ADVERTISEMENT

With the year we’re having, it’s safe to say that a lot of us are expecting 2021 to be far better. However, even if some of us are losing faith in humanity, things aren’t as grim in 2020 as we think. People from all over the world are sharing the times that the results they got exceeded expectations and posting them on the ‘Expectation Vs. Reality’ subreddit.

Scroll down for a wholesome collection that has no place for cynicism and where reality is better (or at least as good) as what’s advertised. Remember to upvote your fave pics, Pandas. When you’re done scrolling through this list and upvoting your fave pics, check out Bored Panda’s previous post about cake fails from the ‘Expectation Vs. Reality’ subreddit.

Bored Panda reached out to Reddit user Zarishka, whose photos of the Doctor Who cupcakes she ordered went viral on the subreddit. According to the redditor, the cupcakes were baked by Alena who lives in Nur-Sultan, in Kazakhstan. “She bakes cupcakes, cakes and cake pops! And can decorate them in any theme the customer wants. Recently she’s been making really cool Halloween themed cupcakes and pops.” Scroll down for the rest of our delicious interview with Zarishka.

#1

Dr. Who Cupcakes. Sent An Independent Baker The First Pic Not Hoping For Much (It Was A Short Notice), Nearly Cried With Joy When Got My Order

Dr. Who Cupcakes. Sent An Independent Baker The First Pic Not Hoping For Much (It Was A Short Notice), Nearly Cried With Joy When Got My Order

zarishka Report

#2

Otterly Impressive Birthday Cake From My Mom

Otterly Impressive Birthday Cake From My Mom

mamabear034 Report

#3

When Your 3-Year-Old Asks For A Rainbow Dinosaur Donut Party You Comply. I Drew The Design And Had It Made By A Local Baker

When Your 3-Year-Old Asks For A Rainbow Dinosaur Donut Party You Comply. I Drew The Design And Had It Made By A Local Baker

thepantyprincessx Report

According to redditor Zarishka, the Doctor Who cupcakes that exceeded their expectations were really good. “Chocolate cupcakes with salt caramel filling and cheese cream on top. Sweet, salty, and creamy at the same time!” That sounds like heaven to us!

“The cupcakes were for my best friend’s bachelorette party. Well, just out of lockdown style bachelorette party, a picnic for three people counting the bride in a local park. She wanted the whole wedding to be in the Doctor Who style, however, because of the pandemic all the wedding plans fell through, and we didn’t even think we’d be able to do the bachelorette party,” Zarishka said.

#4

My Wife And I Were Worried Our Daughter Would Have A Hard Time Making Friends In Kindergarten Because Of The Wheelchair. Turns Out I Have A Different Problem On My Hands

My Wife And I Were Worried Our Daughter Would Have A Hard Time Making Friends In Kindergarten Because Of The Wheelchair. Turns Out I Have A Different Problem On My Hands

robinson217 Report

#5

Commissioned Piece Of My Sweet, Late Persephone. The Artist Surpassed Any And All Expectations

Commissioned Piece Of My Sweet, Late Persephone. The Artist Surpassed Any And All Expectations

queso4lyfe Report

Add photo comments
POST
lsoo avatar
Raine Soo
Community Member
3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Persephone was a gorgeous kitty, and the rendition is beautiful. I like the addition of the pomegranate.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#6

My Daughter Begged Me To Show Her A Planet Through Her Toy Telescope. Expected Failure, But Found Jupiter And All 4 Moons. Mindblown

My Daughter Begged Me To Show Her A Planet Through Her Toy Telescope. Expected Failure, But Found Jupiter And All 4 Moons. Mindblown

yogiscott Report

ADVERTISEMENT

“But then the situation seemed to become more stable in our city, and the lockdown was lifted, so we decided to have a small party for the three of us, and I immediately ordered the cupcakes with very short notice. The baker didn’t even know about the series, so I didn’t expect to get these amazing cupcakes at all. My friend was super happy with them! I love Doctor Who, however, I can’t say that I’m as big of a fan as she is,” the redditor told Bored Panda.

She added that she doesn’t think that the photos do the cupcakes justice. “They also had edible glitter on them, star-shaped candy, and silvery candy of various sizes. Very pretty!”

