Emotions are a complex thing. Anyone would say that sadness feels bad, and laughing feels good. But the human psyche is so much more complicated than that, and things are never just black and white.
So in order to see how that works in practice, we’re diving into a collection of posts that will simultaneously crack a smile, and leave you pretty sad. And thanks to the corner of Reddit “Funny And Sad,” which is home to 726k members, there’s a lot to choose from!
Get ready for a very nuanced experience of internet consumption where jokes meet tough reality, and where the reality is not always funny. After you’re done, be sure to check out part 1 of the post right here.
This post may include affiliate links.
Why On Earth !?
The Most United States Thing To Say About The United States Ever
Poor Mom
Previously, we spoke with Dr. Lise Deguire, a clinical psychologist and the author of “Flashback Girl: Lessons on Resilience From a Burn Survivor” who said that occasional sadness is a normal part of life.“Happiness and sadness are both normal feelings that naturally arise through life's inevitable ups and downs. When people are numb to their feelings, or try to avoid feelings altogether, they won't experience sadness, but they won't experience much happiness either,” she explained.
However, some people may be more susceptible to sad emotions than others. This may be due to many reasons, but previous experiences, genetics, and mindsets are largely to blame. “This can be partly genetic and partly due to negative life experiences. Mindset is also a factor,” Lisa told us.
“People who tend to be pessimistic, who dwell on the future anxiously, and who ruminate negatively about the past can experience more sadness. However, these are cognitive bad habits that can really be helped by psychotherapy.”
Sounds About Right
Unfortunate Truth
Too Soon?
But most of the posts in this article have to do with the fact that they make a point which is presented in a funny way but is in itself not that funny. Quite on the contrary, many examples present cases of what could be called “a hard truth” which is, as we know very well, a pretty hard thing to swallow.
In a previous interview, Susan Petang, a certified life coach who runs The Quiet Zone Coaching, told Bored Panda that if the truth is something we don’t agree with, it will be uncomfortable to hear it because it all has to do with our core beliefs and values, and the way we view the world.
“When what we believe to be true about ourselves, situations, other people, or the world in general is at odds with what we observe, the result is cognitive dissonance—when our beliefs and our observations are at odds. This can cause considerable stress,” she explained.
What A Bunch Of Sheep
The War In Afghanistan Cost Americans 300 Million A Day For The Last 20 Years
When They Tell You To Work Hard To Be Rich
My 12yo wants to live in Iceland when they grow up and I'm encouraging them because I want my kid to have a better life than I've had and getting out of the USA is going to contribute to making that possible.
On the other hand, when we talk about truth, we have to be aware of the fact that it’s really a question of perception. Unless it’s a stated, scientifically-backed up fact, or a law of nature, all truths can be challenged. “So, what I have experienced as 'truth' may not be what you have experienced as 'truth.' For example, one could say that the truth is that water boils at 212 degrees. Or does it? If you use the metric system, water boils at 100 degrees,” Susan said.
Unfortunately It Gets Swept Under The Rug Because We Don’t Have Our S**t Together
I Couldn’t Help But Laugh
I Guess The Hotline Technically Worked?
I once also called that line, and woman actually said she needs to be somewhere else soon so I need to talk faster and be quick. wtf!
This really makes my blood boil. Mental health services are woefully inadequate everywhere.
When I was at my lowest low... the thought of All my animals being separated or going back to shelters where I saved them from or being dumped on the street because my family sucks.. was enough to make me reconsider suicide. I still have bad days but then I look at all my rescue animals and I remember how all of us are a team who has saved eachother, it reminds me that if I don't keep up my end of the bargain.. the last thing they're going to remember of me is being betrayed after only knowing trust and love. Then I'm reminded of all the good times and all the love I get and give to/from them and I refuse to leave this earth hurting the only beings who have never hurt me. I know that's kind of morbid.. but it's what saved me. If you're someone who is struggling, you should consider getting an animal.. the earth is a better place with you in it.. and it's also an easier place to live when you have unconditional love. Which is something we all deserve. Especially you. Don't give up!
