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I'll go first - I'm an introvert and a fairly passive person and always assumed I'd be the flight of the fight/flight/freeze response. That is, until my brother jumped out at me from a dark closet and next thing I knew my knuckles were throbbing - I'd right-hooked at him without even realizing it and smashed my fist into the door. Huh, turns out my built-in response is fight that sucker.
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#1
That I could actually quit drinking. 3 years sober on 4/15
Final score:
68points
Luther von Wolfen 3 years ago
I got sober in '98 and I met an old guy then who was named Richard Johnson. He went by D**k - I'm serious. He had like 35 years sober when he died.
RELATED:
#2
I'll go first - I'm an introvert and a fairly passive person and always assumed I'd be the flight of the fight/flight/freeze response. That is, until my brother jumped out at me from a dark closet and next thing I knew my knuckles were throbbing - I'd right-hooked at him without even realizing it and smashed my fist into the door. Huh, turns out my built-in response is fight that sucker.
Final score:
38points
#3
When I was about six years old, I looked in the bathroom mirror and started wiggling both of my ears. Sixty-nine years later I can still do it and it astounds people as NO other facial muscles move. It is, however, an almost completely useless feature except for breaking up tepid conversations and making small children laugh at Starbucks.
Final score:
34points
Lindsey 3 years ago
I can wiggle my ears too! I wonder how common this "skill" is because aside from my grandfather I've never met anyone else who can. HOWEVER, how would we know? Maybe everyone can and it's just not something that comes up in general conversation. Lol.
Richard A Petro (Submission author) 3 years ago
HELLO LINDSEY!! I guess I've met just the first person in my life who can do this. I'm not on "Social Media" but, with all the groups that proliferate on these platforms, I'd bet there's at least one that's devoted to "E.W." (Ear Wiggling!). Thanks for the upvote and keep on wiggling!!!!
Load More Replies...
Adinda Jane White 3 years ago (edited)
My mom (72) asked me the other night whether she still could. She told me her brother learned her as a small child. I never knew it. I looked at her serious face and out of the blue she totally rocked it!! She hasn't practiced it for over 65 years!! And we both hated it she wasn't able to teach me at 41. I've tried for overa week... So I'm very jealous of you!! I want to be member of that club as well
Jody Whitmarsh 3 years ago
Not a common skill. And hereditary. My aunt could do it but I never could 😔
thesleepyintrovert 3 years ago
I can only wiggle my right ear. Can't "find" that muscle on the left side lol
#4
Therapy is helping me to see that I'm a much better person than I thought I was. Which is nice. Thanks, therapy.
Final score:
34points
#5
Mid 40s and just diagnosed with adhd and autism. Gone from being super critical of myself to thinking I haven’t done so bad, given that I now realise it was never an even playing field. And my out of the box thinking is A grade. Silver linings 😁
Final score:
29points
Rachael Smith 3 years ago
So happy for you to have gotten a diagnosis! I've been there too and know how amazing it is to find out there's a reason.
Huddo's sister 3 years ago
My mum was just diagnosed with ADHD at 58. Makes so many things make sense.
#6
That I CAN stand up for myself. I wish I learned it sooner but im glad I learned it
Final score:
28points
bumble bee 3 years ago
Wait until you get to the age where you no longer care what anyone else thinks. That your existence does not depend on what others say or do. Total personal autonomy.
#7
After all the quarantines I realized I am not as introverted as I thought.
Final score:
26points
Mochi 3 years ago
Me too! Also just let it be a word even if it's unofficial.
Load More Replies... *Displayname*=idk 3 years ago
I am a true introvert, I loved being alone! Although it did such to be in quarantine, I like traveling.
Rachael Smith 3 years ago
LOL! I found out the same thing. My husband, whom we formerly called the extrovert, is the one that would be happy if we never had to interact with other people again and I was the one going nuts after a month.
Luther von Wolfen 3 years ago
My introverted self has been totally okay with quarantine and social distancing.
#8
My self-esteem, always low, is now unbreakable!
Final score:
24points
#9
That I am enough, and just because my body is judged by others doesn't mean that I should change because of that.