#7

I Pointed My Camera Straight Up And Left The Shutter Running For An Hour To See What Would Happen. Didn't Expect A Flowing River Of Stars

I Pointed My Camera Straight Up And Left The Shutter Running For An Hour To See What Would Happen. Didn't Expect A Flowing River Of Stars

This was taken at Ice House reservoir in Pollock Pines, CA last night. I head out to dark skies on occasion to do astrophotography, but last night I forgot a tracker to compensate for the earth's motion, so I took some experimental shots without it. Turned out much better than I expected. Star trail shots are challenging to compose, so I got pretty lucky with the way they seemed to flow through the trees.

ajamesmccarthy Report

#8

Ordered The Blanket From A Sketchy Seeming Website. They Nailed It

Ordered The Blanket From A Sketchy Seeming Website. They Nailed It

ezfriedchiken Report

ADVERTISEMENT
#9

First Time Doing A Photo Restoration Turned Out Better Than Expected (12 Hours Of Work)

First Time Doing A Photo Restoration Turned Out Better Than Expected (12 Hours Of Work)

aberempel Report

ADVERTISEMENT

The ‘Expectation Vs. Reality’ community on Reddit has 710k members and they’ve got pretty much everything to do with (yup, you guessed it) expectations: from roaring successes to facepalm-worthy fails.

One thing that’s pretty much consistent about people is just how bad most of us are at predicting how we will feel in different situations. Generally, we tend to expect too much and then get disappointed when reality slaps us in the face like an angry otter with a wet fish.

Even though we yearn for success and want to avoid failure, research has shown us that we greatly overestimate how much happier we’ll be when rich, famous, in the perfect relationships, and working our dream jobs.

#10

My Wife Asked What Kind Of Cake She Should Make. I Told Her That, Honestly, I've Always Wanted To Try Peach's Thank-You Cake From The End Of Super Mario 64

My Wife Asked What Kind Of Cake She Should Make. I Told Her That, Honestly, I've Always Wanted To Try Peach's Thank-You Cake From The End Of Super Mario 64

alandenton Report

#11

Opened The Box To Assemble A New Office Desk & Expected A Big Headache. Was Pleasantly Surprised

Opened The Box To Assemble A New Office Desk & Expected A Big Headache. Was Pleasantly Surprised

2_black_cats Report

#12

Client's Sketch For Pendant vs. Finished Pendant. Expectations Surpassed

Client's Sketch For Pendant vs. Finished Pendant. Expectations Surpassed

brokenfap Report

Sure, we get a (massive) boost when we win the lottery, get married, or get that promotion we’ve been angling for these past few years. But. But! That joy doesn’t last long. Soon enough, we’re back at our ‘standard’ happiness levels, wondering what goals we should pursue next. We’re very adaptable and that’s both a blessing and a curse.

ADVERTISEMENT

Instead of focusing on how ‘perfect’ life will be if only X, Y, and Z happened, you should appreciate the things around you. Don’t take things for granted. Start a gratitude journal. Let the people in your life know what they mean to you. Sappy? Sure.

But gratitude will make you much happier. And this happiness is within your reach. So hope for the best, prepare for the worst, don’t expect much, but bask in the glow when the results accidentally exceed your expectations.

#13

I Took A Picture Through My Sunglasses At The Beach With My Phone. It Turned Out Better Than I Expected

I Took A Picture Through My Sunglasses At The Beach With My Phone. It Turned Out Better Than I Expected

Captain__CheeseBurg Report

#15

Pic Given To Local Baker On The Left. Actual Hungry Unicorn Cake I Received On The Right. I Like My Cake Better

Pic Given To Local Baker On The Left. Actual Hungry Unicorn Cake I Received On The Right. I Like My Cake Better

VenomousUnicorn Report

#16

My Friend's Wife Wanted Us Groomsmen To Do A Pic Similar To The Bridesmaids Poster. I'd Say It Came Out Better Than I Expected

My Friend's Wife Wanted Us Groomsmen To Do A Pic Similar To The Bridesmaids Poster. I'd Say It Came Out Better Than I Expected

fupasaursrex Report

Add photo comments
POST
catmarshall57 avatar
BusLady
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A moment to treasure forever. Something to show the grandkids someday. We were wild and crazy guys.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#17

