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There’s an episode of How I Met Your Mother where Barney and Robin realize they’ve become completely unrecognizable and miserable. If you were a fan of the series, you probably know what I'm talking about. Season 5, Episode 7 was called "The Rough Patch." And rightfully so. It showed how each half of the once fabulous and feisty couple had lost sight of who they were before they dated. Barney and Robin had both become sloppy, overweight, and lazy.

While the comedy series makes light of just how drastically dating can change us, in reality, it’s no laughing matter. Being in a relationship that doesn’t bring out the best in you can have some major repercussions on your mind, body, and soul. And once you finally find your way out, it can take months or even years to heal.

People have been sharing very sobering then and now photos, highlighting what they looked like in their last relationship vs single - now. It's part of a viral TikTok trend where netizens reveal why they quickly change their minds about wanting a relationship... whenever they remember "How The Last One Had Me Looking.” There are loads of videos doing the rounds. But Bored Panda has picked out the top ones for anyone who needs some breaking up or staying single inspiration. 

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#1

Person showing single vs. relationship appearance, highlighting changes in style and expression.

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Final score:
21points
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Kat Alison
Kat Alison
Community Member
1 year ago

In jail?

29
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    #2

    Man in a car, looking calm; next to him looking distressed, highlighting single versus relationship appearance.

    leonnunz Report

    Final score:
    18points
    POST
    benazizaoussama avatar
    Ben Aziza
    Ben Aziza
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    What the F did greynook do to get downvoted for showing sympathy?

    4
    4points
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    #3

    Woman smiling outdoors single vs. happy in a relationship with baby, showcasing life changes.

    wellmamapele Report

    Final score:
    16points
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    jennsmith_1 avatar
    Jenn Smith
    Jenn Smith
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    Beautiful baby and beautiful Mama. Before and after!

    17
    17points
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    #4

    Person poses confidently in a mirror when single; on the phone behind glass when in a relationship.

    thedamndes Report

    Final score:
    15points
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    jennsmith_1 avatar
    Jenn Smith
    Jenn Smith
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    Stay free and keep going!

    8
    8points
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    #5

    Woman showing a difference in appearance when single versus in a relationship, highlighting stress impact.

    misstina111 Report

    Final score:
    15points
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    StrangeOne
    StrangeOne
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    Her eyes look like mine when I get in contact with an allergen. But that looks like severe sleep deprivation.

    13
    13points
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    #6

    Comparison of two photos showing a woman single vs. in a relationship with humorous text overlay.

    beccaelise87 Report

    Final score:
    15points
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    sparklystuffbyrae avatar
    Lyoness
    Lyoness
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    Wow, what a difference. She looks so much happier.

    19
    19points
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    #7

    Woman single vs. in a relationship: relaxed pose and with baby in arms, reflecting on wanting another child.

    chantel_2101 Report

    Final score:
    13points
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    biache34 avatar
    Ellinor
    Ellinor
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    Remember everyone, you are allowed to complain about parenthood. It doesn't mean that you don't love your kids, it just means that taking care of a human being is very hard and demanding. People judging parents who express their struggles are not the good people they think they are.

    41
    41points
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    #8

    Comparison of someone single vs. in a relationship, with different outfits and expressions in each photo.

    bebesoso77 Report

    Final score:
    12points
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    greynook76 avatar
    GREYNOOK
    GREYNOOK
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    the last one made you look like "MOANA" 😳

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    #9

    Man showing single vs. relationship look; left in glasses and jacket, right in white shirt on beach holding phone.

    whothehellisalex Report

    Final score:
    12points
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    jennsmith_1 avatar
    Jenn Smith
    Jenn Smith
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    Very nice looking young man. Keep up the good work!

    8
    8points
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    #10

    Single vs relationship: woman posing confidently beside a tearful, mascara-streaked face.

    valcadarso Report

    Final score:
    12points
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    amandajgruber79 avatar
    Motivated sloth
    Motivated sloth
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    Why did she even take that pic?

    27
    27points
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    #11

    Woman smiling in a car next to her photo in a cozy setting with children, illustrating single vs. relationship life.

    this_angelas_life Report

    Final score:
    11points
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    sparklystuffbyrae avatar
    Lyoness
    Lyoness
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    This one confuses me. The last relationship had 2 kids she loves and a shorter haircut. I'm not sure why the before is bad but there isn't any context. Am I missing something?

    23
    23points
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    #12

    Man driving a car in two photos showing contrast of being single vs. in a relationship.

    junior05ws Report

    Final score:
    11points
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    binkstress avatar
    Binky Melnik
    Binky Melnik
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    I know these are sad, but the way some people are able to grab themselves by their bootstraps and pull themselves back together is remarkable! I’m really happy for them!

    3
    3points
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    #13

    Two people sharing single vs. relationship looks; one outside in a white dress, the other in a bathroom with patterned pants.

    saturnbaby__ Report

    Final score:
    10points
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    jennsmith_1 avatar
    Jenn Smith
    Jenn Smith
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    Hope you stay free. That goes double if you here in US.💯❤

    9
    9points
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    #14

    Person looking calm while single, then crying in a relationship, highlighting contrasting emotions.

    hehh44600 Report

    Final score:
    10points
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    greynook76 avatar
    GREYNOOK
    GREYNOOK
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    don't default back, actually delete and press forward always !👍

    5
    5points
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    #15

    Two women sharing photos of their appearance single vs. in a relationship, showing contrast in style and expression.

    kamryngarcia Report

    Final score:
    9points
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    marisaruffolo avatar
    Sunshine
    Sunshine
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    It looks like she's holding a newborn baby in the second pic. I don't think this is a fair comparison. It's caring for an infant--not being in a relationship--that causes her not to be able to follow her normal beauty routine.

