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Have you ever wondered if you’re the only one in the world who does certain things? Well, we’ve got good news: You’re probably not. There are so many things everyone does that are so weirdly specific and familiar it’s hard to believe we’re not all living the same life. Everyone has their own little quirks and weird habits, but some parts of our lives just seem to be universal.

For example, we’re 100% positive you also hit the elevator button multiple times. Or lower the music volume on your car stereo while parking so you can “see better.” Or have imaginary arguments in your head. The list goes on and on. The truth is that, despite all the cultural differences, diverse social norms, and individual tastes, we’re all somehow still connected by these relatable situations and sometimes embarrassing habits. And it’s funny to think about how many of these actions we do without even realizing it because they’re so normal. 

We could write a whole book with all the secret things people do, but we decided to stick to a simple list. So here are some small actions that you probably do in secret — but that everyone else also does!

#1

Reading The Instructions On A Food Package, Tossing It In The Garbage, And Then Retrieving It Because You've Already Forgotten Everything

Reading The Instructions On A Food Package, Tossing It In The Garbage, And Then Retrieving It Because You've Already Forgotten Everything

Why do we expect we'll be able to recall exactly how much milk we need as opposed to water?

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#2

Rehearsing A Conversation In Your Head That You'll Probably Never Have

Rehearsing A Conversation In Your Head That You'll Probably Never Have

That one colleague at work who doesn't take you seriously won't know what hit him when you deliver the epic speech you've been drafting and honing for months. Even if you never say any of it aloud, the fact that it is at least in your head is enough reward.

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#3

Reducing The Volume Of The Music On Your Car Stereo So You Can See Better

Reducing The Volume Of The Music On Your Car Stereo So You Can See Better

How much does reducing volume help parallel parking? One of the questions that we will never know the answer to.

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ngregory avatar
N Miller
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's because the brain cannot multitask. If it's music on the radio, it's usually pop or similar which has lyrics and you cannot process words while also concentrating on parking.

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#4

Have Imaginary Arguments In Your Head

Have Imaginary Arguments In Your Head

At least you win every time.

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mcdowellcharlotte190 avatar
Cookie
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I actually lose. A lot. I decide that neither side of my brain is correct

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#5

Rewinding The Song Because You Zoned Out

Rewinding The Song Because You Zoned Out

You know when you're halfway done and realize you haven't given the masterpiece enough thought, so you have to start over? I've done this once three times in a row.

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LaurenRuth Jones
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Music, voice mail, tv show all of them need repeated far more times than I’d like to admit

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#6

Pretend To Not See Someone You Know

Pretend To Not See Someone You Know

Did this happen to you before? You see a familiar face approaching, you cross your fingers in hopes that they don't notice you, quickly glance down at your phone and walk right by.

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lenka
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I live in a small town and if I stopped to talk to everyone I know I would never get anything done. Sometimes I pretend not to see but mostly I just starting walking really fast like I am in a massive rush and wave as I hurry past.

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#7

Accepting The Terms Of The Agreement Without Reading Them

Accepting The Terms Of The Agreement Without Reading Them

At the very least, pretend to read the terms of the user agreement on any website if someone is looking. Everyone simply presses the "I agree" button while no one is watching.

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star44886 avatar
Will Cable
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If you did start to read them by the time you'd finish the newer version or model would be out and the one you are about to use would be obsolete.

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#8

When Checking The Time On Your Phone, You Become Distracted By It And Completely Forget What Time It Is

When Checking The Time On Your Phone, You Become Distracted By It And Completely Forget What Time It Is

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#9

In Order To "Make It In One Trip," You're Carrying Far Too Much From Your Car

In Order To "Make It In One Trip," You're Carrying Far Too Much From Your Car

A second trip? Don't be ridiculous. It would be better to just simply hop inside the house while holding the milk between your knees and balancing an infinite amount of plastic bags on each arm.