The Way We Advertise Our Jack-O-Lantern Pizzas vs. The Way I Like To Make Them For Customers

The Way We Advertise Our Jack-O-Lantern Pizzas vs. The Way I Like To Make Them For Customers

ArcusArtifex Report

#18

Made A Unicorn Cake For My Mom's Birthday. Considering How Inexperienced I Am With Baking, I Thought It Turned Out Pretty Good

Made A Unicorn Cake For My Mom's Birthday. Considering How Inexperienced I Am With Baking, I Thought It Turned Out Pretty Good

nightmare_vision Report

#19

Reality vs. Better Reality

Reality vs. Better Reality

sierraalexiss_ Report

ADVERTISEMENT
#20

That’s Hot

That’s Hot

Grand_Area Report

#21

Shined My Girlfriend’s Favorite Pair Of Boots And They Turned Out Better Than Expected

Shined My Girlfriend’s Favorite Pair Of Boots And They Turned Out Better Than Expected

MurrDeHurr Report

#22

Christmas Gift From My Teens Has Proven More Useful Than Expected

Christmas Gift From My Teens Has Proven More Useful Than Expected

Beththemagicalpony Report

#23

Looks Way Better Than The Box

Looks Way Better Than The Box

t3slaract Report

Add photo comments
POST
tarracavenah_1 avatar
Wanna-be Vegetarian
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have these! I ordered 2 but didn't realize they come in pairs. Ended up using all 4 of them all over the house because they're so cute!

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#25

I Ran Out Of Filament During A Print, And As A Royals Fan I Decided To Make The Best Of A Bad Situation. Result Is Even Better Than Expected

I Ran Out Of Filament During A Print, And As A Royals Fan I Decided To Make The Best Of A Bad Situation. Result Is Even Better Than Expected

welshhomebrew Report

#26

Ordered From Grocery Store. Cupcake 'Cake' For My Daughter's Birthday. Pleasantly Surprised

Ordered From Grocery Store. Cupcake 'Cake' For My Daughter's Birthday. Pleasantly Surprised

mydogisanastronaut Report

#27

My Wife's McDonald's Cone In The Drive Through Last Night

My Wife's McDonald's Cone In The Drive Through Last Night

Eric_SS Report

#28

My Wife Loved The Cake Most Ardently

My Wife Loved The Cake Most Ardently

angrycanuck Report

#29

My Wife Did A Damn Fine Job On These Cupcakes. Delicious Too

My Wife Did A Damn Fine Job On These Cupcakes. Delicious Too

bike_rack Report

ADVERTISEMENT
#30

Friend Faceswapped With A Wendy's Cup. Results Better Than Expected

Friend Faceswapped With A Wendy's Cup. Results Better Than Expected

Tnpdynomite Report

Add photo comments
POST
k8espresso avatar
Ekate
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Never noticed before, the Wendy's neckline looks like it says "mom" :)

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#31

Pic I Sent Cookie Maker, And What I Got. 100% Impressed And Would Order From Her Again. Bonus: Cookies Tasted Great

Pic I Sent Cookie Maker, And What I Got. 100% Impressed And Would Order From Her Again. Bonus: Cookies Tasted Great

ICvsShipt Report

#32

Pretty Happy With How This Turned Out

Pretty Happy With How This Turned Out

CometDebris Report

#33

For My Son's B-Day Pizza Party, We Told Him We Could Only Afford 1 Pizza. Expectations Exceeded

For My Son's B-Day Pizza Party, We Told Him We Could Only Afford 1 Pizza. Expectations Exceeded

trchili Report

#34

Dyed Easter Eggs Today When I Messed Up On One. Turns Out It Kinda Looks Like The Universe

Dyed Easter Eggs Today When I Messed Up On One. Turns Out It Kinda Looks Like The Universe

chrisevslee Report

#35

Cat Bed

Cat Bed

annaplantain Report

#36

Dad’s Cookies Turned Out Just Like The Picture. Chocolate Crinkle Cookies From America’s Test Kitchen

