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50 Times People Found Unexpectedly Wholesome Posts On The Internet Where Strangers Had Each Other’s Backs (New Pics)
You know, Pandas, it’s really way too easy to focus just on the negatives. In fact, we’re hard-wired for that. It’s called negativity bias and it means that we dwell on the awful things that have happened to us more than the awesome ones. So with all the news about just how bad things are looking recently, you’d be perfectly right to be anxious and upset. However, we shouldn’t forget that, at the same time, life’s full of beauty, wonder, and wholesomeness. Albus Dumbledore told us that happiness can be found even in the darkest of times, but we have to remember to turn on the light. Well, let’s turn that light on, shall we?
Today, we’re featuring the best posts from the r/gatesopencomeonin subreddit, a 356k-member-strong community that celebrates people acting excellent and being wholesome to each other. It’s the kind of stuff that really restores part of your hope in humanity. And it’s a reminder that we have to strive to be altruistic and kind, especially when things are looking tough.
Upvote your fave pics as you’re scrolling down, Pandas. And tell us all about the nicest thing you’ve done for someone recently, in the comments. Meanwhile, check out Bored Panda’s interview about how to live a happy and healthy life, as well as how to be nice to others when we don’t feel like it, with writer Ariane Sherine, the author of ‘How to Live to 100’ and ‘Talk Yourself Better.’
Oh, and if you’d like some more proof that people totally have the potential to be awesome, take a peek at our earlier articles about the ‘Gates Open, Come On In’ community here: Part 1 and Part 2.
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
I Needed To Hear This. I'm So Tired
RELATED:
#2
A Guide To Gift Giving
#3
A Surprise Happy Ending?
The ‘Gates Open, Come On In’ subreddit has been delighting redditors (and more!) around the globe since early 2018. In the 4+ years since being founded, it’s carved out a niche of wholesomeness, hope, and good vibes by being the polar opposite of r/gatekeeping.
They only have two rules: there’s no gatekeeping allowed and you have to be nice. That’s it. Really. It’s a pretty straightforward recommendation for living a good life, isn’t it? Besides, it’s refreshing when you focus on the positives for a change, isn’t it?
#4
Better Late Than Never
Foxxy (The Original) 3 years ago (edited)
The last sentence explains it perfectly. Although there is an expiration date and that is death.
#5
Remember, Everyone Has A Purpose
#6
An Email From My Computer Science Teacher, Who I’m Not Even Taking A Class With This Semester. Genuinely Want To Cry Rn
(Probably) everyone wants to live a happy, healthy, and fulfilling life. But it’s a hard thing to do in practice, especially when you’re bound by doubt, anxiety, and fear. Bored Panda reached out to author Ariane, who has written about health and happiness, to understand what contributes to our satisfaction with life the most. Really, it’s mostly about altruism and having a tight-knit social circle (among a few other things).
“Close, fulfilling relationships with others are one of the most important things when it comes to happiness, whether romantic or platonic. Studies show that the more close friendships and relationships you have, the longer you live,” Ariane shared with Bored Panda. “Volunteering and helping others are also likely to make you happy.”
#7
Be Free To Like Things
Lady Goldberry 3 years ago
Me: yeah, I'm really into real ales and metal music. Rando: oh really? What year was the first IPA sold internationally and what blood type is James Hatfield?
#8
One Letter Makes All The Difference!
#9
This Made Me Really Happy
Other things that play an important role in our overall happiness include being fit, having a fulfilling career, and not focusing on the material side of things too much.
“There are other things that contribute to happiness and well-being including taking regular exercise, eating healthily, having enough money to feel comfortable, having job security, and enjoying experiences rather than possessions,” the writer explained.
#10
True Spirit
#11
Making A Kid’s Day!
#12
Just Let Them Be They
“Self-care and taking time for yourself are also very important. But I'd say close relationships are probably the most essential things to happiness,” she stressed what we should all be focusing on the most.
It’s easy to be kind to someone when we’re feeling great, the sun’s shining, and it’s like we’re on top of the world. It’s far harder when we’re miserable, exhausted, and feeling down. Bored Panda wanted to get Ariane’s advice on how to be nice to someone when we’re down in the dumps and overwhelmed with problems.
