat, I experienced warmth like I had never felt before and it was so amazing.”

6. You gotta see…

“I remember in 8th grade on my birthday at school one of my teachers asked me what gifts I had received. He asked in front of the whole class, I excitedly shared that I would be getting contact lenses.

My parents let me choose one thing that I wanted and I desperately wanted to stop wearing the broken glasses I had, which I usually didn’t wear. One of the boys in class made a comment like “contacts aren’t a present..?”

And my teacher had to explain to him- again in front of everyone- that for some families they were too expensive not to be a luxury. After that experience I worked two and three jobs in high school so I could buy myself and my brothers the things we needed.

The first thing I bought with my money from my first job as a hostess at a diner was a queen size bed because my twin mattress was about 20 years old and at 15 I was having back problems and issues with rusted springs poking me.”

7. Keepin’ cool.

“Air conditioning.

Sometimes we had a jacked up old window unit that would cool down my parents room on the hottest of summer nights and we would sleep in sleeping bags on their floor.

Sometimes it was broke.

Sometimes it just wasn’t hot enough to justify running it.

Never during the day though, that’s what the library was for.”

8. Bathing.

“Taking a bath.

We bathed every night, but it was by heating up water (that we would go to the park down the road to get in 5 gallon jugs) and filling up a mop bucket to wash off with.

Staying over at a friend or family members house and getting to take an actual shower was amazing though.”

9. Dinner is served.

“It’s a long time ago – but when I was young (about 6-8 years old) back in the early 1960’s we had meat once a week for the family dinner – on Sundays.”

10. On sale.

“Until the age of 12, I thought that you weren’t allowed to buy things that weren’t on sale.

My mom only bought things when they were on sale and/or she had a coupon, so I thought that the “non-sale” items weren’t being sold.”

11. Always working.

“Parents helping out with homework and school projects.

They can’t do that if they always work 3rd shift.

My projects were always notably worse than everyone else’s.”

12. Movie night.

“Renting a movie from blockbuster the first weekend of every month.

My brother and I got to pick any movie we wanted as long as it wasn’t rated R.

On really special nights, we even got a 2-liter bottle of Sprite for the family to share.”

13. Best night ever.

“KFC take out was the best night of the year growing up.

Only got it once a year but man was it the best night ever”

How about you?

What did you consider a luxury when you were growing up?

Talk to us in the comments. Thanks!

The post People Who Grew up Poor, What Did You Consider a Luxury? Here’s What People Said. appeared first on UberFacts.

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What’s Something That You Can’t Understand the Popularity Of? Here’s What People Said.

Maybe I’m just getting way too old, but whenever I turn on the radio or flip channels on TV, a lot of the really popular stuff on there just…confuses me.

This especially goes for rap music. I love the stuff I grew up on: Ice T, NWA, Ice Cube, Cypress Hill, etc.

But when I hear current, HUGELY POPULAR rap artists…I don’t get it. At all.

I guess we all have those kinds of things, right?

People on AskReddit admitted what they just don’t understand the popularity of. Let’s take a look.

1. Same here.

“I don’t really understand influencers.

Like why do they have such big followings?

Why do people obsess over these random people who make their lives look better just for social media?

I don’t get it.”

2. Weird.

“Toddlers and Tiaras.

Why is there a bikini competition?

Why are we forcing kids to participate in these terrible pageants just for the entertainment of adult viewers?”

3. Ugh.

“Prosperity Gospel.

Literally allowing people like Kenneth Copland and Paula White to rake in their money while spitting all over their supposedly sacred Bible.”

4. It’s a mystery.

“TV evangelists.

I have nothing against religion, but why would anyone follow these guys to the point that they would be willing to give them money?

I just can’t wrap my head around why these guys are so rich.”

5. It ain’t reality.

“Celebrity worship.

I really don’t understand why people are so obsessed with celebrities to the point of following every single thing they do in their lives.

What do people get out of idolizing some rich people who probably don’t even care about you?”

6. Keep it to yourself.

“Taking videos of yourself crying and posting it online.

Also don’t understand the people who sympathize with them.”

7. Am I hallucinating?

“The Masked Singer.

I just don’t get it…

I saw that show for the first time in the hospital, in the early hours of the morning, hopped up on painkiller and half awake while waiting for an MRI.

Sat there groggily wondering why there were people in fur suits on a reality show and wondering if I was hallucinating or something.”

8. Bizarre.

“Politician worship.

It is puzzling to me that people will show up at a political rally and scream like they are at a Rolling Stones concert.

Not sure when this all started but it is very weird to me.”

9. Not doing it for you.

“I’m mostly a metalhead. I like some rap. I like even less county, but still some.

I can’t get my head around country rap. My brother goes bananas for it and it’s awful to me.