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LaurenRuth Jones
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Sure I have no feeling in my hands and I dislocated a shoulder but I got it all in on one trip

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#10

Avoiding Holding Up A Line By Carelessly Stuffing Your Wallet With Cash And Receipts

Avoiding Holding Up A Line By Carelessly Stuffing Your Wallet With Cash And Receipts

Does it even matter if the change is correct? You are aware that there are carts in front of you and that you won't be the one holding up the line today.

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Cassi Lyris
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When I was younger I did this, but not anymore. It's important to put everything where it needs to be to first time. I have no problem extending this same courtesy to everyone.

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#11

Pace The House When You're On A Long Phone Call

Pace The House When You're On A Long Phone Call

Long phone conversations always necessitate a few excursions from the living room to the dining room, followed by a stop in the bedroom, before making your way back to the kitchen. We're not sure why. It is exercise, at least.

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star44886 avatar
Will Cable
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I find it funny when you see someone alone sitting or standing still, the phone rings and the suddenly they walk about 10 miles during the call in a 5 meter radius

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#12

Purchasing Plenty Fresh Vegetables For A Week And Not Using Any Of It

Purchasing Plenty Fresh Vegetables For A Week And Not Using Any Of It

After work, you continued to order delivery, and before you knew it, the vegetables started to spoil.

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Kim Gilbert
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A couple of those I don't recognize, the chopped orange cubes (not carrots) and the things that look like peanuts in their shells that have been left in water between the broccoli and the sprouts?

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#13

Claiming You Have Plans To Skip A Social Event When You Actually Have None

Claiming You Have Plans To Skip A Social Event When You Actually Have None

Would it really be that horrible to just decline an offer by responding, "No thanks, I just want to stay home and watch reruns of the 10 shows I've seen before in my pajamas."

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Roland Nijveld
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"Would it really be that horrible to just decline an offer by responding, "No thanks" No, but 9/10 don't accept that as an answer.

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#14

Giving Your Pet A Pump-Up Talk

Giving Your Pet A Pump-Up Talk

Everyone needs a little boost in self-esteem from time to time. Before you go anywhere, remind how nice, smart and worthy your pet is.

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#15

Realizing The House Is Empty When You Get Home From Work And Feeling Immense Relief

Realizing The House Is Empty When You Get Home From Work And Feeling Immense Relief

It's not that you don't care for your family and friends. However, you are not need to be there with them at all times.

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Brodie Bruce
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I work from home and live alone and I do feel immense relief when the house is empty when I come home from work.

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#16

Using Your Phone To Check Out The Internet While You're Actually Taking A Break from Your Computer

Using Your Phone To Check Out The Internet While You're Actually Taking A Break from Your Computer

Perhaps the tiny internet offers something more intresting or more authentic than what the larger internet does.

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#17

Using A Smartphone While Sitting On The Toilet

Using A Smartphone While Sitting On The Toilet

In the past, people used to read newspapers in the toilet. Nowadays, it's difficult to picture anyone using the restroom without a smartphone at the very least.

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Vince Colucci
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Pulling your pants down, realizing you forgot your phone, and duck waddling to get it.

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#18

Eating A "Family Size" Bag Of Chips By Yourself

Eating A "Family Size" Bag Of Chips By Yourself

It is not your fault! For some reason, Doritos don't come with an emergency kill switch to close the bag before it's too late. The Godfather was playing on cable, the bag was on your lap, and it's a loooong movie.

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#19

Carefully Examining A Product At The Grocery Store Because The One You Actually want Is Blocked By A Customer

Carefully Examining A Product At The Grocery Store Because The One You Actually want Is Blocked By A Customer

You may not always be in the mood for an embarrassing circumstance like saying "excuse me" to a stranger so you can get a package of cauliflower rice. So you've spent your precious time learning everything you can about a jar of gherkins while you've been waiting for someone to move out of the way at the grocery store.

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#20

Checking Your Symptoms On The Internet, And Convincing Yourself You're On Death's Door

Checking Your Symptoms On The Internet, And Convincing Yourself You're On Death's Door

Why do we repeat committing the same mistake over and over again? You know what a headache could be a sign of, right? Every terrible sickness that is known to man!

