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Whether we are making financial decisions in the stock market or seeking information on national security, our judgment is likely affected by what others think.
In fact, according to one study published by the American Psychological Association (APA), if you repeat one person's viewpoint enough times, it can even have almost as much influence on us as exposure to shared opinions from multiple people.
And they're not necessarily true—that's why propaganda can be so powerful. To illustrate this, we invite you to check out a discussion we found on Reddit. Started by platform user Dkf_, it has everyone sharing the thing they swore off but grew to enjoy against their own expectations.
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#1
Having a cat. I love cats, I just don't want one. Then I ended up watching a buddy's cat for a year while he was deployed, and halfway through that year a feral cat showed up in my yard and now he's a spoiled rotten inside baby with his own room, twin sized bed, jungle gym, four kinds of food, a massive pile of toys, and a bird feeder outside his window for entertainment.
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We got in touch with Dkf_, and they told Bored Panda the post was an instant hit.
"I finally decided to use my Reddit account that I started nearly four years ago. It was about 10 PM, and I was thinking about what I wanted to do with my life and what I wanted to do this summer, so I asked Reddit."
"The funniest part for me was that the first person who answered mentioned gardening, then someone suggested starting an Only***s career, and it just went crazy from there," they explained.
#3
Become atheist. I struggled for years with religion, how could my religion be good and have a "reputation" of kindness but then I see followers hate and hurt people? I slowly started to leave, but fear kept me in place, but ultimately I took the leap and I've never felt better! I'm spiritual, but I'm no longer a heavy religious person.
#4
Never understood why my mom acted like stopping somewhere after work was a huge burden and was absolutely the worst. I understand now, lol.
Some themes have come up in the discussion more than others. "The main thing I noticed was people experimenting with sexuality and drugs," Dkf_ said.
"There was the occasional reading of books and other SFW activities, but [intimacy] and drugs were the standouts."
#5
Gardening. It seemed like a boring old people hobby to me. I guess I'm old now because I love it.
#6
Have kids. I know this not exactly the same as having kids but it’s certainly nothing I planned on or wanted to happen. March 2023 we took my nieces for the summer. There was one event that caused them all to be homeless and so we agreed to watch the girls for the summer so the parents could get back on their feet. Then it was just an effing whirlwind. Their parents basically gave up… At the start of it in March we got a power of attorney to help us through not needing the parents for every signature or doctor or teacher, etc. The parents communicated less and less to their girls and at the end of 6 months our power of attorney over the girls was set to expire. At this point the parents were hardly involved and didn’t do anything to establish themselves as a stable environment to continue raising their girls in. One parent was now three states away and the other halfway across the country. And so we found ourselves standing in court for guardianship of two kids. The girls signed their own letters stating how they wanted to stay by us and the judge made an instant decision. They understand that the guardianship more a a choice amongst all of us that they stay here, even their choice, but they have no desires to return to either parent. So here we are, a mixed bag sorta “family” that picked each other.
Going through these confessions, it becomes clear that people aren't afraid to challenge their beliefs.
"I can't speak for others but I think curiosity drives us to try new things. We live in a world where we are so connected that people can easily hear about what others are doing and I believe this can spark imagination and give us that nudge to try something different," Dkf_ added.
"Along with that, I think the YOLO (you only live once) mentality aids in pushing people out of their comfort zones."
#7
Edibles. Swore I’d never touch the green stuff. I can’t smoke since I have asthma. But I got curious, and bought some edibles one day. And all I can say is WOW. I’ve struggled with anxiety for more than 20 years. Always had racing thoughts. The first time I tried them, those thoughts disappeared. And it was almost terrifying to have silence in my head. My anxiety is worlds better. That negative little voice in my head telling me I’m not good enough, I don’t belong, no one likes me is *gone*. After having those things more than half my life, I’m finally free of them. Now I take them to help manage my stress, and to help me if I’m having trouble sleeping.