Final score:
23points
#10
In my 50s, I finally learned that I have Asperger's syndrome, and that my EQ is less than half my IQ
Final score:
22points
Michele Lein 3 years ago (edited)
I found out at 51. It does explain so much. I've always felt like the odd sheep out. Like I'm on a different frequency from other people, so they can't tune in to my feelings and what I'm thinking. I'm always that one channel (if you grew up in the analog days of television you know what I mean) that no one can get to come in clear, so everyone just ignores it. I would rather jump into a polar sea than attend a family gathering, because that is what it felt like, but with a lot less judgement. Now I just do life on my terms, and have stopped worrying about why I don't "fit in".
Bob Stuart (Submission author) 3 years ago
You might like https://wrongplanet.net/
Load More Replies... Rachael Smith 3 years ago
EQ - emotional intelligence, right? I'm on the spectrum as well and it's like everyone else has a different guide book... has it helped, having a diagnosis?
Bob Stuart (Submission author) 3 years ago
Yes, having a diagnosis has improved my planning.
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GrammyBeth 3 years ago
I hope everyone in your situation can have acceptance, love and peace of mind.
Bored Panda 3 years ago
Right on! I was diagnosed at 55 years old (a few months ago). This explains a *lot*. :)
#11
Last week I have birth to a 9lb baby with no medication. I have learned that I can do anything I want to do and I am a fierce and powerful warrior Mama!
Final score:
19points
Rachael Smith 3 years ago
Congratulations and that's so very wonderful! I'm a new mama this year and wish you all the best, it's going to be great! And if it's not great, that's ok too!!!
#12
my social battery is either 0 or 100 no inbetween
Final score:
18points
#13
I can't authorize pleasant things for myself, so I rely on others to make me feel good. It's a give-and-take type of situation. But I can't get no satisfaction on my own. I'm happier when I see others enjoying my food than I enjoy eating the same food.
Final score:
17points
Kate Johnson 3 years ago
I'm the same way; I much prefer making the food for my husband and others, and then watching them enjoy it. Often, by the time I'm done cooking, I'm not as hungry as I thought, and don't eat much. I seem to enjoy showing love through food.
Rachael Smith 3 years ago
Huh, that's interesting. That's the service love language, I think, right?
#14
I'm always surprised when people find me handsome, attractive, or sexy (even my wife). It's not like people flee or children cry when they see me, I just never thought my looks were remarkable.
Final score:
17points
#15
I don't actually have anybody that I see as a role model or inspiration. I had mentors but never people whose lives or achievments I wanted to do and this for some reason makes me feel like I am missing something.
Final score:
16points
bumble bee 3 years ago
One should not have a role model, or a person that inspires, but the ability to see what is being done devoid of the person and if you find it meaningful then you can do it yourself. By making the person the focus rather than the action, you will find the person becomes more important that what was done
JoeShmoeDeLaKokomoe🇺🇦 3 years ago
And when the person inevitably fails, your model falls apart
Load More Replies... *Displayname*=idk 3 years ago
I have no role model just like you! I don't know why. I know what I want to be, just don't have a role model.
GrammyBeth 3 years ago
Maybe you haven’t found out what you’re interested in yet. Try or read about things new to you. When you gravitate toward something, there you will find your people.
Luther von Wolfen 3 years ago
I never had a role model. I've learned to just take pieces from different people.
HarriMissesScotland 3 years ago
Mine died in January. He was 93, and was my best friends father. Covid kept us apart and because of dementia, the took the phone from his room. I never got to say goodbye, but he knows how I feel. I hope that everyone will find that one person who will love you unconditionally, teach you about the world, and NEVER degrade you.
#16
I have developed a Saint like amount of patience. I used to blow up and rage and the slightest inconvenience. I'm much more even tempered now
Final score:
15points
#17
my thumb can bend back allot without having to force it realized when someone asked if it hurts when i bend it
Final score:
14points
Iridescent-Aurora 3 years ago
It's probably just Hitchhiker's thumb. A third of the population has it. I don't, unfortunately :(
#18
I’m very, VERY awkward around anyone irl... for example went to the store and briefly wondered if I could be able to scream for help if someone tried to hurt me (my anxiety speaking I suppose) and them went home and promptly proceeded to choke on popcorn... quietly so no one would worry... and that was my first instinct too. So I guess that answers my first question. No.
