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Self-deprecating memes have become a virtual love language. They help us to collectively cope with the woes of adulthood, our existential crises, and that one embarrassing thing we said or did 10 years ago that still haunts us in the shower...

One of the best parts is that they don't discriminate. They call out everyone from the introverts masquerading as extroverts, the procrastinators who said they'd "start the project early," and the emotionally unavailable, chronically tired, overthinking underachievers. These types of memes turn our insecurities into comedy gold. They somehow leave us feeling called out and roasted, yet a bit better about our flaws, all at the same time.

There's a whole corner of the internet dedicated to self-deprecating memes that hit a little too close to home. "I Feel Personally Attacked By This Meme" has more than 502,000 followers, all wallowing in a pool of self-pity while laughing at themselves instead of crying.

Bored Panda has put together a list of the best posts from the page for you to scroll through while you secretly berate yourself for that thing you thought nobody knew about you. They're a random mix of painfully relatable memes, and many feel like holding up a mirror. We also explore why self-deprecating humor can be a good thing. You'll find that info between the images.

While some people believe we shouldn't talk down to ourselves, there are others who say a bit of self-deprecation (when done right) is great for our mental health. There are even experts who swear by it.

Like Karen Chambre, a psychotherapist with over 40 years of experience. Chambre says she often integrates self-deprecating humor into her sessions with clients.

"Self-deprecating humor reflects people’s flaws, allowing for vulnerability, introspection, identification, and entertainment. When self-deprecating humor is executed well, emotions can be regulated, trust can be established, and connection can be fostered," writes the therapist.

Chambre believes that this type of humor serves as a tool for us to recognize and embrace our flaws and imperfections with warmth and compassion.

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    According to the U.K. Therapy Guide, joking about our flaws and imperfections can be healthy. Self-deprecating humour signals high emotional intelligence, helps us diffuse awkward situations, and appeals to a sense of modesty and humility that many of us search for, notes the site. But it adds that this only applies when self-deprecating humor is used in moderation.

    "When self-deprecating humour becomes a reflex and stems from feelings and inadequacy and self-loathing, it can be detrimental to your mental health," warn the experts.

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    Being able to poke fun at ourselves can also be good for our relationships. According to the experts over at Verywell Mind, people are generally more drawn to others who can laugh at themselves and not take life too seriously.

    "By making light of your quirks, you can show that you are comfortable in your skin and less judgmental of the flaws in others," notes that site, adding that it may help boost your likeability and build stronger relationships with others.

    The Verywell Mind team says that self-deprecating humor is a great way of expressing the unique and different aspects of your personality. It signals confidence, and helps you show others who you truly are and how you feel.

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    However, many experts warn that there's a thin line between seeing yourself with gentle humor and being self-demeaning or negative.

    Poking fun at yourself is only beneficial if you are viewing your flaws or mistakes with kindness, if it allows you to see how embarrassing or difficult situations can be funny, or if it involves being able to laugh at yourself without veering into putting yourself down.

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    U.K. Therapy Guide suggests that how you receive compliments can be a good indicator of whether you use self-deprecating humour in a damaging or healthy way.

    "If you’re quick to make fun of yourself, but when someone makes you a compliment and you feel uncomfortable accepting it, you may have self-esteem issues, and you should try to use self-deprecating humour less," notes the site. "Otherwise, those jokes can slowly affect your mental health, making you look at yourself from a negative perspective."

    Another good gauge is to how others react to your self-deprecating jokes. The less laughter, the more likely you've veered onto the path of negative self-talk. It may be time to check yourself, cautions U.K Therapy Guide.

    "If nobody laughs at your jokes and you get concerned looks and an awkward silence instead, you should take a note of that and reflect on why your joke made people uncomfortable," the site notes. "This also applies when friends tell you that your self-deprecating jokes have gone too far and that you should think better of yourself."

    #24

    Man holding a cup and putting finger to lips, representing self-deprecating memes feel personally attacked reaction.

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    The Majestic Opossum
    Community Member
    Premium
    3 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I didn't pay to hear your opinion, thank you! I happen to like the nice warm glow of my "check engine" light.

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    #30

    Anime characters reacting to self-deprecating memes feel personally attacked about growing hair and youth appearance.

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    Mel in Georgia
    Community Member
    Premium
    3 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Military dad made his kid keep a buzz cut in high school the 70s. Saw him later as an adult with the most glorious mane of hair! FU, dad!

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    #36

    Man in a crowd with intense expression, captioned to show self-deprecating memes feel personally attacked humor.

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    Red Wyvern Emperor
    Community Member
    4 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Ah yes, mom borrowed uncle 30 000, saying he'd be paying back. It's been almost a year and we haven't seen a single penny out of that.

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    #39

    Man grimacing in frustration representing self-deprecating memes feel personally attacked about forgetting passwords.

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    James016
    Community Member
    4 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Then when you go through the forgot your password process, your new password cannot be the same as the old password.

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    #40

    School bus crossing train tracks with text illustrating self-deprecating memes feeling personally attacked humor.

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    Reemerger
    Community Member
    4 days ago

    This comment has been deleted.

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    #41

    Text meme with self-deprecating humor expressing reluctance to work, using casual and apologetic tone.

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    Laserleader
    Community Member
    3 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Had a guy quit a job because he was late to pick up his mom when she got off work, and blamed me. Ironically, he set his OWN schedule but got mad that I didn't know when she got off work when it was contractually none of my business to know his personal life.

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    #46

    Cartoon mouse meme with loading icon and backpack, illustrating self-deprecating memes that feel personally attacked.

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    UKGrandad
    Community Member
    3 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My daughters were very different. One would say 'Not much', one would say 'Oh, the usual stuff', and the chatty one would take me through the entire day in real time.

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    #48

    Cartoon crossroads with a person labeled turning 18 choosing between self-deprecating memes about living at home or paying rent.

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    Oskar vanZandt
    Community Member
    3 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Moving out at 18 to live alone is a pipe dream... Group housing situation with 11 others where you have to share a bedroom and the rest of the house. Better to stay home until you're 25 and save up money... So you can live with only 3 roommates. I rented (from 24yplo) until I was 36 and then put a deposit on a small house. Mortgage finally paid off 20 years later...

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