#8
Calling the cops on my disrespectful frat boy neighbors for their 100+ people parties in their backyard. Chug chug chug chants at midnight were awful and no matter how much I texted that the music was too loud they’d reply “we turned it down”. Bro, turning your rave music down from 9 to 8 isn’t acceptable when 3 should be max volume at 2am. Finally did what I said I’d never do and called the sheriff about a noise complaint. I had to do it seven times over four months, progressively earlier in the night, until they finally stopped and eventually moved out. Some of those complaints were on weekdays after 1 am Towards the end I loved hearing the complaints from the partyers as they waited for their rides with all the lights on, the music off, and the cops present. Bros, I told you I had young kids. Don’t [darn] with dad.
#10
Crochet. I'm terrible at knitting so I figured crochet would be the same. I find it much easier, and it's generally faster which is important cause of my ADHD.
#11
Run a half marathon. I was a pack a day smoker and heavy drinker. I got on a bit of a health kick, ran my first ever 5k in 2019, progressed very quickly and now have run over a dozen ultramarathons up to and including the 100 mile distance, and a half marathon is now pretty regularly an easy training run. I f*****g love it.
#12
I am now happier when getting home appliances than getting video games. Like, i was excited that i got a non stick pan and a strainer.
#13
Cosplaying! People make it look super weird, but once I went to a con for the first time and saw everybody all dressed up, in groups, in duos, it was SO COOL. It's literally the perfect way to find people with your interests, it's so friendly, and so cool. Like, I get to dress up, meet people who enjoy my interests and LOOK LIKE THEM TOO, and people call all of that weird and cringe!? People really hate happiness!!!
#14
Working retail. I'm an introvert so just the thought of retail takes so much energy out of me. Turns out I just needed to find the right kind of product to get so nerdy about that I couldn't help but sell it. I currently sell wine and beer and I love it!
#15
Me opening this thread: “It’s gonna be b**t stuff — they’re all gonna say b**t stuff.” The actual thread: “Gardening.”.
#16
Liking a job without a career plan. I can’t get any promotions, I’m stuck in my category unless I study a degree (not gonna happen, I’m 45) but I love it. Almost no responsibilities, pay is on time (only half decent) and 7 hour shifts are great.
#17
Repairing my clothes. I used to throw out everything that had even the smallest scratch or rip on it. Now I try to care for my things.
#18
Play games , as a kid I was so against the idea and considered myself better for not consuming games , now I understand that I was an a*****e.
#21
Buying a mini van. Having doors that open like magic and not having to worry about kids flinging them into anything else wonderful...and the space inside is just glorious! I hate that I loved my van!
#22
I once said to my wife “I’ll never have a boss again!” (After I’d successfully built a nice business) After 8 years my business faltered and after much stress and heartache I applied for a job. I got it hired and was made redundant after 18 months. Got another job and I’m there for the past 18 months and I couldn’t be happier. Far less stress, a regular (very good) income and I still do some consulting on the side in the same field as my old business. So life is so much sweeter now that I have a boss.
#23
I thought having a pet was not for me, especially a dog. My wife really wanted to adopt a pup. Now we even have two lovely fluffbabies.
#24
Running. I used to tell people if you ever saw me running, don't ask questions just run because something is very wrong. I started running regularly because my dog had separation anxiety and it was the only thing that wore him out enough to stop destroying my apartment. One day I went running with him and realized that I was doing it because I actually enjoyed it; it was surreal. I started running regularly and missing it when I couldn't run. I ran in races and studied to learn how to run better. Unfortunately age and injuries have made running very difficult now and I'm desperately trying to figure out how to get back in to it...
#26
Wearing crocs. Made fun of my wife until she bought me a pair, now I wear them almost daily. .
#27
Use pet names with spouse. Always cringed at couples who did it But my girl And I exclusively call eachother monkey, lol not even in any tone just its the name we both knee jerk reaction to, it’s funny bc im sure it’s cringe to someone listening but they too will complete the cycle haha.
#28
Enjoying horror comedies. I thought they would largely fail on both fronts, but there are a fair few fun ones. Edited to add: Some of my favorites include Cemetery Man, Re-Animator, Hausu, Eating Raoul, Gremlins, Delicatessen, and Little Otik. .
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