Final score:
14points
Rachael Smith 3 years ago
So this was totally me some years ago. It was a revelation to get on medication for anxiety and changed my life for the better. It took a couple of different meds to find the right one but leveling out a bit made life much nicer. If you haven't already, I encourage you to look into something for anxiety. I wish I'd done so much earlier.
#19
Something unexpected? Well, during quarantine I realized that I, someone who for a long time was super feminine and a "little princess", was a trans guy. So that's something. And ever since I realized, I don't care much for dresses or skirts... which tbh I kinda miss...
Final score:
14points
Kristi Jean 3 years ago
My ex-wife came out as a transgender woman over quarantine. We divorced due to already budding personality conflicts, NOT because of her transition. We’re still friends. It was difficult watching her go through it but beautiful as well. My big piece if advice: Be patient with yourself.
Stephanie IV 3 years ago
Maybe enjoy dresses. You can do what you want. Or are trans guys forbidden? Do you stop being a trans guy if you want to be a pretty girl once in a while ? Do you stop being a girl if you enjoy being a big butch manly man done days? Do you have to be one and can’t be another? I don’t understand, please explain.
Aroace tiger (she/they/he) 3 years ago
Feminine men and masculine women are ok so trans men being feminine and trans women being masculine is ok too
Load More Replies... #20
I have been diagnosed with hyperkalemia, high potassium levels. Appointment with doctor tomorrow to discuss medication. Am I worried? No, not at all despite having only one kidney. Firstly it can’t be that bad as I would be having emergency dialysis by now. Secondly it is nothing compared to what the Ukrainian population is going through. Other than this I’m remarkably unremarkable.
Final score:
14points
Theoretical Empiricist 3 years ago
(renal, former cardiac nurse here). Potassium level abnormalities can be absolutely deadly. You may not yet need emergency dialysis, which is literally "do this or your heart stops" intervention, but with one kidney, it's a real risk. Glad you're seeing your doctor.
Jods (Submission author) 3 years ago
Thank you. I thought Dr Google was exaggerating.
Load More Replies... 
#21
I just got divorced and I’ve learned that I never lost that independent woman I was before marriage.
Final score:
14points
#22
It's been a year since my grandpa died from cancer. My gramps is my favourite person, always said even has a child that I wouldn't survive if something happen to him. Grieving is a b**ch, but Im trying. Still here, still standing.
Final score:
13points
#23
I am capable of like-liking people
Final score:
11points
Dumbledore Out 3 years ago
Oh I learned that about myself too. I don't know if I like it or hate it.
#24
That I actually like horror movies.
Final score:
10points
Roomba Gloom (No/None) (Submission author) 3 years ago
I think I'll say Scream 5. I haven't seen any of the old ones, seeing as they're unfortunately not available on amy streaming platforms that I have at the moment. I feel like they were trying really hard not to be cliche, but they were. It's kinda hard not to be cliche with slasher movies like that though. But yeah Scream 5 is my latest favorite horror movie.
Load More Replies... #25
That I love working from home. Never thought I would be disciplined enough. I also thought that I would miss people. Not so. I love not having to deal with co-workers and make small talk. Never realized how taxing that was. I get so much more accomplished each day. I also gained two hours daily in commute time but I already knew I would love that.
Final score:
10points
Rachael Smith 3 years ago
Covid silver linings - I hope your job is one that will continue to let you work from home.
#26
That I'm not actually a good person. I've had an ideal self in my mind for so long, and trying to live up to that has caused me so much anxiety and trauma. Constantly making promises I couldn't keep, and wondering why people couldn't see my pure intentions when I messed up. I've learned that I need to accept who I actually am, flaws and all.
