Article created by: Gabija Palšytė

Our perspective on the world is shaped every day by everything we consciously and subconsciously see and experience. Some core ideas form in our minds that are rarely challenged later in life. But they should be. The general idea of 'right and wrong' that we see so often growing up doesn't really continue into the real world. Bad things happen to good people, bad people often face no repercussions for their actions: reality is harsh.

One Reddit user wanted to see what other 'hard to swallow' truths people have already learned. Over 31k people had something to say, sharing things that are difficult to accept, but are the actual reality once you step out of the dream world.

Bored Panda picked out the top raw and honest answers that are better to learn later than never. Scroll down and upvote your favorites, and make sure to share your thoughts; maybe you disagree with some of them? And if we're still missing out on some 'harsh realities', please tell us in the comments below!

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#1

Woman sitting by a lake with a distressed expression, reflecting on harsh realities that no one wants to accept. Some people just can’t be saved, you could give them every benefit in the world and they still could choose to throw it all away and you can’t do anything about it.

IfTimeCouldDie , RODNAE Productions Report

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    #2

    Male musician passionately singing and playing guitar on stage, illustrating harsh realities shared by people today. That it’s more likely to succeed if born rich than if you born talented

    anon , Thibault Trillet Report

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    #3

    Person relaxing with colorful sneakers and sunglasses indoors, reflecting on harsh realities and insightful thoughts. Us 1st world citizens have it much better than we think we have it.

    anon , Godisable Jacob Report

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    #4

    Two people holding hands, symbolizing connection and support amid harsh realities no one wants to accept. We're not all special. Some of us will not find love. We're not all equal.

    TheDevilsAdvokaat , Tan Danh Report

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    #5

    Person with head down on desk surrounded by books and papers illustrating harsh realities many avoid accepting. Hard work doesn't always pay off.

    y_notavailable , Andrea Piacquadio Report

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    #6

    Woman in beige sweater covering face with hands, reflecting on harsh realities that people often avoid accepting. Bad things will happen to you for no reason.

    Burnt_Smurf , MART PRODUCTION Report

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    #7

    Police officers standing on a city street at night holding light batons, illustrating harsh realities people face. Your government does NOT have your best interest at heart.

    CaptainD743 , Pixabay Report

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    #8

    Person holding a microphone performing live on stage with crowd and bright lights, highlighting harsh realities shared by people. You can't be anything you want to be.

    YeahIprobablydidit , Zachary DeBottis Report

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    #9

    Person sitting barefoot on floor against concrete wall reflecting harsh realities of life and emotional struggle. Some people just don't get a happy ending, some people never find happiness or satisfaction. People tell you that there is light at the end of the tunnel but for some people there isn't, they never get to see any light, just darkness.

    Kermitting_OOF-Side , Pixabay Report

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    #10

    Young woman smiling naturally, representing people sharing harsh realities that no one wants to accept. Beauty matters in how people treat people.

    NakedKittyAlucard , Andrea Piacquadio Report

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    #11

    A woman and man having a serious conversation outside near houses illustrating harsh realities people face. Sometimes, YOU are the problem in a relationship. And if people keep on leaving you, it may well be your fault. Even if you don’t feel like it is.

    anon , RODNAE Productions Report

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    #12

    A quiet graveyard with weathered tombstones surrounded by green grass, reflecting harsh realities about life and death. The world goes on after you die.

    Euro_Girl , Mike B Report

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    #13

    A large fallen tree crushing a parked Audi car illustrating harsh realities people often avoid accepting. There is no karma. Bad things happen to good people. Bad people do bad things that never catch up to them. Good people do good things that screw them over in the long run. It’s all random.

    Coach_Bolton , Mike B Report

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    #14

    Three young people having a serious conversation illustrating harsh realities people often avoid accepting. Not everyone is going to like you, no matter how hard you try.

    -eDgAR- , Keira Burton Report

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    #15

    Person holding fanned out hundred-dollar bills, illustrating harsh realities about money and finances. Money and good looks matter

    userid404 , Alexander Mils Report

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    #16

    Person with long hair sitting on a stump facing a sunset, reflecting on harsh realities and insightful thoughts outdoors. You will likely be lost to history. In just a few centuries, nobody will remember or even knew you existed. Sad, I know, but you just have to accept it.

    Timyoy3 , Pixabay Report

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    #17

    Person holding face in hand, sitting indoors near plant, illustrating harsh realities and emotional struggle. Mistakes do define you. The little ones don’t, but if you make a big mistake, it will alter your life to an extent. Saying that they don’t matter is a lie that will prevent you from diagnosing life problems later down the line.

    CaptinHavoc , Liza Summer Report

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    #18

    Four men sitting on a hillside, sharing moments amid nature, illustrating people sharing harsh realities and insights. You don’t always keep the good friends you meet. But that doesn’t mean you can’t make more later on down the road!

    viking162 , Matheus Ferrero Report

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    #19

    Person smiling and holding a volunteer badge, highlighting people sharing harsh realities and insightful perspectives. Nobody is truly selfless, and that's ok

    what_that_thaaang_do , Liza Summer Report

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    #20

    Person sitting alone on wooden dock reflecting on harsh realities of life by calm water under cloudy sky. People refuse to accept that this IS the reality. Lots of time and money is spent cushioning that blow. We live here. We live now. Best get used to it.

    Wyrdeone , Keenan Constance Report

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    #21

    A person sitting on a bench holding their head, reflecting on harsh realities that people often avoid accepting. Pain is inescapable. Not even acknowledging that pain is inevitable and preparing for it ahead of time can lessen it. You will be taken by surprise, you will be hurt, you will not enjoy it, you will not be able to numb it, and there is nothing you can do except take it on the chin.

    Cryptids4Sale , Inzmam Khan Report

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    #22

    Two people sitting back to back on a bench outdoors, illustrating harsh realities and emotional distress. People can just simply fall out of love with you for no reason. You fretting about whether it's you or something else or the investment is basically you giving them the reasons to strengthen the reason why they stopped loving you. When they could very much not have a reason at all, feelings and priorities can change.

    anon , RODNAE Productions Report

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    #23

    Middle-aged woman in casual sweater looking thoughtfully at her phone, reflecting on harsh realities shared online. People like to be lied to. They don’t like finding out they’ve been lied to

    cozygo , Teona Swift Report

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    #24

    “A list of 5 is perfect. Less than 3 is too little differentiation. More than 7
    is too many options.” — anonymous — reinkefj 2025-08Aug-10

    Report

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    User avatar Ferdinand Reinke
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