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The comfort zone is that cozy place where we feel the most safe and at ease. It comes in all shapes and sizes, and what brings peace to one person doesn’t always have the same effect on another. Finding the willingness to leave can be just as hard, but it has to be done in order to grow and improve as a person.

Today, we’re kickstarting the journey out of the comfort zone by sharing the most uneasy and strange-looking photos people have posted on the subreddit r/Weird. From creepy ransom notes to real human skull necklaces, these eerie experiences are guaranteed to make you uncomfortable.

While you’re at it, don’t forget to check out a conversation with licensed clinical psychologist Aimee Daramus, Psy.D., and psychologist and author Ashley J. Smith, PhD, who kindly agreed to tell us more about the comfort zone.

#1

If You’re Cat Falls In To Flour (Face First), Do You Think It Is A Good Idea To Call The Local Pastor?

If You’re Cat Falls In To Flour (Face First), Do You Think It Is A Good Idea To Call The Local Pastor?

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devmi26se avatar
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1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

if I came across my own black cat in this state i wud be terrified....

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The British Heart Foundation has revealed that over half of its nation doesn’t venture outside of their comfort zones, with 45% saying they might regret it in the future. Every second British person admits sticking to the same routine every day, and almost a third can’t remember the last time they tried something challenging or new. 

To learn more about our habits and leaving our comfort zones, we reached out to licensed clinical psychologist Aimee Daramus, Psy.D., and psychologist and author Ashley J. Smith, PhD.

#6

When I Come Home After Spending The Night Away, The First Thing I Saw Was My Loft Hatch Half Open

When I Come Home After Spending The Night Away, The First Thing I Saw Was My Loft Hatch Half Open

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According to both psychologists, avoiding leaving our safe space can have negative effects on our mental health. “Staying inside your comfort zone reinforces anxiety,” said Smith. “By that, I mean that the more you stay inside your comfort zone, the more you will want to. Stepping or stretching outside your comfort zone will make you feel anxious and uncomfortable.”

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#7

Well, Women's Bodies Are Made For Strains During Pregnancy That Might Surprise Those "Experts"

Well, Women's Bodies Are Made For Strains During Pregnancy That Might Surprise Those "Experts"

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#8

This New LEGO Duplo Ad Has A Kid That Looks And Is Dressed Exactly Like Me In The Early 90s Playing With My Duplo Blocks…

This New LEGO Duplo Ad Has A Kid That Looks And Is Dressed Exactly Like Me In The Early 90s Playing With My Duplo Blocks…

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Smith also mentions, “Over time, you'll likely find that your comfort zone shrinks and that more things will make you feel uncomfortable. Conversely, stepping outside of your comfort zone helps expand it—you'll get more comfortable with more things, anxiety will go down, and your confidence tends to increase.”

#10

Letter In The Mail My Mom Received Today

Letter In The Mail My Mom Received Today

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Heidi Noll
Community Member
1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Tammy: "I'm a side sleeper, so mostly on my right side, but sometimes I switch."

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#12

Found In A House I Was Cleaning Out

Found In A House I Was Cleaning Out

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Heidi Noll
Community Member
1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As long as it's stored with up pointing up you should be good. Maybe....hopefully.....

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Meanwhile, Daramus further explains that many stay in it because leaving often brings up fear, anger, disgust, and other uneasy emotions. In order to make breaking out of their comfort zone easier, she encourages people to keep in mind that “feelings are usually opinions, not facts.” So if doing something makes a person nervous, it’s worth asking if there’s actually any danger in a situation before reacting.

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#14

Window Suction Cups Acted As Magnifying Glass And Melted My Pillows

Window Suction Cups Acted As Magnifying Glass And Melted My Pillows

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If an individual has particular things they’re uncomfortable with, Smith says that looking at pictures from this list related to them can help expand their comfort zone. “It's a technique psychologists call exposure, which is essentially facing your fear until you learn that you can handle it. Over time, the fear itself tends to decrease as you get used to it.”

#16

I Only Get Goosebumps On One Side Of My Body Ever Since I Had Spine Surgery

I Only Get Goosebumps On One Side Of My Body Ever Since I Had Spine Surgery

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#17

I Was Sent An Anonymous 'Gift' To My Home Address (I Just Moved And Didn't Tell Anyone) With My Last Name That I Only Use Privately (I Recently Got Married And Haven't Announced It Yet). The Contents Of This Book Are Opposite To My Views. Amazon Says The Sender Is Fully Anonymous. I'm Creeped Out

I Was Sent An Anonymous 'Gift' To My Home Address (I Just Moved And Didn't Tell Anyone) With My Last Name That I Only Use Privately (I Recently Got Married And Haven't Announced It Yet). The Contents Of This Book Are Opposite To My Views. Amazon Says The Sender Is Fully Anonymous. I'm Creeped Out

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According to Daramus, for some, these pictures can be a little intense. Therefore, she recommends they try something less acute. “For example, if you're uncomfortable with dating, try something safer, like a group date with trusted friends, and then ease into more high-pressure situations. When you can, ease into a new situation,” she said.

