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If you hear someone say, "I'm not scared of that," or, "I didn't want that promotion anyway," it doesn't necessarily mean they're mentally strong. In fact, there's a good chance it's just a facade.

To illustrate this, let's look at the subreddit which we at Bored Panda call "I Am Very Bad". From gun nuts to overly-protective boyfriends, this online community has plenty of examples to prove that overcompensation can be very, very obvious.

Here are the posts that got the most upvotes from the sub's 1.2 million members.

To learn more about "I Am Very Bad" we contacted its moderators and one of them, u/ergoegthatis, agreed to have a little chat.

"Some of the most popular ['tough' people on the subreddit are the ones who see] injustice in the news (e.g. someone being insulted or bear up), and say, 'If that happened to me I'd so and so and so and so!' With everyone on social media having a platform to air any opinion they have, this is incredibly common," u/ergoegthatis told Bored Panda.

"Also in the US, there are many intense political/social statements related to politics and guns. For some reason, Americans are religiously addicted to expressing their opinions on everything, in every possible way (including car decals)."

#2

And Murdered By Words Of Another Vet

And Murdered By Words Of Another Vet

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Demi Zwaan
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ah yes, the 'us' and 'them' mentality. Also the result of brainwashing. If someone cuts in line, say something. You don't immediately have to resort to violence like a little coward who can't communicate his feelings like a normal adult. (edited the bad word to coward)

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#3

Vaping In Front Of A Water Service Vehicle Thinking It's A Cop Car

Vaping In Front Of A Water Service Vehicle Thinking It's A Cop Car

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Foxxy (The Original)
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Even though it's not a cop car, why would it matter if he was vaping in front of one. Is it coz he is possibly under-age or something?

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According to the moderator, the subreddit's 'characters' usually overcompensate due to their fear of a scary, unpredictable, and hostile world.

"It depends on society too: we rarely see these ... expressions coming from Europe, the Arab world, Southern and Central America, Russia, China, Japan, etc. America is witnessing social, political, and economic implosions, so this seems to be a way for them to cope with that," they added.

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The subreddit's community, on the other hand, is way more diverse. "It's heterogeneous, [and has] got all sorts of people," u/ergoegthatis said. "I don't think there's any common factor in our userbase, except the desire to have fun and laugh at people who take their purported [toughness] to comical levels in public."

#4

A Birthday Well Wish Escalates To ”there Will Be Consequences”

A Birthday Well Wish Escalates To ”there Will Be Consequences”

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#5

Even My Local Police Department Had To Call Out This Guy's Bulls**t

Even My Local Police Department Had To Call Out This Guy's Bulls**t

reddit.com Report

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Marcellus II
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm wondering in this scenario, what's the motivation of criminal nr 1000 to go test the door, when there's already a stack of 999 corpses festering in the spring sunshine?

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While acting tough may meet a person's needs in the short term by artificially boosting their ego or by getting others to back off, it's not a good long-term strategy. In fact, one study conducted by psychologists at Rutgers University found that guys who act tough may suffer serious consequences.

The paper, published in The Journal of Health Psychology, found that these men visit doctors less often. They're also less forthcoming about their medical symptoms when they see a male physician (interestingly, these same men were more likely to choose a male doctor because they believe male doctors are more competent than females).

#6

My Friend And His Wife Are Going Through A Mutual Divorce, Her New Boyfriend Is Wasting No Time Asserting Dominance

My Friend And His Wife Are Going Through A Mutual Divorce, Her New Boyfriend Is Wasting No Time Asserting Dominance

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#7

If You Have To Advertise It, It’s Probably Not True

If You Have To Advertise It, It’s Probably Not True

ReformedCanine Report

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Dee Hunter
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Doesn't "Alpha" mean a version that's full of bugs and not in a condition to be released to the public?

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#8

She Always Told Me He Was Jealous But Dang

She Always Told Me He Was Jealous But Dang

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Researchers suspect that delaying medical appointments and minimizing symptoms could be one of the reasons why men in the US die, on average, five years earlier than women.

If you want to see whether or not you have a tendency to act this way, this article by Inc. provides a 7-point checklist that could help in evaluating yourself.

If you're also putting up a fake exterior that helps you feel superior, consider the toll it may take on your life. Instead, try to invest in building mental strength, so the way you feel on the inside matches how others see you on the outside. As your mental strength increases, your need to act tough decreases.

#9

Comment On A Post About An Old Couple Having To Slowly Put Back Potatoes One At A Time At A Grocery Store Until The Price Was Low Enough Because They Are Poor

Comment On A Post About An Old Couple Having To Slowly Put Back Potatoes One At A Time At A Grocery Store Until The Price Was Low Enough Because They Are Poor

CaseyS447 Report

#10

If A Cop Is A D*ck You Are Legally Allowed To Beat Him Up Apparently

If A Cop Is A D*ck You Are Legally Allowed To Beat Him Up Apparently

reddit.com Report

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Brendan
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is the synopsis of the porno he just finished watching, so it appears that reality and fantasy get, somewhat, intertwined.

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Katie Lutesinger
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And then the manager comped our meals and my three year old verbally owned someone who told me to wear a mask while shopping, and that three year old's name? Was Albert Einstein.

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Don't Look
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I’m embarrassed that there are people out there that actually think others believe them when they say nonsense like this.

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Susie Elle
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm willing to bet no female officers were involved in any way, shape or form

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Ian Taggart
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You got off fine because you were defending yourself.

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BlackPearltheSeaWing/NightWing
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yeah I'm case you don't know, female officers are as professional as men are and would not be impressed after that

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An Co
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"Did your girlfriend, Morgan Fairchild, agree to marry you when she heard about it?