Final score:
10points
#27
I CAN let people go that are bad for me and I CAN stand up for myself (only on the internet for now but I'm getting there)
Final score:
9points
#28
That I'm a decent writer. I was so self-conscious about my stuff but my friends really help me and boost my confidence. Thank you guys!
Final score:
9points
#29
I am very quiet.
Final score:
8points
#30
I found out I have ADHD at 50.
Final score:
8points
Kristi Jean 3 years ago
I found out last year, at 36. It exploded so much, but it’s hard not to be angry for all the years lost to thinking things like “I’m just not smart enough to finish a book.” :/ I hope treatment is going well for you! I’ve been able to start changing some bad long-term habits.
Jilly (Submission author) 3 years ago
I wish the adults around me 40 years ago would have noticed. No regrets tho.
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Red 3 years ago
I've found out around on my late 20s. I was at university, psychology major, learning about it in class when everything started to click. I let out a holy crap because I got super overwhelmed and had to excuse myself. I've changed doctors and started the right treatment, but cried a lot over the realization because I've been so mistreated by teachers and family members over the years, couldn't figure out what was wrong with me so I thought they were right in saying I was lazy and useless. It's not an easy life, but knowing it was the best feeling. Hope everything works out for you.
Jilly (Submission author) 3 years ago
Me too! My daughter was diagnosed with it and I started reading what its like to have ADHD and I was just blown away. I thought everyone felt the way I do. There was a Bored Panda entry awhile back that showed what its like to have ADHD through a cartoon. I actually started crying. Good luck to you!
Load More Replies... #31
That my mind can't calm down for 1 second. I always have to be thinking or dreaming up SOMETHING
Final score:
8points
#32
During quarantine, I went from being homophobic to realizing that I'm nonbinary and pan. That... That was unexpected 💀
Final score:
8points
#33
That i actually can learn at school if I try to
Final score:
8points
Huddo's sister 3 years ago
Was there something in particular that led to that change? Like a topic, teacher or teaching strategy? I hope that isn't too personal, but I'm a teacher and learning how people learn fascinates me :)
Adalmina (Submission author) 3 years ago
Idk i kinda just changed my attitude and found the best way for me to study I feel like you are a good teacher for asking, seems like you really care >.<
Load More Replies... #34
That no matter what I've been through, I've always come through, no matter the obstacle or pain. I'm stronger than I thought and way better as solving my problems myself. Also, pretty multi-talented, though it took me a while to accept and believe in it.
Final score:
8points
#35
I used to not be able to properly feel emotions or understand body language. But I learnt that over time I could learn to understand them better, not as well as most people, but well enough that I could understand when someone is joking or being sarcastic.
Final score:
8points
Huddo's sister 3 years ago
That's a really good skill to learn and it can be really hard for some people. I imagine it helps you feel more confident in social situations.
#36
I learn with the help of my friends that I'm less shy than what I think I was! FRIENDS ARE IMPORTANT!
Final score:
8points
Huddo's sister 3 years ago
It is often meeting the right people that gives you the confidence to be the person you are despite shyness. Well done! I am still shy in a lot of situations but have a close group of friends I really connect with.
#37
I used to HATE cleaning! But after some time at home, cleaning, I realized I LOVED cleaning! I also used to get so angry, and wine, and cry at anything, now I stand up and now I can be more patient. Just don't interrupt me, or be annoying while I'm cleaning(or focused).
Final score:
7points
*Displayname*=idk (Submission author) 3 years ago
Yes! That is the best! (Unfortunately I have siblings i need to watch, so only when everyone is out of the house. Unless they can watch themselves.)
Load More Replies...
*Displayname*=idk (Submission author) 3 years ago
I meant to put "Whine" instead of "wine". My bad.
Robert Trebor 3 years ago
I was just going to say that wining is okay if it tastes good. Whining is okay, too, in private, or with a very good friend.
Load More Replies... #38
Thanks to the CDC, I learned I love touching my face.
Final score:
7points
#39
This was last year, but I realized I was polysexual (to umbrella term it, I'm bi but more complicated). The funniest part was realizing that how gay coded I was pre realiztion.
