You need look no further than the day’s news headlines, or your social media feed, to notice that the world has the potential to be a really dark and negative place sometimes. Throw in a few social media trolls, cyber bullies, keyboard warriors and general online jerks, and you’d be forgiven for wondering where on earth humanity is heading. Perhaps straight to the depths of hell?
But we’re here to tell you that it’s really not all doom and gloom. There are actually plenty of examples of internet interactions that glow bright in the darkness of it all. If you’re struggling to find them, look no further than an online community called “Gates Open, Come On In.” Over 373,000 people have joined the page, which has only two rules: “No gatekeeping” and “Be nice!” It sounded promising to us so we took a step in… We were greeted by a wall of positive posts about strangers having each other’s backs online.
Because sharing is caring, Bored Panda has put together our favorites, just for you. Keep scrolling and allow the weight of the world to disappear. Feel free to come back to them any and every time you need a reminder that things aren’t all as bad as they might seem.
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Inclusion
Never Realized This But I Love It
Every Job Is Valid!
With more than 5.6 billion people using the internet, it’d be unrealistic to expect to find only positive posts and interactions between strangers. There’s a massive mix of personalities, cultures, religions, beliefs, and of course, moods. So there are bound to be some, if not many, clashes. Plus, let’s be honest. Not everyone likes being kind and decent.
As Kinsey Featherston wrote for Neptune Navigate, "the internet has become a modern day Wild West, and what we really need is a digital sheriff to ride into town and restore order to the virtual frontier."
Brooklyn Librarians Subverting Censorship & Allowing Any Teenager In America To Have A Library Card
Dogs And Cats My Favorite Animals
Depression Gateopening
Luckily, there are more than enough people who go the extra mile to make others feel like someone who matters. They inspire with their positivity, and sometimes send ripples of goodness across the world wide web, as strangers share their posts with other strangers and friends. There have been cases where a simple post has changed someone's day, and sometimes even, their life.
It's Not Pie. If You Think It Is, We Can Bake More
There are a few people who come to BP who do not understand this at all.
An Oldie But A Goodie :)
It's Never Too Late
Never underestimate how much of an impact your posts could have on someone else. Positive or negative. “Consider, for instance, the act of leaving a supportive comment on a post by someone who has been subjected to online hate. By doing so, you offer a lifeline of positivity in a sea of negativity,” writes LGBTQ+ rights activist, Desi Napoles.
“Your small gesture demonstrates to the individual that they are not alone in their struggles and that kindness exists even in the digital world. This single act can inspire others who witness it to follow suit, creating a domino effect of compassion and support that extends beyond the digital realm and permeates real-life interactions.”
Finally Someone Who Gets It!
those who give us burgers must be celebrated those who fix powerlines that enable us to have burgers must be protected all must be protected and burgers enjoyed
Live And Let Live
Told my kids that it doesn't matter how old you get. If you still like playing with toys, like watching things like MLP or PawPatrol it doesn't matter. Like what you like and don't let anyone tell you different (as long as it's legal). Then I went back to watching Shaun the Sheep
Almost Hald Me At The First Alf
According to HealthLine, there a a few reasons why we might not lend a hand to someone we don’t know. “Maybe it’s the bystander effect, which leads us to assume that others will take on the personal responsibility of assisting another person in need, often resulting in mutual inaction,” health/stories-of-kindness-of-strangers#Oftentimes-gestures-of-kindness-only-require-one-thing-time" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">notes the site. “Or it’s because we’re easily preoccupied with ourselves — with our own lives and our own daily struggles.”
But it’s necessary to remember that we’re not alone, adds the site. Whether in joy or pain…
Happy Lunar Year Everyone
Great Story About Fitting In
Its Lovely
One of the easiest ways to brighten someone's day is with a simple smile. And maybe a 'hello.' You might be the first and only person to do that for them... Another small gesture is holding the door open, or letting someone with less groceries than you skip the queue.
"Though it may seem like common courtesy, holding a door open is a genuine sign of care," notes HealthLine. "Especially when it comes to mothers with strollers, those in wheelchairs, or anyone who’s got their arms full. This small gesture can make someone’s life a little easier, even for just a moment."
Just Let Them Be They
I'm imagining the illustrations in a Dr. Seuss book. This is brilliant.
This One Was Nice
Not a fan of their music, but I'm beginning to really like Metallica for their attitude.