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#21

Holding Your Phone In Your Hand And Looking For It

Holding Your Phone In Your Hand And Looking For It

About one million times per day, the typical person misplaces their phone. Most of us find that hilarious and frustrating at the same time, especially when we begin looking for it while it's still in our hands.

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#22

Dancing By Yourself In Your Kitchen

Dancing By Yourself In Your Kitchen

What is it about a cupcake or a handful of dry tortilla chips that makes you want to dance a little? You already know what you did!

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Amour Doctrina
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is normal behavior! Got a tune in my head and a pep in my step🤣♥️.

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#23

Feeling Personally Victimized By An Inanimate Object

Feeling Personally Victimized By An Inanimate Object

Your smartphone obviously hates you and is acting rudely if it can't connect to the internet. When the printer decides to jam, it is doing it intentionally to complicate your life because it still harbors a secret vendetta against you. Technology frequently malfunctions on purpose, which causes us to lose control and lash out at inanimate objects.

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nadia-callahan avatar
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The monkey towel in the bathroom hates me and likes to watch me take a c**p >:(

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#24

Pulling Back the Shower Curtain To Check For Potential Serial Killers Hiding Behind It

Pulling Back the Shower Curtain To Check For Potential Serial Killers Hiding Behind It

You've undoubtedly also leaped on your bed to prevent the monster from your bed from grabbing your legs.

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#25

Sneak A "Sniff" Test

Sneak A "Sniff" Test

We've all been there: You smell something unsavory and become concerned that it might be you, so you nonchalantly raise your arm and angle your head to smell your pits. This tactic also functions when you are unsure of whether you have on deodorant.

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zak
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I sniff my own breath all the time, just to be sure I don't have bad breath. I've developed numerous techniques to make it imperceptible to anyone who might be looking at me lol.

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#26

Peel Dead Skin Off Your Lips

Peel Dead Skin Off Your Lips

You also have a unique ritual that involves a hot towel and a ton of lip balm. Until you go too far and start bleeding, it is always satisfying.

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#27

Waiting A Few Minutes After Someone Sits Down Close To You Before Getting Up To Avoid Hurting Them

Waiting A Few Minutes After Someone Sits Down Close To You Before Getting Up To Avoid Hurting Them

 
No one wants to sit next to a stranger, especially if there are other seats available, and if someone takes a seat in the seat next to us and we become uncomfortable enough to want to move, we'll wait a few minutes so they don't believe we're doing it because of them, even if we totally are.

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nadia-callahan avatar
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My animal-crossing villagers should learn this tactic. MARSHAL, YOU WILL PAY FOR THIS!!!

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#28

Pretending To Be In A Movie While Listening To Music On Headphones and Walking Down the Streets

Pretending To Be In A Movie While Listening To Music On Headphones and Walking Down the Streets

It's probably playing the soundtrack of your own action-adventure film, in which you play the main character.

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#29

Pretending To Be Unsure Of A Purchase After Discovering An Excessive Price At A Store

Pretending To Be Unsure Of A Purchase After Discovering An Excessive Price At A Store

If you've ever gone shopping for clothing, furniture, or even food, you've likely experienced genuine sticker shock when you saw an item's exorbitant price. Instead of becoming alarmed and leaving, you remained for a short while while acting as though you were still debating whether or not to buy it. This allowed you to wait for your blood pressure to return to a more stable level.

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#30

Google Yourself

Google Yourself

Even a word for it exists: egosurfing. 47% of Americans who use the Internet have done a self-search, according to a survey.

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#31

Getting Invested In A Conversation You Were Eavesdropping On

Getting Invested In A Conversation You Were Eavesdropping On

We're all aware that listening in on someone else's talk isn't exactly polite, so why do people carry on such fascinating conversations in public if they don't want you to? You've undoubtedly had meals where you hardly spoke to your dining companion in favor of listening to the relationship drama of the couple behind you—and, of course, making mental notes in your head.