I agree with you about the animals. They keep me going on my bad days.
Load More Replies...
Imagine if decision makers focused on mental health services like they did for a physical virus? I live in a rural area and more ppl have died from fantanyl OD, suicide than from any virus ... we have no mental health services here and to even speak to a virtual counselor through health care is a 3 month wait... our mental health services are insanely overloaded yet the hospitals are half vacant....
Load More Replies...
That is so terrible and sad and yet quite funny in a way at the same time. I'm glad it helped you at the time and really hope things are so much better for you x
I'm sorry he was so rude to you. He should be in a different job. This one clearly isn't the best fit for him
Load More Replies...
I called a suicide hotline once and they told me I was not in their service area. Found that hysterical enough to make me not kill myself.
Wtf? Does anyone ever call a suicide and have a positive experience?
Load More Replies...
There's a game called "Don't Take This Risk". In it, you are called by someone who put in your number instead of the number for the suicide hotline. It is your task to keep the man on the other end alive, without putting yourself in direct danger. Jacques (that's what I'm calling him, since he's French) is sad, scared, and lonely, and literally one wrong word could send hin to his grave. I recommend you watch CrankGamePlays' play through of it. Ethan is a lovely man who spends most of the video talking about how much he cares about everyone.
"What stopped you from killing yourself?" The fact that the sharpest knife in my house is a butter knife, the only guns are Nerf, and there's nothing to hang a rope from
Yup. Me too. Several times. And the couple of time they did actually answer when I told them why I was calling it made THEM cry. Which I guess was validating, but not super helpful.
You'd be shocked (or not) by how few people work those hotlines. When I foundo ut, I stopped telling people to call them. Call someone you know will pick up!
True. I volunteered with one myself and was often the only person on shift.
Load More Replies...
She Found The Root Of The Problem
"In my time, 50 euros were a lot of money, you know... -Yes grandma, but your time is over."
Little By Little, You Have To Go To Europe To Work
More news: Graduate Americans decide to stay in Europe because they can't see themselves returning to a dystopian society after having experienced what it is to live in a normal country.
Seems To Make Sense
Three Paytriots Trying To Save America
Don’t Get Vaccinated
Millennials In Congress
Considering the average age of a lot of elected officials, it would be best to hire younger people anyway because they have more perspective on what life is like for young people and how much stuff costs
John Boner, I Was Opposed To Recreational Marijuana Until I Started Making Millions Off Of It
One Star Texas?
Nice Going Sis
My Favorite Kind Of Sale
But everything you think you're gonna get is actually from a completely different department, as you got lost in the shop. Keep it anyway.
Tweet: Raising The Hand
Not So Dystopian
We Can't Do Anything Else But Laugh At This Point
Education Matters
Yes, That Is True Icebreaker
*cries In Millennial/Zoomer*
Make A Wish
3 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Open The Door
It Sucks To Be A Diabetic In The US
American Dream Move Out Of Country
Where Are These Robots?
Seen On My Walk To Work Yesterday
The True Answer
Trump: Hi Beautiful Girls I Love All Of You
If You’re Ever In A Fist Fight
Not To Mention Our Ears
Don't give them more ideas! They'll start making us pay for all our individual body parts. Oh you fell and believe you sprained your wrist? Well, you have wrist insurance but X Rays show you also fractured a bone in your hand and you don't have coverage for that.
So True
And The Pizza Parties!
I Have Stage 4 Cancer And Sent This Message To My Friend After Getting My Second Vaccine. This Was His Response
America's Healthcare
I Have This Really Funny Story To Tell You Guys. I Was
It Is Really Funny And Sad
She Has No Brother
Jigsaws
Here We Go Again Another Top 1% Rich
Amazon shills in comments below, beware anyone that denies anyone their human rights.
