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There’s nothing quite like being in your own company. It’s a pure judgement-free zone⁠—no pressure to show off, no expectations met by reality, no strange looks given as you’re voicing all the nonsense out loud in an empty room.

And interestingly, some of the most unusual behavior happens while we’re on our own. In fact, the things we do are so random, we don’t really talk about them. Ever. Like doing a remote trace or aligning your feet to the tiles so you won’t die.

Bored Panda has compiled a list of all the odd things we all do but never dare to tell, not even in truth or dare. And you know what? It's better off that way.

Humor plays a vital role in younger generations’ communication and media consumption. But Gen Z and millennials are renowned for what’s called absurdist, surrealist, and often dark comedy full of dank memes and observational one-liners.

In order to get this sense of humor, one has to understand the context in which the youngest generations came to live. In the past decade, the world has been bursting with information which is “both more accessible and less reliable,” writes The Washington Post. “Brands pose as a friend on social media to millennial consumers, and the line between real and artificial matters less than it once did.”

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Another explanation is that such surreal humor is a response to a world that has stopped making sense. According to Andrew DeYoung, the director of 555 and editor on The Eric Andre Show, the Adult Swim school of comedy is designed to “reflect the frenetic distribution of information on the internet.” And that’s why most of their shows are so chaotic and absurd.

Since there’s no time for a narrative joke to be said online, traditional punchline structure doesn’t work. “Instead, things are funny because they are willfully jarring and strange,” writes Rachel Aroesti for The Guardian. Weird Twitter and bizarre dank memes are perfect examples of how millennials break down the joke, decontextualize it, and create utter randomness.

#7

Picking A Song

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

That is definitely a hard one but considering the situation I would be in that I had 6mins to live, I would probably listen to Always look on the bright side of life from Monty Python.

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#8

Things Causing Anxiety

Things Causing Anxiety

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Liam Walsh
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When the cashier gives you the change by placing notes on your palm and then the coins on top... awkward shuffling around of money ensues.

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#9

Standing In The Way

Standing In The Way

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

If a person is there trying to make a decision or taking too long I just say excuse me please and grab what I want.

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#13

Security Sensors

Security Sensors

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Peter Korpershoek
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I once got 'caught' by a store manager after the alarm went off, i was 12. I patiently waited right after the sirene, but nobody showed up. I got some angry faces from customers and personnel. I tested the alarm again by swinging my plastic bag trough the gates, it went off again. Nobody showed up... After one minute i started walking back to my bike, and right then someone grabbed me by the neck. He dragged me roughly to a small office where i had to empty my pockets and bag. He checked the receipt and saw that I didn't steel anything. He tested the alarm with my bag, it went off. They seem to have forgotten to remove a tag. I was 19 when i had the guts to enter that store again.

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#14

Sleep Time

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Kaisu
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's the best feeling ever, knowing you can have lots more sleep! Like waking up at 7 but then remembering it's the weekend and you can go back to sleep

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#15

Auto Pilot

Auto Pilot

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

That’s a bit dangerous. Although I have walked to the shops and as I am almost half way home I have thought “I don’t even remember walking to the shops”. It’s like I was just suddenly placed there without knowing how I got there. Does that make sense? Kind of like I was on auto pilot.

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#17

Put Your Hand Up

Put Your Hand Up

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

Okay, I thought I was weird coz I have never known anyone else to do that. I did that once when my arm was still asleep so I ended up smacking myself in the face.

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the redqueen
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wow, I have never seen anyone talk about this! When I was a kid, my favorite was while watching TV, laying on the carpet, in the floor, on my side, to put my arm up in the air and just let it "hang" there- my hubby says that I now do this in my sleep, often. It's a familiar, relaxing, and kinda comforting, all at the same time......

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Donna Niedzialkowski-Imbrogno
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I never knew anybody else to do this. It’s always right my right arm. I think I have a time or two got it balanced just so and can just forget about it.

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Joanne Cresswell
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Thank goodness! I thought it was just me - I wake up quite often with both arms in the air. Plucked up the courage to tell my Husband but he looked at me like I was crazy. So pleased this is an actual "thing"!!!

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Becca Gizmo the Squirrel
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I find my arm straight up in the air with my wrist bent when I am asleep. I've woke up at least 15 or so times like that in the last 10 years. A few times as a kud, too. I feel like frankensteins monster when I realize I'm doing it.

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Angela Vezdos
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

OMG I thought there was something wrong with me. When I was little I thought my arm getting tired would make me tired, at 43 I still do it to fall asleep.

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SilverLining
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I do this. Husband always asks what am I doing, with a look of disgust in his face. Who's the stupid one now huh?? Hehe

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Alex Newell
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I feel an odd rapport with this one! Trying to balance it so you can stop holding in place and let it fall randomly.

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Olivia Kendle
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My friends always think I'm so weird when I do that, so I'm glad to know it's not just me

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Hello Dolly
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Haha I don’t usually. I did find myself doing this after I read it just to find out why people did this lol. I only do this when my arms or legs get restless before bed.