    28
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    #16

    Woman smiling in a white dress on a balcony; another photo shows her casually in a car, capturing single vs. relationship looks.

    edenlorenia Report

    Final score:
    8points
    POST
    laughie1949 avatar
    Rosecrucian Roeth
    Rosecrucian Roeth
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    This comment has been deleted.

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    #17

    Person contemplating love, wearing glasses, in a split image comparing single vs. in a relationship appearance.

    existingwithjelly Report

    Final score:
    8points
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    laughie1949 avatar
    Rosecrucian Roeth
    Rosecrucian Roeth
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    Go for it BUT remember, you must be in charge to the extent that you are taken advantage of, and that you are not being ridiculed and you are not being taken advantage of.

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    #18

    Two women sharing how they look single versus in a relationship, one posing with makeup and one casually dressed with a smile.

    dollabillas Report

    Final score:
    7points
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    kzys59pcrp
    kzys59pcrp
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    I feel like some of these people are lying

    11
    11points
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    #19

    Woman showing single vs. relationship look; mirror selfie in activewear and outdoor setting with dessert.

    kingcity5150 Report

    Final score:
    7points
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    #20

    Woman showing change in appearance when single versus in a relationship, with text about relationship effects.

    jaxybabyyyy Report

    Final score:
    6points
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    #21

    Woman showing contrasting emotions single vs. in a relationship.

    dionnadnae Report

    Final score:
    6points
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    katieroberts_1 avatar
    kayteeisdabomb
    kayteeisdabomb
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    CRINGE

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    #22

    Person showing contrast in appearance when single vs. in a relationship with different clothing and expressions.

    allexandrajolie Report

    Final score:
    6points
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    nickgibbs avatar
    Nick Gibbs
    Nick Gibbs
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    Some of yall were lucky to have someone the way you looked in those photos

    #23

    Person showing contrast between being single and in a relationship, featuring a makeup-enhanced look and a natural look.

    virginiaginger00 Report

    Final score:
    5points
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    #24

    Woman shows contrast in appearance: confident when single vs. relaxed in a relationship, highlighting personal transformation.

    bel.rosee Report

    Final score:
    5points
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    katieroberts_1 avatar
    kayteeisdabomb
    kayteeisdabomb
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    so not wearing make up?

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    #25

    Woman showing contrast of single vs. relationship appearance, wearing sunglasses in one image, and barefaced in the other.

    agbnasty555 Report

    Final score:
    5points
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    #26

    Person with red braids looking confident vs. same person stressed and teary outside, highlighting single and relationship dynamics.

    kiyyahnexttdoor Report

    Final score:
    5points
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    #27

    Single vs. relationship look comparison; woman smiling on left, serious on right.

    nicolegreenblatt Report

    Final score:
    5points
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    #28

    Person in a white shirt smiling in one image, with short hair in another, showing appearance change single vs. relationship.

    dilynzjolly Report

    Final score:
    5points
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    #29

    Person showing contrast: smiling single vs. casual relationship look, highlighting change in mood.

    elainekelsey Report

    Final score:
    5points
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    #30

    Person showing contrast in appearance when single versus in a relationship, highlighting differences in expression and demeanor.

    chocolatesurvivor Report

    Final score:
    4points
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    #31

    Person showing how they look single versus in a relationship, sitting in a car.

    locdgoat Report

    Final score:
    4points
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    #32

    Person showing contrast between looking single vs. in a relationship in casual selfies.

    savannah_vaa0 Report

    Final score:
    4points
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    #33

    Woman showing difference in appearance when single vs. in a relationship, wearing a denim jacket and tortoiseshell glasses.

    user28291849228 Report

    Final score:
    4points
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    #34

    Person showing single vs. relationship appearance, smiling on the left, serious on the right, indoors.

    taywerrr Report

    Final score:
    4points
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    #35

    Person showing a transformation from being in a relationship to being single, with different hairstyles and outfits.

    yeah_datsmoneeyy Report

    Final score:
    4points
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    katieroberts_1 avatar
    kayteeisdabomb
    kayteeisdabomb
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    doing d***s will do that

    0
    0points
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    #36

    Two images of a woman in a car; showcasing her appearance while single versus in a relationship.

    strawberrym0.0n Report

    Final score:
    4points
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    #37

    Person in white top and brown pants taking mirror selfies, highlighting appearance single vs. in a relationship.

    steph21__ Report

    Final score:
    4points
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    sparklystuffbyrae avatar
    Lyoness
    Lyoness
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    She looks almost the same to me, just a smaller bottom in the before picture.

    6
    6points
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    #38

    Person showcasing appearance changes single vs. in a relationship, wearing casual outfits in different settings.

    iluvthemgay Report

    Final score:
    4points
    POST
    #39

    Two images show a person's appearance single vs. in a relationship; the first is stylishly dressed, the second with a natural look.

    audreycardinal222 Report

    Final score:
    4points
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    christophercrockett avatar
    Chris the Bobcat
    Chris the Bobcat
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    Sinead O’Conner?

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    #40

    Person taking selfies showing their appearance single vs. in a relationship, wearing casual clothes in a bathroom setting.

    mani_loc Report

    Final score:
    4points
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    #41

    Woman shows contrast of appearance single vs. in a relationship, wearing headphones and casual clothes.

    zi.in Report

    Final score:
    3points
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    #42

    Person in mirror selfies, showing contrast when single vs. in a relationship.

    idk00877 Report

    Final score:
    3points
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    #43

    Person taking a selfie in a mirror and another smiling, representing a single versus in a relationship look comparison.

    giadasmania Report

    Final score:
    3points
    POST
    #44

    Person smiling vs. looking stressed; illustrating single vs. in a relationship appearances.

    officialglasye Report

    Final score:
    1point
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