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R Dennis
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have actually jumped into a couple when I had relevant information or knew an answer they were struggling with. I usually start with "Sorry, I couldn't help hearing..." After giving the information, I run away in embarrassment like a thief in the night. (Though in my head, I am Answerman: the solver of mysteries!)

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#32

Pretend To Text Or Talk On The Phone When You're Waiting For Someone

Pretend To Text Or Talk On The Phone When You're Waiting For Someone

Nothing is more uncomfortable than hanging out by yourself at a busy restaurant or on a busy street corner while waiting for a friend who is always late.

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#33

Being Terrified When You Recognize Yourself On The Front-Facing Camera On Your Phone

Being Terrified When You Recognize Yourself On The Front-Facing Camera On Your Phone

One of the scariest moments is pulling out your phone to take a picture and realizing that the front camera is on. It's likely that when you saw yourself from that viewpoint, you immediately yelled aloud and closed the camera app.

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#34

Wielding A Bare Wrapping Paper Tube As A Lightsaber

Wielding A Bare Wrapping Paper Tube As A Lightsaber

When your supply of wrapping paper runs out, you are left with a cardboard tube. How about you? The obvious response is to begin making lightsaber noises and spinning it like Ewan McGregor. (What else should I do?)

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Philly Bob
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

No matter how old you are, an empty wrapping paper tube is still a fun thing to bonk someone over the head with!

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#35

Not Washing The Dishes

Not Washing The Dishes

Those who did not have a stack of dishes in the sink when they were not being reminded to wash them. Then, in order to rip it off, you must soak it for 30 minutes.

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Maple Porkly
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I grew up with a parent who would scream at me if I cooked anything and didn't immediately clean up. I'd make something delicious but it would either get cold by the time I finished cleaning or get eaten by one of my brothers looking for a snack.

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#36

Sitting On Your Bed In A Towel For Far Longer Than Necessary

Sitting On Your Bed In A Towel For Far Longer Than Necessary

You're done taking a shower and it's time to put on some clothes. However, the motivation does not come and you're stuck sitting on your bed and dressed in a towel procrastinating.

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zak
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Never once in my life. Why would I want to get my bed wet with my wet towel?? Shower -> towel dry (while still inside the shower where the air is still warm) -> stand naked in front of the sink and put on lotion so I don't get itchy dry skin -> put on clothes.

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#37

Overthinking Eye Contact

Overthinking Eye Contact

We strive to find the ideal balance between eye contact and looking away so that it doesn't feel awkward. But you spend so much time thinking about yourself that you want to rethink things.

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AMH
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I typically don't overthink the eye contact. I overthink everything else.

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#38

Offering Some Truly Transparent Fake Laughter

Offering Some Truly Transparent Fake Laughter

Not only is it nice, but there are a lot of other reasons to pretend to laugh. Sometimes the fake chuckle is an attempt to hide the fact that we are genuinely unable to understand what was just stated.

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#39

Refusing To Respond To An Email For Several Weeks Before Writing, "Somehow This Ended Up In My Spam Folder"

Refusing To Respond To An Email For Several Weeks Before Writing, "Somehow This Ended Up In My Spam Folder"

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Tess
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Just break your email routing systems so badly that you never have any idea where your emails will end up, then no one expects anything of you. I personally have my email set up so that it flags every single email from outside of the company as suspicious, thanks to google enterprise level safety. There is no one else in the company, I am the only one. The company also doesn't do any work, or make any income. It does make emails fun though.

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#40

Drinking From The Bottle

Drinking From The Bottle

It could be a tiny 0.25-liter bottle or an enormous 2-liter container. Everyone takes a drink from the bottle, without using glasses or cups, whatever is poured into it.

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AMH
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This one is a very weird and unnecessary addition to this list. Bottle drinks were made for the purpose of drinking from the bottle (on the go)

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#41

Pretending You're Not Disappointed When You Receive A Birthday Card Without Any Cash

Pretending You're Not Disappointed When You Receive A Birthday Card Without Any Cash

Even still, at 43, you still want a fiver in there. Not by yourself!

