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.
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I Needed To Hear This. I'm So Tired
A Guide To Gift Giving
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?
Better Late Than Never
The last sentence explains it perfectly. Although there is an expiration date and that is death.
Remember, Everyone Has A Purpose
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.”
Be Free To Like Things
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?
One Letter Makes All The Difference!
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.
True Spirit
Making A Kid’s Day!
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.
Unexpected Coming Out Story
Never Walk Without A Bro
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.
Wear Whatever Makes You Happy!
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 :)
Liberal Arts
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.”
On A Cathedral Door
Shared Spaces
A Grown Man Indeed
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.”
Custom Veganism
My Music Taste
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.
Easy Come, Easy Go
This Dad Is A Legend
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.
What A Great Sign
Ok Zoomer
Why is gaining knowledge on electronics specifically cell phones etc seen as a bad thing?
I don't quite get why spending time on a cell phone is so bad either. Whether I spend my buss trip reading a book, talking to my seat partner or playing something on my phone, what difference does that make to anyone else?
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What’s wrong with that picture is that some creep is in a museum taking pictures of schoolgirls
I read books on my phone because it is either ridiculously expensive to import them, or impossible to buy them in English. (AIreader is a brilliant app!). So many times I had random people comment on me being on a phone outside, while I was enjoying some beer.
I kinda like reading on my phone for that reason. People assume I'm doomscrolling, and I'm educating myself or reading. Being underestimated gives power.
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What's wrong with that picture - well, what about the objectification of the woman in what was a skin mag for the 18th century wealthy lecher
The information at our fingertips far exceeds what was ever available in the Library of Alexandria.
Agreed. My gallery creates apps for this purpose, and eliminated the digital guides they used to hand out. But I think a well organized tour with a knowledgeable docent, with the app to supplement, would be the full experience.
I know what's wrong with the picture. Some guy is standing in front of a painting with no clue of what it's about,
It’s also possible they took picture of the painting, and are either posting it on their preferred social media site, or sending it, along with a text about it, to their friend(s) or grand/parent(s).
Never quite saw it that way, even if read wikipedia all the time, thank you :)
Not against this post for anything! But...how do we know what they are looking on their phones?
We don´t. But even if they would be browsing social media, texting, or reading Tolstoy, it is their business.
Load More Replies... For me I would be looking at my phone out of boredom. I can't stand art galleries, hence why I never go to them.
It's assumed that they're texting or Tik-Toking. I think us olders need to learn that kids on their phones is a normal sight, and they're not all spacing out in Instagram.
I was at an exhibition of Viking era grave goods etc. in Edinburgh last year, and each exhibit had a QR code you could scan which would take you to a website where you could view a 3D scan of the item and move the image around so you could see it from any angle.
i'll tell you what's wrong, those two girls need to move over, they are pushing the third girl off the bench!
I don't think that these children are looking at anything related to the art of the walls.
I had to let go of cable and phone kept internet to look up things and to learn about the world
I have about 130 tabs open on my phone, all of stories and journals I like to read when I have the chance. I check them daily, sometimes multiple times, especially when on my lunch break or waiting around for something. I'm not just playing games or on social media.
I was at a cafe and heard the person behind me make snide comments about people always on their phone not interacting (direct at my partner and I both being on our phones). Ironically, this couple had spent most of their time with one flipping through a magazine and the other face deep in the news paper. Literally doing exactly what my partner and I were doing, just through different means.
I used to love Bette, but she's really been saying the most ignorant things of late.
In general, I would be in a museum to look at what is around me, not what my phone is doing, buuuut that's just me. I'm a holdout of my generation, not feeling I have to be attached to that thing day and night. On the other hand, what some others have said here carries weight. I don't mind hauling mine around with me to help me look up more information about what is going on around me, and seems to me some museums have apps that do something of this nature. Big learning positive. Curiosity is limitless.
To be fair, the steriotypical young person would be ignoring the paintings (probably on a field trip they aren't really interested in, but glad to be away from home and not in class) and the phone would be on 9Gag, youtube, discord, etc... watching makeup tutorials, chatting, putting filters on selfies, etc...
Yeah, gotta love the museum apps. The Louvre takes it a bit further and rents out nintendo 3ds for people, it totally threw me off for a while seeing the games around everyone's neck. It's a good thing for museums to embrace technology, cell apps or otherwise, if it gets people more interested in the exhibits.