I Like These Too
I went to a gay club for halloween with a group of friends and my girlfriend. She had to use the restroom and while she was gone a guy made a pass at me. I was flattered! He was a good looking guy, real boost to my self esteem :).
Healthline also suggests that you make a habit of donating used items. You never know who might need what you were about to throw in the trash. Your pre-loved goods may mean the world to someone out there.
On a similar note, you might encounter someone who has no food, or is a few pennies short at the till. Carry cash on you so you're always ready to help if or when needed.
One for the ladies is to keep a tampon or sanitary pad on you. It might really come as a godsend for anyone who has Mother Nature pull up in a red Ferrari unexpectedly.
This Felt In The Spirit Of This Sub
Good Parentin
I hope she told the dad. I was at Wawa (it's a cross between a bodega and a sandwich shop) with my then 6 year old. They have these monitors where you place your order, and my daughter was asking me all these questions about how the monitors worked. I am an engineer, so I was trying to answer in a way that a 6 year old would understand. They also asked about the power button and wanted to press it to see it work. I told them not to press it because it would make it hard for the next customers. This woman walks over to me and tells me that she's a teacher, and she was loving our conversation, because I was keeping my daughter engaged and encouraging their curiosity, while also setting boundaries. Best compliment I've ever received, and I think about it a lot.
That's His Whole Thing
If God hated gay people, she wouldn't have made so many of them!!
As per Health Line, one of the best ways to always be ready to help a stranger is to be aware of your surroundings. "The best way to combat the bystander effect is by being self-aware and paying attention," reads the site. "Take note of your surroundings and the people in it, and don’t hesitate to approach someone who may be in distress."
Mature Humanity
Literally The Gate Was Open
Saw This On The Lawn Of A Couple That Lives On My Street. Genuinely Brightened My Day
Luke Skywalker Makes Young Star Wars Fan Feel Loved
For The Waiters
There was a story that I heard where someone asked the owner of a fancy restaurant who they didn't know was the owner and just thought was a waiter, "How does it feel knowing your life is worthless and all you ever became was a waiter." I was legit so annoyed at this I had to look up cat videos for an hour.
Everything Turned Out Just Fine, Then
Romantic
And then there's my ex-husband: borderline genius IQ but works managing the kitchen for a local restaurant simply because he loves it and is good at it. He has no education beyond his high school diploma.
I'm Sure Many Of Us Needed To Hear This
I've been active in my area's alcohol recovery community for a long time (12 years sober myself). I recently was forced to step back from those commitments in order to address some personal responsibilities. I felt really bothered by it because I was worried that it meant I was no longer being useful or of service to others. A good friend of mine reminded me that I by stepping back and taking care of my personal life meant that I was not only in a position to enjoy the gifts of my sobriety now, but I was giving someone else a chance to step up and be of service.
Restroom Sign At My Gym
Pauly Shore Being Wholesome
Mentally Empathetic Dad
I was told I was ''rude'' and ''ignorant'' as a shy kid when I didn't want to be around when company came over -_-
Found On /R/Mademesmile, Thought It Belonged Here As Well
Beards Are For Everyone
Girl In Red's Music Is For Everyone
Slow Down
This would be great for places that have introverted cashiers who don't want ro chat - it allows us gabby people to go to an alternate cashier.
Sh*tter’s Open!
I peed in the women's AND the men's bathroom and nothing exploded (places should have more gender-neutral bathrooms)
Dolly Parton Showing Support For Beyoncé’s Country Era ❤️
Caring Comes In Many Forms
Nsp Holding The Gate Open
You’re Such A Girl
Pearly Gates Open, Welcome To Heaven!
The Library Loves Everybody
I love audiobooks. Life is sometimes rough and there is a lot I have to do, so I don't have much time for reading, but audiobooks are there when I drive, cook, wash dishes, mow garden,...
At The Minnesota United Game Last Night
If Only More People Were A Bit Aware Of This
Count Me In
You're Not A Machine. You're Garden
Metallica Invites Y’all To Come On In
If you feel the need to gatekeep an art form that you love then I’ve gotta question your love for it. Don’t you want everyone to see, hear, feel, enjoy how awesome it is? I’ve had a love for metal since my baby metal head days of 1982, this week I discovered new music that a young bloke at a gig recommended to me, I’m now a 50 year old who took a recommendation from a bloke who was about 20. He shared the love of it with me. Spread you joy around, it’s free y’know?