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Piggy Tee
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In Sweden it's seen as very rude to give someone money. It's all about the thought you put into the present. You can give a gift card if you know that the person wants something from a certain store.

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#42

Trying To Channel Your Inner Adele In A Traffic Only To Realize That Another Driver Is Looking At You

Trying To Channel Your Inner Adele In A Traffic Only To Realize That Another Driver Is Looking At You

Few things in life are more lovely than singing along to your favorite songs while driving. But while singing out "Rolling in The Deep" with the windows down, you've become so immersed that you forget that other people can probably see you.

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LH25
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Some years ago, when we all mostly listened to FM radio in our cars, I was at a light singing along and basically seat dancing. I glanced over and the guy in the next lane was moving to the same beat. We opened our windows, and yep same song. We had a quick duet until the light turned green.

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#43

Bringing A Book To The Beach But Not Actually Reading It

Bringing A Book To The Beach But Not Actually Reading It

Opening up that brand-new bestseller and reading it was something you had every intention of doing. But instead, you just took a bunch of foot selfies next to the water before dozing off.

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#44

Hitting The Elevator Button Multiple Times

Hitting The Elevator Button Multiple Times

We are aware that the elevator is probably approaching because the small light is on, but we can't help it. What if we need to hit the button one more time to properly convey our urgency to the elevator? The device won't understand that we're in a rush, so hammering the button is the only option.

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#45

Never Hitting Send On A 10000-Word Email Full Of Rage To A Family Member

Never Hitting Send On A 10000-Word Email Full Of Rage To A Family Member

It's probably for the best.

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Gary Harkins
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Lol! Or a text message!! I have learned that this actually works really good! Instead of actually cussing someone out or freaking out on them. Usually by the time I am done telling them that I hate them and their family and kids and everything about them, I have calmed down enough to realize that maybe I shouldn't send this after all. Lol

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#46

Doing That Cozy-In-Bed Cricket Leg Rub

Doing That Cozy-In-Bed Cricket Leg Rub

Do you ever feel like rubbing your legs together like a cricket when you slide into a newly made bed? What in the world gave rise to such instinct? Making the bed feel cozier still, it's as though you're attempting to kindle a fire with your legs.

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#47

Eating In Bed

Eating In Bed

Even when others are nearby, some people eat in bed. But most often, they do it when they are left alone.

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#48

Mumbling The Name Part During A Rendition Of "Happy Birthday"

Mumbling The Name Part During A Rendition Of "Happy Birthday"

Attending a birthday celebration for someone you only vaguely know. It's time to sing "Happy Birthday" to them, and you enthusiastically shout out every line until you get to the part where you sing their name, at which point you realize you can't quite remember who the birthday person is. So you mumble something illegible and hope that your abrupt volume adjustment won't be too noticeable.

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Miah Lee
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I hate the restaurant birthday, so I got my family to stop. When it came time to sing to me, I sang obnoxiously loud and off key, embarrassing them. I have never had to do it again. I just remind people of this.

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#49

Fall Into A Sappy Video Clickhole

Fall Into A Sappy Video Clickhole

When you look up, it's been 45 minutes since you first started viewing a military reunion video, and you're still blissfully crying while already watching 10 another videos.

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Looks like an Angel
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I do thos purposely evey weekend. I belive that crying over sappy videos, keeps my heart pure.

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#50

Being Extra Chatty With Airport Security For Positive Travel Karma

Being Extra Chatty With Airport Security For Positive Travel Karma

Anyone who makes every effort to appear more polite and courteous than everyone else should definitely be escorted to the gate and offered a free upgrade if possible.

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Greennovator
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes, or to anyone in customer service. "I hate when people are nasty to you ... it's a thankless gig and I've been there too ... I understand ... is there anything you can do to help me out here?" 😉😁

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