Dad’s Cookies Turned Out Just Like The Picture. Chocolate Crinkle Cookies From America’s Test Kitchen

ag2575 Report

#37

My Daughter's Birthday Cake From Last Year

My Daughter's Birthday Cake From Last Year

Awnya Report

#38

My Girlfriend's And Mine First Attempt At Making A Cake From Scratch. Sketch vs. The The Final Product

My Girlfriend's And Mine First Attempt At Making A Cake From Scratch. Sketch vs. The The Final Product

Fwanko Report

Add photo comments
POST
bagladyele avatar
EA
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This reminds me of the dress Cinderella wears for the ball, which all the animals help her make :)

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#39

1st Time Making A Layered Cake. Expectation On Left, Reality On Right

1st Time Making A Layered Cake. Expectation On Left, Reality On Right

engraz Report

Add photo comments
POST
bagladyele avatar
EA
Community Member
3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wow, the real one is better. Beautiful :) this would not look out of place at a wedding!

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#41

It's My Son's Birthday Today, And He Wanted A Fire-Truck Cake. It Came Out Better Than Expected

It's My Son's Birthday Today, And He Wanted A Fire-Truck Cake. It Came Out Better Than Expected

ra66itz Report

#43

From Filter To Reality. Exceeded Expectations

From Filter To Reality. Exceeded Expectations

prjrwifey18 Report

Add photo comments
POST
martti avatar
ML
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Nice. Sometimes thing turn out better than hoped.

View more commentsArrow down menu
#45

In Japan, One Should Expect To Get What One Expects

In Japan, One Should Expect To Get What One Expects

DoktorVonKvantum Report

#46

I'm Seriously Impressed By This Frozen Pizza

I'm Seriously Impressed By This Frozen Pizza

Odinlarsen Report

See Also on Bored Panda
#47

My First Attempt At Cake Decorating. Nailed It

My First Attempt At Cake Decorating. Nailed It

Starrberry27 Report

#49

American Cherry Pie Frapuccino In Japan

American Cherry Pie Frapuccino In Japan

StePK Report

Add photo comments
POST
sophie-yuan11 avatar
pandamonium.
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

when the "american" part in Japan is better than any "american" part in America

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#50

My Son Chose A Hulk Cake From Pinterest. My Attempt Is On The Right

My Son Chose A Hulk Cake From Pinterest. My Attempt Is On The Right

Lyzrd_Hangover Report

#52

Think My Wife Did Very Well On This One

Think My Wife Did Very Well On This One

dahneir Report

Add photo comments
POST
kathrynbaylis_2 avatar
Kathryn Baylis
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I like the 3 nesting in the leaves better than the original’s placement.

View more commentsArrow down menu
#53

Today I Was Modeling For A New Costume At Work - Turned Out Better Than Expected

Today I Was Modeling For A New Costume At Work - Turned Out Better Than Expected

kyswe Report

#54

Hired A Friend To Make My Son's First Birthday Cake. Left - Expectation, Right - Reality. I Could Not Have Been More Thrilled

Hired A Friend To Make My Son's First Birthday Cake. Left - Expectation, Right - Reality. I Could Not Have Been More Thrilled

VCAMM1 Report

#56

My Tattoo Artist's Rendition Of My Doodle

My Tattoo Artist's Rendition Of My Doodle

OhLookAtMeImSpecial Report

See Also on Bored Panda
#57

How My Mom Planned The Plates vs. How She Made Them

How My Mom Planned The Plates vs. How She Made Them

ToasterOnReddit Report

#59

Had Ridiculous Idea, Turned Out Much Better Than Expected

Had Ridiculous Idea, Turned Out Much Better Than Expected

RipVanB Report

#60

Today Is My Wife's Birthday. Yesterday She 'Shopped A Then-And-Now Picture To Celebrate. Everything Went Better Than Expected

Today Is My Wife's Birthday. Yesterday She 'Shopped A Then-And-Now Picture To Celebrate. Everything Went Better Than Expected

spyhi Report

#62

Sample Photo I Gave To The Cake Decorator vs. My Son’s Cake

Sample Photo I Gave To The Cake Decorator vs. My Son’s Cake

UnicornFarts0801 Report

Add photo comments
POST
jblocker19302 avatar
JeanBean_BC
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

For everyone saying he's gonna be a school shooter or whatever, he probably plays video games. Who doesn't play some type of video game?