I haven’t heard anything from the genre that I would consider innovative, thought provoking, or even halfway challenging.

I’m not trying to be a super smart guy here, I don’t have the time to type the pants on head stupid things I listen to when I’m in the mood for the auditory equivalent of Spam and eggs.

But what’s cool about music is you can find people pushing the boundaries in any genre, but country rap reeks of complacency to me.”

10. It is a big hit…

“The Bachelor/The Bachelorette.

I have no idea why the most forward-thinking and progressive people I know regularly tune in to literal objectification every week.”

11. Yes!

“The Kardashians.

I have a theory.

They initially got popular because of their TV show. Now, every one on the internet seems to dislike them BUT, in disliking them, people still don’t stop talking about them.

Now when they keep talking about them, they get more popular.”

12. Odd…

“Why anyone cares about the British Royal Family.

They are just a bunch a rich people.”

13. I don’t get it.

“Beyoncé, and how talking in a non-positive way about her is sacrilegious.

I once said she was overrated on Instagram and I received literal death threats.”

14. Too much work.

“Night clubs.

Loud, sticky, claustrophobic. You can’t talk, just drink and dance, which I’m awful at. After 30 mins I’m ready to leave, and I wouldn’t even enjoy it for that short period of time.

I actually feel like I’ve missed out on something that sooo many people love, but you like what you like, and I HATE clubs!”

15. I’m feeling this one!

“Modern hip-hop, trap, mumble rap.

I honestly can’t get into the half-asleep triplet delivery of rappers nowadays, sh*t hit so much better back in the day.”

Okay, now we want to hear from you.

In the comments, tell us what YOU don’t understand the popularity of.

Thanks a lot!

The post What’s Something That You Can’t Understand the Popularity Of? Here’s What People Said. appeared first on UberFacts.

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Funny Tweets That Are Peak 2020

If I had any wishes for this awful year, it would be that it never gets mentioned in polite conversation again.

And yet… I know that’s not realistic. I know we’ll be talking about 2020 for DECADES to come. And we’ll be going over how awful and crazy this year was again and again and again.

So, given that reality… why not keep talking about it now and find the lighter side?

That’s what these tweeple are doing, and I’m here for it.

If not to laugh… then perhaps to cry?

Let’s take a look!

1. I really don’t need to be on that Zoom call, right

I’m just going to hang out with my feels.

2. The most 2020 math equation ever

I’m so over this year.

3. They’re not doing that well.

Because I am one of those people… and I hate life right now.

4. Also, if you don’t have a life, booze will give you one!

It won’t last long, but, yanno… YOLO!

5. Also, quarantine Day 673

I will do this every single day, regardless.

6. Gurlllllll

I don’t think that relationship is gonna work out…

7. I mean… same same

Hypersonic? Maybe. Funky fresh? No.

8. I should be terrified, but instead I’m intrigued.

I’d hang out with this gal!

9. I knew it!

Emails can’t find people… only people can find emails. Think about it…

10. Sounds like a plan!

It’s a bold move Cotton, let’s see if it works out for them…

All of those tweets are bangers. For real. And you can’t convince me otherwise.

But… that’s my hot take. What’s yours? Let us know in the comments.

Thanks fam!

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A Black Woman Asks Why Black Men Give Her Trouble About a Preference for White Men

Life can get be tricky, and we all have tough questions about the way the world works – at at least, how it can seem to look from our points of view.

When it comes to dating, it’s best if people mind their own business. That said, it doesn’t always happen.

I’m a black girl who mostly dates white guys. Why do black men get upset when they see me out with a white man? I see black men with white women all the time and I don’t think anything of it. from NoStupidQuestions

This Black woman prefers to date white men, but feels as if she’s being judged by Black men about her choices. She’s curious why – and these 15 people are willing to weigh in.

15. It’s not everyone.

I’m a walking talking white stereotype. My black wife and I are very happy. Our respective families love us very much and have long since moved past any prejudice that might have existed.

Don’t ever disqualify yourself from asking out someone you like. They might be worrying about the same thing.

14. It’s all about control.

To be honest, I think it’s about some weird sense of ownership – almost like a tribe mentality that’s gone off the rails into something dark. And that can sometimes get tied in with a depressing sense of inferiority that’s been placed on black people for centuries.

For reference, I’m a black woman who’s married to a white man. Before we were together, I mostly dated white guys.

In my experience, the only people who’ve ever had a problem with that have fallen into two categories: racist white people who think I’m garbage and want me to stay with “my kind” instead of bringing down my partner’s station in life (as an in-law so eloquently stated to me once). Or racist black people who think I’m acting like I think I’m “too good” for black men.