Japan/America Cultural Exchange
You Do You Buddy
Something Wholesome From Facebook
Friendly Incentive
Yes. Let's all be more flexible and less judgemental. If somebody's diet is about environmental impact, reducing some is better than none. Also, it can depend on where you live (fruit brought to you by airplane literally around the world...not a default best choice probably).
It's A Big Ask But I'm Behind It
I'm 68 and have cried more in the last few years than ever before. Mostly tears of joy for various family events but also tears for the losses endured along my timeline.
This Seems To Me To Fit Here
All Jobs Can Be Difficult
As Someone Who's Gone For 6 Years, It Really Does Make A Difference
I talk to my therapist about every other week and we just sit and play chess and talk and she tries to get me to help her get better meanwhile I only do better because we both make mistakes but I notice slightly before her.
Ice Cream
All Fans Welcome
First off, love the comment and message. Second... How does the green stay when it's in front of a green screen?
That's Nice
You Matter
Women Wearing What They Like In Peace
i wanna do a combo of these. like the oversized top and hoodie, with the fishnets. idk, just sounds super comfy
The Future Is Yours
Share Memes That Make You Happy
And it shouldn't matter if it's been re-posted a hundred times
This Comment Is On Point
People Only Like You Because
You Are Still Valid No Matter What
To put it more succinctly, your sexual experience neither validates nor invalidates your sexuality.
It’s Quieter, Too
Vent’s Open Come On In
Some Comfort
And it's ok to take as long as you need to grieve. There's no fixed time limit.
Self Digansis
Gay Body Shaming Is Real
In the gay club I frequent *every body* is getting some. Really. The tiny peen, the skinny redhead, the 70-year old Asian guy and even the dude with the swastika tattoo. Gays in real life are not picky.
Xbox With The Wholesomeness
Nonbinary In Finery
I LOVE that outfit, and I know less about clothes than I do about weaving silk out of clam spit.
People Who Know How To Sew But Don't Call Themselves Girls Are Also Valid, We Love You Too :)
My mom is teaching my 9y.o son how to sew, the same way she did with me, she's proud grandma and I'm a proud mom too because my kid want to learn everything despite prejudice!
Wholesome Avatar Meme
I love how nowadays everyone listens to everything. When I was young in the eighties nobody my age listened to The Beatles, and the music was only 20 years old at that point.
Anyone Can Appreciate Kind Words ❤️
Last time I got a compliment (from someone who I am not married to) was back in 2001 when a classmate told me I have a beautiful smile.
Sharing A Love Of Music Does Not Have To Be Limited By Genre
I love all music bar lol Justin beiber n one direction 😂all genres after 6 dace’s of music I even love hardcore dance n trance lmao
A Wheelchair Accessible Swing At A Public Park
Both Is Good
I Can't Deny It <3
Honestly, no. Put a few dogs, take away the guy and I'm good. No hate for anyone who wants what is shown. We all want different things and that's okay.
Super Mario Chess Has No Time For Gender Stereotypes
🎺🎷🎺🎷🎺🎷🎺🎷
You Are One Of Us Now
Wholesome Venom
Wholesome Open Gates
Life Is Much Better Offline
Palworld Dev Says Journalist Talk Of Player Dropoff Is 'Lazy' And It Is Fine To Stop Playing Once You Complete It, Unlike Most Gaas Games
Let People Enjoy What They Want To Enjoy
This Sign On My Coworkers Desk
Which Game Felt Rewarding And Fun To 100%?
It wasn't a full 100% but I really enjoyed Pokemon scarlet, and this reminded me of that so thank you!
I Don't Know Which Sub To Put This In. Artist Is Haus Of Decline
Exactly the kind of inclusive, heartwarming content the world really needs right now. Support each other, love each other, help each other. The people who think they run the world at the minute certainly won't, but they won't be in charge forever.
I needed this. I'm still a little teary from the older gent hugging the pride flag!
Another good thing about positivity - it is JUST as contagious as negativity!!
Unfortunately I found most of these pathetic and removed from reality.
Exactly the kind of inclusive, heartwarming content the world really needs right now. Support each other, love each other, help each other. The people who think they run the world at the minute certainly won't, but they won't be in charge forever.
I needed this. I'm still a little teary from the older gent hugging the pride flag!
Another good thing about positivity - it is JUST as contagious as negativity!!
Unfortunately I found most of these pathetic and removed from reality.