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WiggleCat
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I do that sometimes and just hope noone sees me do this xD

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Snigget
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've been doing this my whole life. My parents and now my wife all think I'm a weirdo for doing it. I finally feel validated!!!!

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

yes, to find the perfect balance where it's super comfortable to leave it up for a while XD

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Eva the Ravenclaw Bookworm📚💖
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I LOVE doing that... and then I wave it around and tap my fingers on the wall... it's soothing.

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Anthony Murphy
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm sure it has something to do with blood flow or just getting it loosened up that our bodies instinctively and subconsciously do, but we just figure we're being weird lol.

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Caroleann Mc Callion
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Went through a weird phase in my teens of waking up with one of my arms raised and (apparently at some point comfortably) leaning against the wall. Totally dead. There's that micro second of "huh?" as you come to, before your cold, dead, hand hits you in the face. Please someone tell me "Yeah that happened to me too!"

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tigertae
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Apparently I do this in my sleep. I woke up once because my own arm had fallen on top of my face because all the blood had rushed out of my arm and gotten limp. :')

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Anastacia Beaverhausen
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes!!! And I don'r know why, but it feels good. Maybe it is like Cathelijne says. Just to feel the pull of gravity.

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Lauren Michlin
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

cuz ya feel like ur drowning and ur hand decides to make it dramatic before it finally plops down.

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Cathleen Morris
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don’t ... But, I swear this is true —- my husband used to do this when he’d take a nap! From the time we got married until our daughters were in their teens, he’d often take naps on the weekend, lying on the floor in front of the fireplace — with his arm straight up in the air. The girls would watch him, silent & speechless ... Their faces were always incredulous!! “Mom — Why does Daddy do that?”!

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jon doglegs
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why don't you just shred the ceiling with your claws, you know you want to!

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jon doglegs
Community Member
3 years ago

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Randy Klefbeck
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

No, but still I sometimes put my arm out the window of the car at speed, just to play with the aerodynamics of my hand.

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Dave Chapman
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have actually woken up like this and my arm is asleep.....just how long have I been sleeping like this??

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WaitingtokissGregDavis
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I so do this. Don't even notice I'm doing it, then look at my arm and think "shouldn't this be uncomfortable now?" Think for a sec then realise "no, not uncomfortable at all" but decide it's an odd thing to do and put my arm down. Until the next time....

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Bellamy John
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I thought i was the only one, at night I try to make my hand look like it has 4 fingers lol

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Carolyn McCully
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My partner does, sometime he falls asleep with his arm in the air...

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Julie
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"And the clouds are moving on with every autumn breeeeze" -Anna

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Jenna Winters
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

just when i am on my phone for to long i need to strech my arms xD

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Lane Buckner
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I used to wake up with my arm up like that. I would see it , but it didn't feel like my arm was raised. I'd have to reach up with my other hand to make sure that was my arm. Then I'd pull it down and go back to sleep.

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Caroline Driver
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I used to do this when I was a kid, never ever knew that anybody else did this!

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laura gilman
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I did that when I was little. Always that it was up for talking it God

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George Hudacko
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You so lost about who/what or you gets/needs too be Loved/SAVED?

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PjandBolt
Community Member
3 years ago

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Marika Stanway
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I do that sometimes when I sit on my sofa and watch telly, in fact, even both arms :D

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William McGivney
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Gen. Andrew Jackson did that with a lemon in his hand while leading his troops at the Battle of New Orleans.

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Margaret Carter
Community Member
3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

YES!!! Sometimes I fall asleep and my hand drops and whacks me in the face!

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Lavender Brown
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yeah but I sleep on the top bunk so I actually touch the ceiling 😂

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Tiny Dynamine
Community Member
3 years ago (edited)

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Can we imprison everyone who says y'all all the bleeding time? Thanks.

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PjandBolt
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

C'mon y'all it's not just a southern thing! I'm from the northwest! ;D

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#19

Just Adult Things

Just Adult Things

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#21

Walking By

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juice
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

also works when you make awkward eye contact with strangers and don't want to be perceived as rude

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#23

Leaving Without Buying

Leaving Without Buying

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Nea
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So often i buy things that will eventually be used like kitchen towels just to avoid this...

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#24

Shipping Rates

Shipping Rates

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#26

Well Deserved Rest

Well Deserved Rest

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#27

Just Do Nothing

Just Do Nothing

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#28

Silent Mode

Silent Mode

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#30

Sleeping Pose

Sleeping Pose

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#33

Blanket Choice

Blanket Choice

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hispanic! at the disco
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I always put one foot in and one foot out. I remember reading it controlled the temperature of your body.

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#34

Package Tracking

Package Tracking

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#38

Checking Yourself Out

Checking Yourself Out

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#39

Forgetfulness

Forgetfulness

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Kaisa
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It is almost like forgetting that the same thing was posted already

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Note: this post originally had 63 images. It’s been shortened to the top 39 images based on user votes.