Of the latter, I find it’s often black guys but it’s also some black women. I think their explanations for it come from a really dark and depressing place that reflects the history of race in America. I’ve had some tell me I should only be with black men because so many white people already see black people as less desirable. So that in my choosing to be with someone else, I’m discriminating against my own people.

Another argument I’ve heard is that white men have historically taken advantage of others and often in the form of forced marriage or sexual assault with women of other cultures. I had some jerk who was trying to pick me up at a bar tell me I was making a mistake by allowing a white man to “claim” me. That gross interaction has stayed with me all this time later because I sat there looking a brother in the eyes and having him degrade me like that just because I wasn’t going to sleep with him.

The whole idea doesn’t make sense. But from what I can understand, the people who are loudest about this have some really rough feelings about race and have internalized them instead of trying to work out their own prejudices and enlightening themselves. It’s sort of like a racism towards white people that internalized into a devaluing of self. If that makes sense.

These are such sad ways to look at life. Because it just creates more prejudice and implies that as black women, we’re still not free to make our own choices. Only in this context, it’s “our people” trying to own us.

13. History.

I’m just like you my dear. I’m a black girl and I date outside my race.

For some black men, a white woman is like the ultimate prize, even though they want you to only be with black men. A lot of black see white women as a trophy, like once they come up, it’s all about white women and that’s terrible as well.

I have my own feelings about that considering the history of it all, but we like what we like.

12. Try to be happy.

Crazy how hard it is to find someone who shares your beliefs and values, is willing to grow with you through the ups and downs, and ultimately tries to better both of your lives and there are people whose reaction is “yea but…different color”

Just be happy. You shouldn’t have to bear the burden of other people’s poor experiences.

11. It takes time to change.

The answer to this is because white woman since slavery have been seen as socially more valuable than black women.

It’s the same thing as why white men are the most preferred statically in interracial dating they’re seen as the wealthiest and most powerful. Also self hate is a thing.

10. A human issue.

I think it’s more jealousy, feelings of inadequacy, and prejudice coupled with tribalism than a subconscious/primal view of relationships as the man “owning” the woman. Reacting poorly to our feelings and experiences is something all people need deal with.

I believe the reason you are stumped is because you are looking at this as a sex issue when it is a human issue. While men tend to be more comfortable with open/public acts of aggression, I’ve seen numerous women attack other women for simply talking to “their man” or more often attack “their man” for associating with other women.

Regardless of the reason anyone may ascribe as to why people act this way I think we can agree that it is, as most human interaction is, a complex multi-faceted issue.

9. Maybe they don’t know the reason.

I’m white and my wife is black and we have two mixed boys. My sister in law only dates white guys as well. I have been called names, threatened and she has been treated poorly by her own race because of it. The people doing it never give a reason but not once in 5 years has a white person ever said anything negative. My family welcomed her with open arms and her family wants nothing to do with her.

People of her own race constantly say things like “you talk like a white person” and “you act like a white person” and she explains it a certain way, which I am honestly scared to type out because I’m scared people will call me a racist. But here is what MY WIFE WHO IS BLACK says about what is happening to her (as well as this is echoed by her sister)

They don’t date black men because of how they view that they treat women. They date white people because in their eyes white people are overall less racist than black males. They both view white men as less violent and more trusting. She has been called a race traitor more than once.

Now (I’m not bragging here) My wife and her sister are extremely attractive and her brother has told them that you can’t “ruin” the race by taking good genes and giving them to the “white race”.

This might be completely unbelievable but I was with my wife on a bus in New Haven and we were holding hands, this is when we were dating. I was the only white person on the bus and this lady, who had to be in her 40’s, started to nudge the back of my legs (I was standing and she was sitting) and calling me a cracker and calling her an Uncle Tom type. Most of the people on the bus got in on it and I was ripped apart and so was she. We stood and said nothing and then they told me when we got off the bus they were going to stab me. The bus driver pretended not to hear it but was on the phone with 911 and had them meet us at the stop at the mall. I was lucky.

I’m sorry that in this day and age anyone cares who anyone is with. Our two boys are soooo handsome. Mixed children have beautiful skin tone. My wife isn’t black she’s just, her. You’re not black, you are whoever you are. Skin color doesn’t matter what matters is what is inside you. Love who you love and damn anyone tells you different. No matter their skin color.

8. Try to show them love.

White South African here. I was brought up to understand that interracial relationships and gay relationships was wrong, and against the will of God. It took me a long time to overcome my indoctrination but I think I’ve figured it out.

If you find love that is real…embrace it. Do not judge a person by the color of hisher skin, but by his/her words, and his /her actions. Accept different cultures, but question their believes if it restricts your freedom.

Don’t rely on some elusive God to grant your wishes. Seek strength within yourself to overcome. This is our greatest gift, to be independent. Try to extend your love your idiot neighbours.