"One Of My"
Rockets Go Vroom
Good Old Cod Lobbies
Tell People That It’s A Dewormer For Whales
Funny And Sad At He Same Time
I love my country. I wish the flag with the laser-eyes kiwi was an emoji!
America vs. South Korea Progress
Education In 1950 vs. 2020
So many high schools were geared solely towards college prep for so long, they've cut the technical trades. It's time to bring that instruction back into high schools. Teens need to see more career paths.
Ha
I always loved that one guy who said “Yes, Gary, with your high school diploma. Muhammad the neurosurgeon is stealing your job”.
In A Word, Welcome To Misery Era
There's probably a giant asteroid and/or alien invasion fleet on its way to take care of that, Josh
I Was Able To Rent A Place To Starve By Having 3 Jobs
They created "Opportunities to become a self-employed entrepreneur." which is slang for wage slave without any financial or social security, working their butt off for next to nothing.
This Is Damn True. It's You Turn Now
Importing immigrants just to exploit them into working backbreaking labor for far less than is legal to pay an American citizen is possibly the worst humanitarian position you could take.
Nature Is Healing
Here You Go, Boss
We Live To Serve
Oddly Familiar
I Want To Talk To The Manager
So Am I
You Mean Rich People, Companies And Government All Lie To Make Profit Off Of You?
Oh, I must be using nicotine gum because I like the f*****g flavour 👍
Thanks For Recognizing Our Hard Work
I'm sure Gru gave the minions more than one banana a day, and he was a despicable him
Especially If You Are Uninsured
I was with my friend when he had a stroke a couple of years ago. For a moment, I considered getting an Uber to the hospital instead of an ambulance, due to the cost. But I realized he needed an ambulance so they could start medical intervention ASAP. He is doing really well now and I know it was the right decision, but horrible that it even had to cross my mind in a literal life or death scenario.
Fun Comparison But Sad Truth
He Thought It Was Bad In 2019
Genius doctor helps new doctor deal with an anti-vaxxer patient. Genius doctor came into exam room, heard the patients anti-vaxxers personal take on why she refuses the vaccines. Genius doctor says, have you considered that the Russians infiltrated our computer systems to spread that disinformation in order to weaken the US??? Woman gets vaccines. Doctor fights fire with fire.
Howw
When Some Billionaires Don't Know How To Help
Those Damn Millennials
The Growing Inaccessibility Of Science
Or contact the author directly. They're allowed to provide their papers for free to anyone they want to and are usually happy to.
Having Both Is The Worst!
Extended Warranty
Lol oh man they are sneaky. Makes me think of the hogwarts letters hidden in the eggs given to aunt petunia (Harry Potter)
Yes, The System Is Corrupt
Sick Tat!
Fosho
This Is How My Father Told Me My Great Uncle Passed Away
A Bargain Indeed
Yeah so... they're real folks: https://nypost.com/2021/12/07/controversial-suicide-pod-that-kills-peacefully-gets-go-ahead-in-switzerland/ But, that said, it's part of their death with dignity laws so you can't just decide you want one and bam.
Greener Grass
You Never Know When The Power Go Out
What Has Israel Done To Deserve All That Money? They Are A Well Developed Nuclear Power, They Don't Need Our Money That Can Be Used To Provide For Our Own Citizens
That's subcontracting. It is easier to pay Israel to kill Palestinians than having to kill them yourself.
That Pain
This Word Is Meaningless For Employers
Benefits, you say? This is a 39 hour contract, which means you do not qualify for any of our benefits.
How Capitalism Cause Generational Gap
Stop dyeing your hair with avocados and coffee, and you can save 10k a week. It's just that simple folks! 😡
I'm Fed Up With This World
Me
These "everyone else // me" pics are always sad, because actually everyone else is like your "me".
Halloween, Such A Fun Time
I'm English and know exactly how this person feels. Every Halloween I wonder how long it will be before we go the whole hog and start celebrating the Fourth of July
Micro-Dosing Vacation
I wish. I am tethered to a phone so I get no extra breaks even to go to the bathroom.