Who cares even they weren't on the museum app? There could be any other number of reasons for them to be on their phones. Or, you know, mind your own f*****g business.
This person could be enjoying the museum themselves, but they are choosing to judge others.
I hate it when people complain about anyone being glued to their phone. It's more than a way to contact people. It's a book, a camera, a calculator, a way to access knowledge I may have never learned, it's so much more than just a phone.
But instead of accessing the abundant palace of knowledge I spend my time here... :/
I have been to this museum before! Philadelphia Museum of Arts, Pennsylvania USA
"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.”
Tiredness
Fixed A Stupid Meme
Your Trauma Is Valid
Everyone Gets To Complain About The Weather
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!
Klingons Kinda Inclusive
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
It's For All Of You
Do What You Like
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 😁
Reading Goals
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
Melon Flavored Jellyfish's Mom Says The Gates Are Open
Opening The Gates To Readers Of All Ages
Ambisexual
Gotta Clean Up
I'm Sure Many Of Us Needed To Hear This
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.
Vegan BBQ
Slap Some Dang Rice
Nice Flex
We love a mob psycho 100 reference! A really great and wholesome manga/anime too
Metallica Welcomes Everyone
It's A Big Ask But I'm Behind It
Making The Effort
There Are No Rules - Do What You Can
Wish I Could Thank Whoever Made This Post
Not A Pro Gamer? Well Get Ready For A Reality Check
That's exactly it. Some People play a game to enjoy the story and the experience. Not everyone likes a challenge
Not A Monolith
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.
Joker Profile Picture Redemption Arc
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!
Do The Thing! Or Don't! It's Okay Either Way
Success Is For Everyone
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
Bullseye For Genx But Maybe Universal?
Which One Is Better ?
Don't Be Embarrassed To Try New Things!
It’s An Absolute Classic
Wear What You Want, When You Want
Do You, No Matter What!
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*."
Just Being Happy Without Comparisons
Sweaty Party
Wholesome* 100
I Think This Belongs Here As Well
Find Out Who You Are Then Do It On Purpose
Every Fan Is Valid
Not My Tweet But Wanted To Share This Bit Of Positivity. There Is No Wrong Way To Play
Mod the hell out of it till it starts crashing and you have to figure out which mod is causing it. Just have fun!
This Belongs Here, Yes?
Pineapple Goes Hand In Hand With Hot Weather
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.
Hooray For The Mafia
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!
A Little Advice For The Ladies
Also remember to apply sunscreen. I can't imaging how sore a burnt butt would be
Having Fun Is What Matters
Oh yes, this! All those Instagram worthy Animal Crossing islands; mine don't look like that, and I'm GLAD!
Welcome All
Found This On Fb
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."
More Men's Restrooms Need This
Booty Hair For All
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.
Everyone Loves A Good Lightsaber Duel
Beard On The Inside
They’re A Friendly Bunch Of Fellows
Technically not their children, but their former selves, but still. Yes. 💕
Church Down The Street
“You Call This Archeology?”
A Bit On The Nose, But I Like It
No Need To Gatekeep Health
Deadass They All Really Did
Welcome To The Pit
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
Makes Anime More Accessible
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
I Was Told This Might Belong Here
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
Saw This One On Instagram
My Brother Says What He Likes
Keep Being Happy With Each Other
I personally get weirded out when i see people kiss. Its just a me thing tho, I love seeing happy couples
Wholesome Q&a
At A Folk Dance Festival In Sheffield Last Weekend
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).
Cheer Up, Mad Socialists! You're In!
This One Has Been A Long Time Coming
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
Your Body Is Beautiful
Very Wholesome Moment In The Fromsoft Game Community
This Post Makes Me So Happy
I learned a lot from this list. I didn't realize i do so much gatekeeping, and i want to decrease it.
Hey when you know better you do better and it's cool you realized it now!
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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
Damn. One downvote that could be a mistake or petty revenge gets the author banned? That sucks.
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I learned a lot from this list. I didn't realize i do so much gatekeeping, and i want to decrease it.
Hey when you know better you do better and it's cool you realized it now!
Load More Replies... 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
Damn. One downvote that could be a mistake or petty revenge gets the author banned? That sucks.
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