7. It’s all about family.

I am a white guy married to a black woman. We’re in the UK and in London, so probably not quite as racist as some parts of the UK (or indeed parts of the US).

However, the only racism I have encountered is from black guys, towards me mainly.

I’ll get teeth being sucked at me when we’re out holding hands, and I get the stink eye from black guys frequently.

My wife, bless her, doesn’t notice 90% of it.

However, I do and my punching hand itches.

The worst was when we’re out and about in Brixton and I nearly got in a fight… it would not have ended well for me…

I’ve never had any hassle from white guys, although maybe I just don’t notice it!

I love her family, they love me and my family love her and our kids.

6. Sad and twisted indeed.

I’m a white Aussie and I think the first time I realized this was a thing, and not uncommon was when I saw Get Out. It’s such a sad, twisted little quirk. Just baffles me people can be so hateful. The sad thing is, I suppose I can sorta see why some people might think along these lines.

America has had such… horrible times in their history (sadly even now at times). Not that it’s unique to the US. But I can see why some people might be uncomfortable with some things considering some shit that’s happened.

Not that it justifies anything. It’s a sad thing all round.

5. It could be a competition.

Alright I am a half black guy who looks far more black than white and I think I might have some real answers. To preface, many of the black ladies in my life have dated white men and I’m totally fine with it.

In my experience when some black men date white women they kind of see it as stealing from the white men. Obviously this isn’t always the case, but I think the guys who get upset over black women dating white men are subconsciously or consciously viewing the whole situation as a racial competition among men. They think when a black guy dates a white girl he’s overcoming centuries of history, but if the roles are reversed it’s just white domination continuing.

Again, I really really really don’t believe in that kind of thought. If you really care about somebody or just find them attractive, go for it.

4. Tribalism.

Jealousy, racism and an ‘us and them’ mentality.

3. The simplest explanation is usually correct.

Racism.

2. She’s not alone in her experience.

I just talked about this with a biracial girl who posted that the black side of her family got upset when she dated white guys. I feel like I see white girls with black his all the time but not the other way around.

So much so that if I’m attracted to a black girl I’m unlikely to express interest because I feel like black girls aren’t interested in white guys. She felt that that was generally how her black friends and family felt.

I don’t understand the double standard either.

1. Sexist and racist.

It seems to be a fairly common sexist thing.

Plenty of white dudes get angry when they see white women with black or Asian guys, even if they themselves only date black or Asian women.

It doesn’t really make sense.

I appreciate the conversation that’s happening here.

If you have something to add, drop your thoughts in the comments!

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Things All Women Do, Even if We Don’t Like to Talk About It

Obviously, not all women are the same, but there are some universal experiences that tie us all together – and those bonds are tight, y’all.

We all do weird things and have gross experiences, and honestly, it feels pretty good to share sometimes!

12. She’s more dedicated than I am.

Kegels.

Kegels in meetings at work.

Kegels in the movie theatre.

Kegels at dinner with friends.

Kegels everywhere.

If you’re talking to me, and I’m sitting, I am definitely kegeling.

11. I don’t know how they walk around with those things.

Wondered what it’s like to have a penis.

If I woke up with a penis, I’d probably masturbate all day.

10. It’s weird. We know it.

Open my mouth really wide while putting mascara on.

Also, redoing updos 30 times even though I’m pretty sure it looks the same every time.

9. And curse your tweezers in the process.

Spend far too much time trying to pluck one eyebrow hair that won’t f*ck off.

8. This made me chuckle.

Got on all fours in front of a mirror to see what doggystyle looks like from the dude’s perspective.

not bad.

7. No questions asked.

Give a lady a tampon when she asks.

No matter who they are.

6. Like a lot.

I check myself out a lot.

5. The panic is real.

Tried on a shirt that was too small, then started to panic in the dressing room after realizing how restrictive it is when you can’t get it back off over the boobs/shoulders.

Start thinking that you either have to 1) buy the shirt and live in it now, or 2) they’re going to have to use the jaws of life to remove it.

4. Every bathroom should have extras.

I cant believe I hadn’t seen this one yet, but use a layer of tp in your underwear to tide you over until you can get a pad or tampon on those days when your period shows up unexpectedly

3. It’s a life skill.

Taking off our bra without taking off our shirt, through the sleeves.

It’s a hassle, but it feels. so. good. to let those puppies free after a long day!

2. She’s not alone.

When you wear a tight pair of pants and their is the seam that creates a little bulge right in the crotch, when you sit it presses against your vagina nicely, so you wiggle back and forth a bit to enjoy it.

I can’t be the only women that has felt it or enjoyed it.

1. The only time it’s nice.

After shaving, wear silky or satin-y pj’s.

I’ve definitely experienced all of these.

If you’ve got more to add, drop them in the comments!

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