Final score:
6points
#40
That I'm really good with people, that I can organize like a champion and that flower arranging is my secret talent. (I normally "don't like" people and I'm pretty chaotic.)
Final score:
6points
#42
That I am stronger mentally than I EVER thought I could be!!! That no matter how many times the rug has been pulled out from under me, I have not quite broken yet. Still sucks though.
Final score:
6points
#43
I found out over the pandemic I was an annoying child. I thought I was charming and adorable, my mom has the cutest stories about my childhood... But nope. I was annoying! I was loud and inquisitive, thought the world was my stage, and if presented with something resembling a stage I'd put out The Red Show a talentless one child show, a mix of singing, dancing and stand-up comedy. I would not shut up about whatever and was always singing. Always. Even when I didn't knew the lyrics. I believe my mom didn't push me to read because she wanted me to be smart, it was so she could have some peace. Writing this I realize I might be an annoying adult also. It's a lot more diluted, but I'm still loud and I still sing all the time. I'm now I'm a pro singer now and studying classical singing, so I guess it all worked out.
Final score:
6points
Red (Submission author) 3 years ago
For context, I live in a building complex, lots of kids running amok. I never had to interact with them, but for the past two years I got to know some of them because I like to walk with my adorable pup, so the kids approach us and are always around. I actually like some of them. They're nice and funny to chat with so it's not a problem. I also realized kids aren't the enemy I thought they were.
Rachael Smith 3 years ago
the world needs engaging and musical people! If the people around you are annoyed with you, it's ok to find different people. I hope you find (or have found) your tribe.
#44
I discovered that I have visual snow thanks to a youtube video. Visual snow means that I see billions of little dots everywhere I look. All my life I thought that was how is supposed to be and everyone saw them
Final score:
6points
#45
That becoming and being a mother was an experience of true and overwhelming happiness. I was a female nerd, I never played with dolls as a child, I never saw myself as a future mother. So me getting pregnant wasn't something I had planned at all. I simply enjoyed so much making love with my boyfriend and our method of birth control wasn't effective. Being pregnant was a wonderful feeling, all my depressions where blown away- but I had no clue how to deal with the baby that was on the way to be born, I simply wanted to stay pregnant for the rest of my life- which, of course, didn't happen. Giving birth was an experience of being at the edge of existence itself. I thought: "this is unbearable", but at the same time I knew that I could bear much more than that. And then the baby was there and it was so beautiful! The first hours after giving birth, I felt only exhausted and confused, because there was now this little being on my side. But after one day, I fell crazily and blindly in love with my son. And I enjoyed so much taking care of the baby, even changing its diapers! Until I became a mother myself, I thought that children only become interesting when they are older and able to communicate like adults. But then I found myself enjoying especially the first years of my two children and I am filled with a deep feeling of happyness and thankfullness when I remember this time.
Final score:
6points
WhatEvenIsLife 3 years ago
I was never a baby person. Thought I'd never have kids. I had my very first accidental pregnancy at 28 and decided to keep it. It's been an experience, and I have no final words on which is preferable, having kids or not, but I love my kids and I LOVE babies now. Total 180.
Rachael Smith 3 years ago
That's so wonderful! I've had a similar experience this past year becoming a mom and now we're talking about having our second.
#46
I've got two bowels. I'm one of the very few people in the world who CAN actually "talk about his bowels" (plural). Don't get me started!
Final score:
5points
#47
I learned 2 years ago that I was Bi. I had a crush on a girl, who turned out to be Pan/trans, etc. It was at that moment I realised I don't care about their gender, I still like them. Sadly, I did ask them out once and they declined.
Final score:
5points
#48
That I am strong, it is ok to say no.
Final score:
5points
Michele Wintzloff 3 years ago
I'm going through the process of learning to say no. It's liberating and a little bit fun but not to those who take advantage of it
#50
that i'm aroace, i mean, it was unexpected, but not that shocking, anyways, who wants cookies? 🍪🍪🍪
Final score:
4points
Diane the Dinosaur 3 years ago
I can always go for cookies, especially homemade chocolate chip or macadamia ones. 😁
#51
I learned (the hard way) that I have Panic Disorder and that it can happen to literally anyone (including children) at any point in their lives. Can not be prevented, and there is no test to carry out to check if you may/have it.