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Riley Quinn
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'll bet if you stood atop a building and flapped your arms you could fly, you magnificent beast.

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Celtic Pirate Queen
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wow - that is pathetic. Because as we all know, THIS NEVER F**K*NG HAPPENED.

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Fred Burrows
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I beat on a cop once and he whaled on me . Then after we stepped out of the ring and had a beer .

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Zaza
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Then he had an orgie with all the female officers and the mayor called him poersonally to offer him the chief of police position. Assuming gender here, but I'm willing to bet no woman on this planet would never write about "ahem, female officers"

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Printerman
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

On today's episode of "things that never actually happened" we have this story.

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Shinomi Chan
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Sool I'm taking this as: "I was high as a kite, on a bad trip, got thrown in a jail cell, cried like a bitch, and made this story up to assert dominance."

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deanna woods
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is such total bs. There is no way this guy beat up a cop and got away with it.

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Leigh C.
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I met someone like this. He had a Mustang he didn't want anyone touching, acted like he was the coolest with stuffed animals in his backseat window LOL. Went around boasting (likely a lie) how he beat up a cop for touching his car LOL.

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Marie
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is an obvious lie. My sister verbally abused a cop and got arrested... abuse and threats go to court.

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Mazer
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Bad fiction. One audience member confused at how to respond

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lara
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Some did, but most went to the doctor and got a shot.

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De Gueb
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I had a run in with a cop in a pub and at the court case his colleagues testified in my favour. I was all lawyered up with witnesses etc. didn´t need it, this cop was such and abusive A**** that his colleagues hated him. Eventually he got suspended and fired for possession. Cost me in lawyer but it was worth it.

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#11

You Never Know What Will Go Down At A Subway Sandwich Shop

You Never Know What Will Go Down At A Subway Sandwich Shop

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Penny Fan
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's necessary because his masculinity is too fragile to survive without them.

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#12

Bad**s Boomer Responds To Being Ok'ed By A Journalist He Yelled At About Climate Change

Bad**s Boomer Responds To Being Ok'ed By A Journalist He Yelled At About Climate Change

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#13

High School Is A Hell Of A Drug

High School Is A Hell Of A Drug

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#14

His Daughter Took A Laptop Home From School To Message A Boy. So He Decides To Shoot The Laptop That Wasn’t Even His Property

His Daughter Took A Laptop Home From School To Message A Boy. So He Decides To Shoot The Laptop That Wasn’t Even His Property

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Ivo H
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's what happens when people are allowed to have more guns than IQ.

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#15

A Challenge From A Bad**s

A Challenge From A Bad**s

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#17

Oh Man... Stay Away From This Guy!

Oh Man... Stay Away From This Guy!

whippedcreamcheese Report

#18

Shooting A Target From A Mile Away? Light Work

Shooting A Target From A Mile Away? Light Work

ANailBlaster Report

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KJ
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The (approximate) equivalent to the 13th furthest recorded sniper kill according to wiki.

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#19

Do Not Underestimate People With Multiple Font Tattoos

Do Not Underestimate People With Multiple Font Tattoos

ne_credibile Report

#20

Coronavirus Is Scared Of Catching Me

Coronavirus Is Scared Of Catching Me

irich Report

#21

Accidentally Added The Wrong Guy On Facebook. Guess I'm A Coward Now

Accidentally Added The Wrong Guy On Facebook. Guess I'm A Coward Now

HodlMeNow Report

#22

He Doesnt Need A Bed Just Sleeps In A Holster

He Doesnt Need A Bed Just Sleeps In A Holster

AnonymousAnalAssasin Report

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KJ
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That doesn't translate well to Scottish, calling someone a weapon up here isn't a compliment.

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#23

I Love My Friend But I Get These Often

I Love My Friend But I Get These Often

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Otter
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I bet you threw your aluminum can in the trash instead of the recycling bin and jaywalked next, and everyone on the street begged you not to hurt them!

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#24

Vegans Can’t Even Make A Dent

Vegans Can’t Even Make A Dent

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Iapetos
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"I'm an asshole and I can't stand it when people try to make things better for anyone."

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#25

A Warm Welcome Back From My “Bad**s” Roommate

A Warm Welcome Back From My “Bad**s” Roommate

poser-genocide Report

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Dorothy Parker
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Girlfriend is being held captive. Save that text and use it as reason to move out. . .

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#26

Dysfunctional Veteran Leave Me Alone!

Dysfunctional Veteran Leave Me Alone!

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Demi Zwaan
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Sure, because no one would call the police if they actually believed these were bodies. No, they'd go about their business and be nice and polite to the psycho killer.

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#28

School Dropouts Are Very Bad**s

School Dropouts Are Very Bad**s

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#30

U Can Use Your Zip Ties To Make Sure Your Legs Stay Together In The New Wheelchair

U Can Use Your Zip Ties To Make Sure Your Legs Stay Together In The New Wheelchair

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Jihana
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Obviously he does park like a jerk and feels threatened now.

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#31

Walmart Patriot

Walmart Patriot

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Wonderful
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Let me translate “I was walking down the aisle when a guy wearing a mask passed by me and we briefly made eye contact. Then when I got home and went to take my daily poop I thought up this story to make me look like a bad ass.”

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#32

Shoot First, Ask Questions Later, I Guess

Shoot First, Ask Questions Later, I Guess

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#33

Going To The Gym Makes You Invincible

Going To The Gym Makes You Invincible

Here-For-The-Comment Report

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#34

A Comment: "I Bet You Spent More On This Than Your Kids Since They Were Born"

A Comment: "I Bet You Spent More On This Than Your Kids Since They Were Born"

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#35

Who Would Dare After That

Who Would Dare After That

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Note: this post originally had 90 images. It’s been shortened to the top 35 images based on user votes.