#13
Unexpected Coming Out Story
#14
Never Walk Without A Bro
#15
Grandmas Are Always A Bastion Of Wholesomeness
“It's worth remembering that being kind to others can also lift you up too. In fact, the easiest way to take your mind off your own problems is to help someone else with theirs,” she said.
“But if you're feeling really lethargic and low, the best thing is probably to sleep, or at least rest,” the author pointed out that there’s nothing wrong with getting some well-deserved rest. Getting some proper sleep is a piece of advice that really deserves more attention than it gets.
#16
Wear Whatever Makes You Happy!
Dennis Knickrehm 3 years ago
So many schoolboys protesting their school's dresscode by wearing skirts (not allowed to wear shorts in the heat). Why not just keep the skirt? They are amazingly comfortable in the summer :)
#18
I Love Sharing My Book Collection
We were also curious about how people can control their anxiety better, especially if they’re worried about the economy, the war, and the pandemic. Ariane shared some of her thoughts about becoming more resilient during tough times. The important thing here is to control what you can and to let go of what you can’t affect.
“It's a matter of doing what you can to make your own situation better, and then accepting that you can't control everything,” she said. “You can never control everything, and trying will make you even more anxious. But you can control certain things to reduce your risk.”
#19
On A Cathedral Door
#20
Shared Spaces
Katinka Min 3 years ago
AMEN!!!! Just yesterday I was subjected to the evil looks of a guy who wanted to read a book while I wanted to talk with my friend. Dude, it's a CAFE! Not a librabry! It#s a place wher epeople meet to have coffe and cake and a chat. You want peace and quiet? go to a a library or a co-working space.
#21
A Grown Man Indeed
Florida, but without the beach 3 years ago
Love this! I can’t imagine that’s not the response she usually gets
Ariane gave an example of how this works: “For instance, I wear an FFP2 mask on the train to work because I can control that, but no one else wears one these days. So it's possible that I'll still get Covid as no one else is masking up, but I just have to accept that, because my train journeys are essential.”
#22
Custom Veganism
#23
Dear Kids
Dennis Knickrehm 3 years ago
How have we germans imported every fu**ing trend from the US but forgot this one?! We NEED this right now!
aj 3 years ago
I don't know where you're located in Germany but where I live (I'm German as well) most truck drivers recognise the arm pumping and will toot their horn!
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Jen T 3 years ago
I always wondered how truck drivers felt about this! Love that they’re good with it. However, when I taught my kids, I forgot to tell them to warn me. Scared the c**p out of me a couple times!
Jo L. 3 years ago
Hahaha them kids. I always just assumed that if truckers didn't like it, they wouldn't do it.
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Jerry Mathers 3 years ago
This is the first time in years I can get behind one of those "USA, flag toting" guys. It is this kind of stuff I want the US to known for.
TheElderNom 3 years ago
Train driver here. Same! (Though I don't when it's too close to people's houses.)
Sarah Jane 3 years ago
My partner is a truck driver and he absolutely lives for the moments he gets the horn tooting signal from random kids! FYI, though, a lot of newer trucks don't have that classic horn you pull on anymore, unfortunately. So you might get a "beep beep" instead of "toot toot", but the intention is the same.
Kathryn Baylis 3 years ago
I did this back in the sixties when I was a kid! I just love that some sweet lovely things like this haven’t changed.
Jojo Dancer 3 years ago
The driver that picks up the dumpsters at my school does so daily at lunch time, and it’s in view of the lunch area. He always gives the kiddos a few toots and they go absolutely crazy for it. The smile on his face says he does also
Lytha Hawkeye 3 years ago
I taught my youngest (9m) this, this past year with a fire truck! He was worried that they'd get mad. The look of joy on both my son's and the driver's face! Joy and happiness is meant to be shared
Kate Johnson 3 years ago
My brothers and I lived a block from Main Street in our town, and we'd get to do that to all of the trucks that drove through, although we never did it waiting at the bus stop because it was so early. Lots of truck drivers and lots of arm pumping. The thrill when they honked those loud horns! The truckers always made us laugh when they'd honk, it was so cool how they would smile and honk for us!