I'm Not A Player
And i read that with the old sonic voice and feel a little older now.
Omg Lol
thats so cruel though, my mother did the same thing except she showed me this pic of some seriously scary woman (she looked like something out of the ring) and told me that if I went anywhere near her phone that lady would come and eat me, I couldn't sleep for like a month and was terrified of being anywhere near her phone. S**t like this can seriously mess up kids, especially ones this young
Corporations Panic
Aoc Says Tax The Rich
This Spoke To Me More Than The Voices In My Head
July 1st
A Pre-Pandemic Purchase That Now Taunts Me
What Would You Do If You Were The One Playing With Your Son?
I would fake losing just this once, he looks so happy and I'd hate to take that away from him
Okay Then, I’ll Stop
I try to not be annoying, so I don't communicate at all with anyone. I come off as unfriendly.
Work To Live, And Live To Work, Then What
I Don't Like What You're Doing!
Tragic
However the 100 dollar money brick is the only money brick……so everything costs 100 dollars.
August's Schedule
Vigilant Jeff Bezos The %1 Richest Man
US Government Pretty Much Sum Up
The Final Boss
Happy Labor Day, Laborers
I've Been Doing Some Investing And My Girlfriend Bought Me This Surprise Birthday Gift
Only In The UK
Wait. So BP Censors every word which could possibly offend somebody/be harmful in certain situations, but doesn't see a reason to censor the Pornhub logo? The lack of logic makes my head hurt.
Daydreamin'
He deserved much better than he got. With a backwards toss like that, his talents are being wasted at that cubicle.
'90s Man Goes To Funeral
Sigh
Imagine Replying "You Too" When A Waitress Says "Enjoy Your Meal"
Ya, people from other countries on here love to take a poop on America. Why is it so many people want to come here then?
Load More Replies...
Nice another thread bashing the USA 😱surprised face! I’m glad bashing a country makes others feel good!
I get the feeling boredpanda assumes most of it's readers are American and post content based off of that.
Load More Replies...
Whataboutism is a false argument. US healthcare / costs are bankrupting families and ensuring that those on the lowest wages get poor healthcare, that’s outrageous. Chinese concentration camps are ALSO outrageous. There are also human rights violations all across the Middle East, Israel is stealing land and homes, there is wholesale destruction of the environment all around the world, there are humanitarian crises on pretty much every continent…….and on and on. The healthcare system can be changed by democratic and concerted effort by the American people, in order to do that it needs to be highlighted and the politicians held to account. The others requires those same politicians to exert pressure on China et al, a regular American citizen can’t contact a foreign official and demand an explanation or indeed change. Instead of undermining legitimate concerns about healthcare how about encouraging positive change AND highlighting the other concerns around the world?
Load More Replies... Ya, people from other countries on here love to take a poop on America. Why is it so many people want to come here then?
Load More Replies... Nice another thread bashing the USA 😱surprised face! I’m glad bashing a country makes others feel good!
I get the feeling boredpanda assumes most of it's readers are American and post content based off of that.
Load More Replies... Whataboutism is a false argument. US healthcare / costs are bankrupting families and ensuring that those on the lowest wages get poor healthcare, that’s outrageous. Chinese concentration camps are ALSO outrageous. There are also human rights violations all across the Middle East, Israel is stealing land and homes, there is wholesale destruction of the environment all around the world, there are humanitarian crises on pretty much every continent…….and on and on. The healthcare system can be changed by democratic and concerted effort by the American people, in order to do that it needs to be highlighted and the politicians held to account. The others requires those same politicians to exert pressure on China et al, a regular American citizen can’t contact a foreign official and demand an explanation or indeed change. Instead of undermining legitimate concerns about healthcare how about encouraging positive change AND highlighting the other concerns around the world?
Load More Replies...