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#19

I Woke Up With This On My Leg

I Woke Up With This On My Leg

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Kali Chaos
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1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Please go to a doctor, if that's a bite from a handful of spider species, that could be necrotic and get really bad really quickly, also please keep an eye out for any red lines traveling up your leg, that's blood poisoning. It looks like you traced around it to see if it's spreading, if you didn't then you should but for real, please see a doctor.

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Those who find the strength to leave their comfort zone often reap its benefits. “Getting comfortable with being uncomfortable builds confidence and courage, and is a key to living a bold life,” said Smith.

Meanwhile, Daramus believes that leaving it can open so many new opportunities. “There are so many interesting places to go, and interesting people to meet. New skills that you might want to try out. You can't usually be good at something until you go through the phase where you're bad at it, so don't worry if getting out of your comfort zone is difficult at first.”

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#26

How Did A Crawfish End Up On My Driveway? I Don’t Live Near Any Rivers

How Did A Crawfish End Up On My Driveway? I Don’t Live Near Any Rivers

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#28

Found A Single, Chewed-Up Woman’s Shoe In The Middle Of The Desert

Found A Single, Chewed-Up Woman’s Shoe In The Middle Of The Desert

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Karl der Große
Community Member
1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Sometimes the wife and I play "fetch the shoe" with our chupacabra. He occasionally runs off to suck some goats before he drops the shoe. PM me for an address to send the shoe back.

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#31

Saw A Post About Goose Bumps After Surgery, Here's The Spot They Temporarily Paralyzed My Nerve For A Lower Leg Surgery. No Hair For Years

Saw A Post About Goose Bumps After Surgery, Here's The Spot They Temporarily Paralyzed My Nerve For A Lower Leg Surgery. No Hair For Years

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Chrissie Anit
Community Member
1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You might be up to something, I smell big money in the hair removal business!

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#36

Are You From The Future?

Are You From The Future?

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Kylie Chapman
Community Member
1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm from the past. Sorry I burnt your sign, I was trying to send you a smoke signal. Also in the future when the power goes, you'll be reverting to smoke signals again. Learn them now. History will soon become more valuable than IT.

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#38

Found On Facebook Marketplace

Found On Facebook Marketplace

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Daniel Atkins
Community Member
1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ok time to check and see if there are unsolved murders in the area of the seller.

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#39

What Is Happening To This Egg?

What Is Happening To This Egg?

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Kira Okah
Community Member
1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Given that it's a boiled egg, water got into the shell while boiling and left an airbubble impression?

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#41

I’ve Been Finding These Tiny Shards Of Glass In My Bedroom For Two Weeks

I’ve Been Finding These Tiny Shards Of Glass In My Bedroom For Two Weeks

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#42

My Mom Called Me, She’s Been Dead For 6 Months And Her Phone Number Is No Longer In Use On Her Old Phone

My Mom Called Me, She’s Been Dead For 6 Months And Her Phone Number Is No Longer In Use On Her Old Phone

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#43

Any Idea What This Symbolizes? Discovered On Deceased Sibling’s Camera Roll

Any Idea What This Symbolizes? Discovered On Deceased Sibling’s Camera Roll

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#45

Creepy Doll At An Estate Sale

Creepy Doll At An Estate Sale

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Tempest
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1 week ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Looks like it’s been the witness to a mũrder. Or it’s the perpetrator…

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#46

Going Into The Grocery Store And Either Someone Had A Breakthrough, Or A Breakdown

Going Into The Grocery Store And Either Someone Had A Breakthrough, Or A Breakdown

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Very Scary Dragon
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1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Unmedicated, possibly undiagnosed, mental illness. Welcome to America. This is not unusual. It just usually gets cleaned up and swept under the rug faster.

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#47

I Found This Notecard On The Box To Buzz People In To My Apartment

I Found This Notecard On The Box To Buzz People In To My Apartment

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#48

This Happens Every Time I Come In Contact With Hot Water

This Happens Every Time I Come In Contact With Hot Water

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Kira Okah
Community Member
1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Is this dryness or precipitate. Does it only come up with his own water or all water. Does it go away with moisturising. Way more questions here that need answering before any idea can be made from it. This is not a response that I have ever seen with Raynaud's.

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#49

What Does The Hh Stand For? Spotted In Ohiopyle State Park, Pa

What Does The Hh Stand For? Spotted In Ohiopyle State Park, Pa

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Karl der Große
Community Member
1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I usually think of "HH" meaning "heil Hitler," but that guy's nisse (gnome) hat implies that it might be for "hei hei," which is an informal Norwegian greeting.

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#50

What The Hell Is This? My Phone Never Did This Before? Should I Be Worried?

What The Hell Is This? My Phone Never Did This Before? Should I Be Worried?

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Just-A-Black-Cat-Lover
Community Member
1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Find it and take it off if you don't know about it, probably. Destroy it. Burn it. Throw it in front of a bus. Whatever you gotta do. Or maybe you have an AirTag that you forgot about.

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Note: this post originally had 71 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.