Busker Betty 3 years ago
I've had cars of college age kids slowing down next to me and doing that. I always sound that horn. You're never too old !
Penny Hernandez 3 years ago
I did this as a kid. My kids did this as kids. Now my kids' grandkids are doing this.
Mary Bricklin 3 years ago
I remember doing this as a kid. Even if the trucker didn't honk, my sisters and I would still wave at them as we passed by.
Bunnie Elyse 3 years ago
I'LL NEVER STOP!!! I just taught this to my 4 y/o and it absolutely made her day!
Connie Martin 3 years ago
There's a pedestrian walkway over the freeway in my neighborhood. I taught a couple of little boys to do this when I was passing one day; they LOVED it!
Michelle Smith 3 years ago
As a child I loved this so much on long drives. I have a two hour commute now and sometimes do it to perk up my spirits. Thank you truckers
#24
My Music Taste
Jackie Dray 3 years ago
This is so me. My playlist can go from Metallica to Backstreet Boys to Beethoven's 5th
During an earlier in-depth interview, Suzanne Degges-White, Licensed Counselor, Professor, and Chair at the Department of Counseling and Higher Education at Northern Illinois University, shared with Bored Panda how our family values, spiritual beliefs, and even our biology all play a crucial role in our altruistic actions.
"Many of us are raised to believe it is the 'right thing to do.' Basically, all spiritual belief systems have a version of the 'Golden Rule, 'Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.’ "We also do good turns because we know that one day we may be in need of a little 'generosity from the universe,' so it's like putting 'money' into a karma account," she shared how people think.
#25
Easy Come, Easy Go
#26
This Dad Is A Legend
#27
Rob Zombie Taking On Anyone Who Wants To Gatekeep Metal
"Lastly, humans are wired so that when we do something kind for another, we feel good about ourselves and neurotransmitters like endorphins and oxytocin have been shown to get a boost when we do something good for another. It is through cooperation that society functions, so the survival of the human race depends on being willing to help others. Family values, spiritual beliefs, and biology all play a part in this motivation," the professor explained to us.
#28
What A Great Sign
#29
Ok Zoomer
#30
Any Age Can Love Dah Wahs
"Many of us take pride in being of service to others as it is culturally valued and we want to hold significance in our worlds. So when we do good deeds, we show others our willingness to help those in distress/need; we live out faith-based encouragement to treat others the way we would like to be treated, we uphold family values, and our brains get a positive jolt of happiness when we help others.”
#32
Fixed A Stupid Meme
#33
Your Trauma Is Valid
#34
Everyone Gets To Complain About The Weather
Lady Goldberry 3 years ago
Honestly, apparently some other countries have been mocking us in the UK for not being 'able to handle the heat'...WE'RE NOT CONDITIONED FOR IT! Most of us vary between glow-in-the-dark white and cooked lobster red! WE ARE GOOD AT RAIN!
#35
Klingons Kinda Inclusive
Tobias Reaper 3 years ago
its a very good analogy for trans people i suppose Klingons dont care what gender you are as long as you a warrior with honour
#36
It's For All Of You
#37
Do What You Like
Karen Fernley 3 years ago
in that case, i will leave the note stickers on my piano keys, and continue to play with one hand, until i am ready to play with both hands 😁
#39
Reading Goals
Teresa Thomas 3 years ago (edited)
I needed this. I only just completed my 3rd book for the year - its been difficult to find time to sit and read. I am trying to fill more time by reading rather than being online. I hope to have read at least 5 books by the end of the year
#40
Melon Flavored Jellyfish's Mom Says The Gates Are Open
#41
Opening The Gates To Readers Of All Ages
SealOfDisapproval 3 years ago
I agree wholeheartedly with that sign. I've never quite understand the whole concept of "young adult books". Aren't you limiting the potential audience by stating the industry's target audience? Who even makes the decisions: "yeah, this is a young adult book".
#42
Ambisexual
#45
I'm Sure Many Of Us Needed To Hear This
Hyde and Seek 3 years ago
F*****g THIS! Everyone has something different that they can do . Sometimes it's petitions ,sometimes it's protests,sometimes it's writing letters ,sometimes it's survival,sometimes it's education. The only path that isn't ok is turning a blind eye to the problem.