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#65

Two Tattoos I Got Based On Doodles I Did

Two Tattoos I Got Based On Doodles I Did

OutbackBrah Report

#66

This Shake That Looks Exactly Like The Picture

This Shake That Looks Exactly Like The Picture

trady__baylor Report

See Also on Bored Panda
#67

If Anything, There Are Even More Cherries On The Cake Than On The Packaging

If Anything, There Are Even More Cherries On The Cake Than On The Packaging

Mind101 Report

#68

Pleasantly Surprised When Finishing Up The Easter Candy

Pleasantly Surprised When Finishing Up The Easter Candy

luckychance5480 Report

#69

Not Too Shabby

Not Too Shabby

just-jen Report

#70

So, My Samsung S6 Decided To Break When I Put It In The Charger... Turned Out Gorgeous

So, My Samsung S6 Decided To Break When I Put It In The Charger... Turned Out Gorgeous

dutch_arch Report

#71

What I Showed Her vs. What She Gave Me. I Like Hers Better

What I Showed Her vs. What She Gave Me. I Like Hers Better

Dahidex Report

#73

Actually Met My Expectation

Actually Met My Expectation

Bri121296 Report

#74

Pleasantly Surprised, The Cream Is The Best Part

Pleasantly Surprised, The Cream Is The Best Part

de_ninja Report

See Also on Bored Panda
#77

I'm So Excited My Biscuits Are Bigger Than In The Picture (They Were Put In The Packaging Horizontally)

I'm So Excited My Biscuits Are Bigger Than In The Picture (They Were Put In The Packaging Horizontally)

SweetJazz25 Report

Add photo comments
POST
grubbster55 avatar
Andrew Gibb
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

not just any biscuits...they are M&S biscuits (Albatross by Fleetwood Mac playing in background)

View more commentsArrow down menu
#79

I Think Mine Looks Better Than The Box

I Think Mine Looks Better Than The Box

homeostasis555 Report

Add photo comments
POST
#80

No False Advertising Here

No False Advertising Here

vermontgirl Report

#81

Ordered A Slipcover From Those Instagram Ads. Pleasantly Surprised

Ordered A Slipcover From Those Instagram Ads. Pleasantly Surprised

agerber395 Report

#82

I'm Honestly Impressed. $3 Pizza

I'm Honestly Impressed. $3 Pizza

Miss_Aia Report

#83

Good Job Aldi Pizza. Looks Better Than The Photo On The Box. It Was Amazing

Good Job Aldi Pizza. Looks Better Than The Photo On The Box. It Was Amazing

freckled_porcelain Report

#84

Almost Exactly Like The Picture Down To The Sprinkles

Almost Exactly Like The Picture Down To The Sprinkles

Bitter-Arachnid Report

#85

Mr Kipling Cake Slice Exceeded My Expectations

Mr Kipling Cake Slice Exceeded My Expectations

just_a_flutter Report

#86

Positive Experience. Literally Overflowing With Ice Cream

Positive Experience. Literally Overflowing With Ice Cream

PapaGynther Report

Add photo comments
POST
anneflitton avatar
Xandra, The Little Hufflepuff
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When I was quarantined because of exposure to covid, I started getting depressed because I was feeling alone, then I heard a knock at the door, so I opened my second floor window and looked down to see who it was, and 2 of my good friends were standing on my doorstep with this icecream, lemonade and flowers.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
See Also on Bored Panda
#87

Very Impressed. Bought This In Sweden

Very Impressed. Bought This In Sweden

Peepanana Report

#88

This Flat Bread From Aldi Was As Tasty As It Was Accurately Represented

This Flat Bread From Aldi Was As Tasty As It Was Accurately Represented

combustionbustion Report

#90

Breakfast Jackpot

Breakfast Jackpot

Countess_of_Penrose Report

Add photo comments
POST
bronmargaret avatar
Magpie
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

??? why so much plastic packaging . Eggs here come in specially shaped paper mache cardboard. In packs of six or twelve. This is very sad. Plastic pollution is a terrible thing.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu