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30 Times People Went Through “Ugly Duckling” Transformations And Shared Their Results To Inspire Others
Interview
About four years ago, an internet trend known as the "10-Year Challenge" took social media platforms by storm. This challenge involved people sharing two photographs of themselves side by side, showcasing their transformation over a decade.
Recently, a Twitter user by the name of 'Wandering Hedonist' took to the said platform to share his own over a decade-long transformation, from 2011 to 2023 to be exact. His caption humorously invited others to show their aging process akin to 'fine wine'. This post rapidly gained traction then, amassing nearly 800,000 views in just a matter of days. Moreover, the trend caught on as other users in the thread enthusiastically began sharing their own 'before and after' transformations too!
More info: twitter.com
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#1
2011 vs. 2023
Bored Panda recently had the opportunity to reach out and interview the previously mentioned user 'Wandering Hedonist' (or as he likes to call himself - Edgar), who is known for his viral Twitter thread and for his gastronomy channel called "Bars, Breakfasts & Flex". As a global gastronomy enthusiast, his platform on Telegram highlights the best breakfast spots and bars across the world.
When asked about his motivation to start this small challenge, he shared, "As someone who runs my own gastronomy channel ('Bars, Breakfasts & Flex'), I've always been all about sharing experiences and connecting with people. Creating this challenge felt like another opportunity to do just that - share a personal journey and potentially inspire others in the process."
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#2
2011 vs. 2023
mooshoflove 3 years ago (edited)
Is this the same human? The noses seem very different.. although they do have a similar freckle on their right cheek... but I am just waking up, so maybe it's my perception...
Edgar's caption in the tweet, 'aging like fine wine', captured the interest of many bird app users as some deemed it enough of a reason to join his challenge. In explaining the meaning behind this phrase, he told Bored Panda, "Just like a good wine that improves with age, I believe we as individuals also gain depth, character, and complexity over time. In the context of my work, I suppose it also has a cheeky gastronomical touch to it haha!"
#4
The Thread Author, 2011 vs. 2023
As mentioned before, the thread initiated by 'Wandering Hedonist' (Edgar) drew numerous people across the world who were quickly starting to share their own transformations by quote-tweeting his initial post. In response to whether any transformations stood out, Edgar revealed, "Each transformation shared in the thread was unique and inspiring in its own way. Seeing people embrace their journey and openly share their growth was truly moving. I think we as people tend to become better as we age (not only appearance-wise)."
#6
2015 vs. 2023
#7
2004 vs. 2023
When asked about how the success and reach of his tweet had affected his perspective of social media, he enthusiastically shared, "Absolutely, this experience has underscored the power of Twitter (and other socials) as a platform for connection. It has the ability to unite people around shared experiences, bridging geographic, cultural, and personal divides."
That being said, Pandas, we hope that this interview with Edgar shed some light on his passion for sharing not only his unique culinary experiences but also personal growth stories, as well as his belief in the power of social media to bring people together.
#8
2013 vs. 2023
#10
2012 vs. 2023
#11
2011 vs. 2023
Yeet_girl360 3 years ago
I swear, dudes always have the most perfectly arched eyebrows. Most girls would kill for some brows like that.
#12
2018 vs. 2023
Arturo De la Rosa 3 years ago
This 2023 look is the same as the teens from when I was in middle school, circa 1999... why bring it back!!!
#15
2016 vs. 2023
#16
2011 vs. 2023
#17
2001 vs. 2023
#19
2011 vs. 2023
#20
2013 vs. 2023
#21
2011 vs. 2023
#22
2012 vs. 2023
#23
2013 vs. 2023
#25
2011 vs. 2023
#26
2011 vs. 2023
#27
2014 vs. 2023
#28
2009 vs. 2023
Shyla Bouche 3 years ago
Why didn't he wait until his hair was dry to take the second picture?
#30
2013 vs. 2023
#31
2011 vs. 2023
#32
2010 vs. 2023
#33
2013 vs. 2023
Arturo De la Rosa 3 years ago (edited)
I would go back to the 2013 look TBH. It just softens up her features better. and short hair is hard to pull off. if i had to describe the 2023 pic in one word i would say: pointy
#35
2011 vs. 2023
#36
2010 vs. 2023
#38
2016 vs. 2023
#40
2012 vs. 2023
#41
2014 vs. 2023
#43
2016 vs. 2023
Arturo De la Rosa 3 years ago
This looks backwards to me some how the look on the left feels more contemporary. weird
#44
2017 vs. 2023
Arturo De la Rosa 3 years ago
Actually like the older look more, frames her face better. and it doesn't even look dated yet.
#45
2016 vs. 2023
#46
2010 vs. 2023
#47
2007 vs. 2023
#48
2017 vs. 2023
#49
2011 vs. 2023
Arturo De la Rosa 3 years ago
I think in 10 years she will look at this and be able to see that 2023 was a weird year for her.
#50
2011 vs. 2023
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What do you think ?
CrazyKnitter 3 years ago
Agreed. Some were just bad photos, not ugly people.
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censorshipsucks 3 years ago
Guys it's just aesthetics. Some people are not attractive to some people, and some people find other things attractive. Aesthetics are relative. Go have a look at "The Luncheon on the Grass" by Manet and complain about 1800s beauty standards. Really, what is "beautiful" changes over time and over borders, and even between cities. If someone says a person looks better in the earlier photo, give them a break.
Trish 3 years ago
I'm sorry, I accidentally hit the downvote button. Totally unintentional.
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BakedKahuna 3 years ago
Wow, this thread was surprisingly disgusting! Not due to the content but due to the comments and mass punishment because someone dared to have an opinion. Yuck.
meepmeep 3 years ago
Um, went through and read the comments, and 90%+ are positive or neutral. Mostly that they look good in both photos or that they like the first one better. What comments were you reading?
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CrazyKnitter 3 years ago
Agreed. Some were just bad photos, not ugly people.
Load More Replies... censorshipsucks 3 years ago
Guys it's just aesthetics. Some people are not attractive to some people, and some people find other things attractive. Aesthetics are relative. Go have a look at "The Luncheon on the Grass" by Manet and complain about 1800s beauty standards. Really, what is "beautiful" changes over time and over borders, and even between cities. If someone says a person looks better in the earlier photo, give them a break.
Trish 3 years ago
I'm sorry, I accidentally hit the downvote button. Totally unintentional.
Load More Replies... BakedKahuna 3 years ago
Wow, this thread was surprisingly disgusting! Not due to the content but due to the comments and mass punishment because someone dared to have an opinion. Yuck.
meepmeep 3 years ago
Um, went through and read the comments, and 90%+ are positive or neutral. Mostly that they look good in both photos or that they like the first one better. What comments were you reading?
Load More Replies...
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