#46
Vegan BBQ
#47
Slap Some Dang Rice
#48
Nice Flex
Kerryming Sun 3 years ago
We love a mob psycho 100 reference! A really great and wholesome manga/anime too
#49
Metallica Welcomes Everyone
#50
It's A Big Ask But I'm Behind It
#51
Making The Effort
#52
There Are No Rules - Do What You Can
#53
Wish I Could Thank Whoever Made This Post
#54
Not A Pro Gamer? Well Get Ready For A Reality Check
Jackie Dray 3 years ago
That's exactly it. Some People play a game to enjoy the story and the experience. Not everyone likes a challenge
#55
Not A Monolith
NsG 3 years ago
I had a conversation with my dad about "women's football", and he self-corrected himself to "football played by women". It's not a different sport - the rules are the same, the equipment used is the same, and (slowly and finally) the pitches are the same. The difference is the gender of the players. That doesn't make it a different sport. The same thing applies here, and beyond sports. If everything about an interest is the same, with the one exception being the gender or race of the person enjoying it, that does not make it a different interest.
#56
Joker Profile Picture Redemption Arc
Llama_flower93 3 years ago
I actually love that games are making hairstyles and other things for any gender character you want. And also not making you pick the gender but just the body type. I used to be so annoyed when I'd pick female characters and my brother or now my husband had these awesome short hairdos for their male characters and I couldn't use them if I wanted to be female. Such weird restrictions. Now we can make any character we want to!
#57
Do The Thing! Or Don't! It's Okay Either Way
#58
Success Is For Everyone
David Martin 3 years ago
Somebody told me once to look at a clock when I feel like it's taking longer than it ought to to finish a task. The second, minute, and hour hands are all going a different speed, but they're all going to make it all the way around. Maybe you're not the second hand; You might not even be the minute hand. But even if you're the hour hand, everything you do is moving you forward, and you will make the journey
#59
Bullseye For Genx But Maybe Universal?
#60
Which One Is Better ?
#62
Don't Be Embarrassed To Try New Things!
#63
It’s An Absolute Classic
#64
Wear What You Want, When You Want
#65
Do You, No Matter What!
Katie Lutesinger 3 years ago
I loved Terry Pratchett's take, when he pointed out that when the gods play a cruel joke on a composer by striking him deaf it backfires "because it didn't prevent him from hearing the music - it prevented him from hearing the *distractions*."
#66
Just Being Happy Without Comparisons
#67
Sweaty Party
#68
Wholesome* 100
#69
I Think This Belongs Here As Well
#70
Find Out Who You Are Then Do It On Purpose
#71
Every Fan Is Valid
#72
Not My Tweet But Wanted To Share This Bit Of Positivity. There Is No Wrong Way To Play
Jayne Kyra 3 years ago
Mod the hell out of it till it starts crashing and you have to figure out which mod is causing it. Just have fun!
#73
This Belongs Here, Yes?
#74
Pineapple Goes Hand In Hand With Hot Weather
Katie Lutesinger 3 years ago
Reminds me of the Hell Pizza franchise I discovered in New Zealand - where every pizza is named after one of the Seven Deadly Sins! Ah, that was a great slice of Gluttony.
#75
Hooray For The Mafia
Katie Lutesinger 3 years ago (edited)
At last! So many promising careers in racketeering, extortion, mob hits and police corruption never got off the ground because of those bigoted and horribly outdated rules. This is a big day for progress!
#76
A Little Advice For The Ladies
Christie McDermid 3 years ago
Also remember to apply sunscreen. I can't imaging how sore a burnt butt would be
#78
Having Fun Is What Matters
Awkward lady 3 years ago
Oh yes, this! All those Instagram worthy Animal Crossing islands; mine don't look like that, and I'm GLAD!
#79
Welcome All
#80
Found This On Fb
M O'Connell 3 years ago
I enjoy reading comments on YouTube videos of my favorite music. It's nice to see people who appreciate the music coming from the full spectrum of experience, from "I saw them live in 1986" to "I came here from Tik-Tok."