Final score:
4points
Rosie Mroczynski 3 years ago
I would encourage the person who wrote this to reply with contact info if they would like to know what causes Panic disorder and how to completely heal from it. Also Panic disorder can be prevented.
#52
Looking back, what an incredibly stupid kid I was. I'm talking EPIC stupidity. And as a corollary, that I am never more dangerous than when I think I know what I am doing.
Final score:
4points
#53
putting off carpal tunnel surgery for > 15 years was causing my thumb muscles to shrivel & die
Final score:
4points
#54
Dreamt I was a beautiful woman last week and I loved her. Not sure what to make of it.
Final score:
4points
#56
I share a Myers-Briggs type with MCU Loki. INFJ-Ts in the house!
Final score:
3points
#57
I learned last year that I’m Irish. 3% Irish.
Final score:
3points
#58
That I am constantly happy. Idk why but I just am. Sometimes I just sit alone and smile and I have gotten comments from people about how happy I am. It’s weird but at least I’m not depressed.
Final score:
3points
#59
For me, it’s not a competition… it is, and probably will forever be, my childhood brain cancer diagnosis 2 weeks before my tenth birthday. Since then, I’ve had multiple surgeries, at least 30 MRIs, chemotherapy, and an epilepsy diagnosis as a long-term side effect of the scar tissue.
Final score:
3points
#60
My daughter and her extremely obnoxious boyfriend are living with me right now to save money for a place of their own. He and I don't get along. He constantly criticizes everything I do.The food I eat, the way I clean the house, that I'm disabled (he doesn't believe that I have as much pain as I say I do), everything. He has totally turned my daughter against me. Well, those two fight over the smallest, stupidest things. Whether they eat food from a fast food place or make healthy food at home, his forgetfulness, money, just to name a few. She yells at him so much and is so critical of him that she actually has him in tears, apologizing, even if she's the one who is being impossible.To my surprise, even though I can't stand him, I hate to see him so miserable. I wish he would stand up for himself and not let her get away with such awful behavior. When he cries, I have the strongest urge to hug him and tell him that it's not all his fault. I've been shocked to find that I apparently have grown as a person, and that I can separate my dislike of him personally, from my ability to feel compassion for a fellow human being in pain. it must be due to my advancing age, .
Final score:
3points
WhatEvenIsLife 3 years ago
Poor thing. Talk to your daughter!! He may be criticizing as a way to deflect the criticism he receives. Sounds like they could both do with a little therapy.
#61
That i like anchovies :D, they were always kinda gross to me before i tried one. Now im always excited to eat them
Final score:
3points
#62
I found that I'm smarter then I think (Or just so dumb it all works out) just kidding😂
Final score:
3points
#63
In my current job, I have realized that I am not as weak as I thought. I have discovered that I have the ability to stand up for myself and get what I need and deserve. I have proven my worth to them.
Final score:
2points
#64
I can learn to accept my acne, and start to feel more comfortable with it.
Final score:
2points
#65
Something young me would have been surprised and horrified to know - I can be a goddamn a*****e. It's not that I'm not a good person, but when I was young, everything was so black and white to me. If I did "X" I was a bad person, if I did "Y" I was a good person. It's just not that simple. I've done things I'm really ashamed of. Life is so much more gray and complex than I realized when I was younger. Not everyone is good all the time, not everyone is bad all the time, and sometimes you're making decisions from a bad place. Humans are complicated.
Final score:
2points
#66
Those things that I thought happened to other people but never would hit close to home can and will happen to you.
Final score:
2points
#67
During the pandemic I realized I’m more introverted than I thought.
Final score:
2points
#68
That I like pain. Just the way it clears my head and makes me feel more capable of dealing with things. Keeps me grounded. A less weird thing to say? I can wiggle my nose like a bunny rabbit. Oh, and shoot water/any non acidic liquid out of the corners of my eyes.
Final score:
1point
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