#81
More Men's Restrooms Need This
#82
Booty Hair For All
SheamusFan1987 3 years ago
Won't argue that booty hair is part of everyone's life and should be embraced, but just sayin' if it gets too long to a point of being uncomfortable, a little trim wouldn't hurt.
#83
Everyone Loves A Good Lightsaber Duel
#84
Beard On The Inside
#85
They’re A Friendly Bunch Of Fellows
Shelli Aderman 3 years ago
Technically not their children, but their former selves, but still. Yes. 💕
#86
Church Down The Street
#87
“You Call This Archeology?”
#88
A Bit On The Nose, But I Like It
#89
No Need To Gatekeep Health
#91
Deadass They All Really Did
#92
Welcome To The Pit
Benita Valdez 3 years ago (edited)
Please just suggest albums or songs or tell me about other similar bands. My ex used to gatekeep. He would never introduce me to his music because I like [insert whatever non-metal band] so I won't like it. And then be sooo surprised I come across a song from a band he liked that I enjoyed. See you incel gatekeeping åss, we could've enjoyed things together if you had tried and not shot me down when I asked
#93
Makes Anime More Accessible
Benita Valdez 3 years ago
Thank you. I'm not a "real" anime fan because I prefer dubs. I'm a slow reader to begin with and besides, i have manga if i want to read. I don't want to miss watching because I'm too focused on reading
#94
I Was Told This Might Belong Here
Tobias Reaper 3 years ago
in an ideal world this is how it would work and is how it should work unfortunately there are a few people out there who cant accept it i dont know why i mean if you want me to call you by a different name then i will call you by it once then forget because i have a bad memory and then just call you dude which is gender neutral term but seriously it doesn't affect me in any way dont know why people have such an issue with it
#95
Saw This One On Instagram
#96
My Brother Says What He Likes
#97
Keep Being Happy With Each Other
Has sold soul for corn chip 3 years ago
I personally get weirded out when i see people kiss. Its just a me thing tho, I love seeing happy couples
#98
Wholesome Q&a
#99
At A Folk Dance Festival In Sheffield Last Weekend
Ash 3 years ago
This is really handy. When I did contradance in Ohio, it was really common for female dancers to dance the "male" part, so they had a bag of pre-tied neckties, and women dancing the "male" role for that dance would put one on so that people who encountered them in the dance would know how to dance with them (instead of thinking they'd made a mistake and ended up in the wrong place in the figure).
#100
Cheer Up, Mad Socialists! You're In!
#101
This One Has Been A Long Time Coming
Cierra Nope 3 years ago
We're just upset because they said they were bringing it back after they canceled the show halfway through and they brought us a show for small children instead
#102
Your Body Is Beautiful
#103
Very Wholesome Moment In The Fromsoft Game Community
#104
This Post Makes Me So Happy
Add New Image
What do you think ?
wowbagger 3 years ago
I learned a lot from this list. I didn't realize i do so much gatekeeping, and i want to decrease it.
ADumpsterFire 3 years ago
Hey when you know better you do better and it's cool you realized it now!
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Bored Retsuko 3 years ago
Friendly reminder: downvotes are NOT dislike buttons. Downvoting a comment just because you don't agree = not cool. If a comment gets downvoted, its author will get banned from the site. So please downvote only in case of obvious spam ("how to make cash") or if someone is literally harrassing a fellow panda
Lea S. 3 years ago
Damn. One downvote that could be a mistake or petty revenge gets the author banned? That sucks.
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wowbagger 3 years ago
I learned a lot from this list. I didn't realize i do so much gatekeeping, and i want to decrease it.
ADumpsterFire 3 years ago
Hey when you know better you do better and it's cool you realized it now!
Load More Replies... Bored Retsuko 3 years ago
Friendly reminder: downvotes are NOT dislike buttons. Downvoting a comment just because you don't agree = not cool. If a comment gets downvoted, its author will get banned from the site. So please downvote only in case of obvious spam ("how to make cash") or if someone is literally harrassing a fellow panda
Lea S. 3 years ago
Damn. One downvote that could be a mistake or petty revenge gets the author banned? That sucks.
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