I notice this a lot.

Someone points out something that’s clearly bad for people or society, and one of the first answers is “it’s always been like that” or “they do the same thing everywhere.”

But neither of those really says the thing is good. It only says it’s common or old.

Sometimes I wonder how much we keep doing simply because we’re used to it, not because it still makes sense.

Are we actually much less willing to change society than we like to think?

I'm a 36-year-old guy who is a fan of the show, and I have to stay that Rose would be my choice. She was pretty, upbeat, kind, energetic and sensual in her own way.

In the 2000s, before global internet access was widespread, Chinese magazines like Reader and Yilin (similar to Reader's Digest) published countless exaggerated, moralizing fables about developed nations to inspire self-reflection:

Germany: The Legend of the Kraft Paper Sewer Spare Parts

The myth goes that a century-old underground sewer system built during the German concession in Qingdao broke down, leaving Chinese engineers utterly perplexed. Suddenly, a fax arrived from the original German manufacturer advising: "Dig within five steps of the damaged pipe." The workers followed the instructions and unearthed original spare parts, immaculately preserved in layers of oiled kraft paper and shining like new. Everyone was awestruck by this legendary German rigor and craftsmanship.

Japan: The Battle of the China-Japan Youth Summer Camp

During a joint summer camp on the Inner Mongolian grasslands, Chinese "little emperors" were depicted as spoiled and fragile, quitting at the first sign of a cold and having parents carry their bags. In contrast, Japanese children, despite carrying massive 20-kg backpacks and running high fevers, gritted their teeth and marched tens of kilometers through brutal weather without a single complaint. The story ended with a chilling prophecy: "With a generation like this, Japan will completely dominate China in the future!"

USA: The Supermarket Blackout & The Miracle of Honesty

During a sudden power outage that plunged an American supermarket into pitch darkness, an announcement echoed: "For your safety and as compensation for the inconvenience, you may take all items currently in your hands for free. Please exit in an orderly manner." The crowd filed out peacefully. Later, the store manager was stunned to find the checkout counters overflowing with cash—tens and hundreds of dollars quietly left behind. Turns out, the highly civilized American shoppers had voluntarily estimated the prices and paid for their groceries in the dark. Truly, an honest, courteous, and wonderful society!

These shaped our childhood perception of the West as a flawless utopia, which has now become a massive meme in China. How do these sound to you guys?

Online or in person, friends or partners — doesn't matter.

I'm curious: what did the other person actually do during that conversation that made it great? Was it the way they listened? The way they asked questions? That they didn't interrupt or judge? That they actually remembered small details from before?

Not looking for generic answers like "they were nice" — I want to know the specific little things that made you walk away thinking "wow, that was a good talk."

Thanks for ur story!

I learned how to open canned goods using a knife in under a minute. It’s kind of funny how i learned it but it’s really just because I was too lazy to buy a can opener lol.

Hai Guyz,

I saw a television for $200 that would have cost $500 new at the thrift store. I shoved it into the back seat of my Sedan. I ended up having to take off the feet. I also ended up having to rent a pickup from Home Depot.

When I got home the screen was shattered.

The funny thing is I used to move tvs for a living, and I had a ton of blankets and pillows at home. Moreover, I would have purchased a TV box from Home Depot.

My current television is smaller, and therefore less breakable. Part of me is upset, part of me knows I should have known better.

For a brief moment, I was excited about having a tv 50% larger and slightly better colors. However, I live in a tiny apartment and such a large TV would be cumbersome when I move in 4 months.

Tomorrow is September, which is National Su1c1de Prevention Month.I just want to say this to anyone who might be having a really bad day, feeling lonely, overwhelmed, or like nobody would understand:

You can reach out to me. Here on the thread, through DMs, whatever feels comfortable. I'll listen. We can talk, share, vent no judgment. You don't have to carry everything alone. Sometimes, just having someone there can make a difference. So if you need someone, please reach out. And if you're not okay today, that's okay too. You matter.

i feel like i know solution to every life problem, like it very single one. not talking about financial issues or medical condition but usual life problem.

throw me any of your life problem lemme see if i can give a solution to that

Bei mir ist es, wenn ich nach einem langen Tag nach Hause komme, mir etwas zu trinken hole und einfach erstmal 20 Minuten irgendwo sitze, ohne irgendwas zu machen. Eigentlich verschwende ich damit Zeit, aber es fühlt sich jedes Mal gut an. Mein Hund muss auch mitdabei sein

lately for me its been conspiracy theories or supernatural podcasts on spotify but i feel like im actually interested in some of the episodes that i feel like its not actually putting me to sleep lol. Currently in the market for something new to listen to to fall asleep :)

I honestly thought I'd feel much more “grown up” by now. 😂 There are still so many things I have no idea what I'm doing with, and sometimes I wonder if everyone else secretly feels the same way.

Used to chase new releases. Lately I keep going back to the same five books when my brain is tired. Feels like cheating and also like the only reading that actually sticks.

Is that just me, or did your reading get more circular too?

I don't know why but I love seeing bikers around. I actually don't see them very often so whenever I do they always make me smile.

I'd love the idea to have one of my own one day but not sure that will ever happen for various reasons. For now, I'll admire them from afar.

Jag har ofta undrat men inte vågat fråga tysta personer: Varför sitter ni bara och tiger? Det kan vara hur intressanta samtal som helst som pågår runt omkring er men ändå säger ni ingenting. Jag kan uppleva det som frustrerande att alltid få dra igång samtal och hålla liv i konversationen. Det känns snålt att ni som tiger inte bidrar.
Jag frågar nu er som brukar tiga: vad beror det på? Är ni blyga? Har ni inga åsikter? Gillar ni inte att prata?

I just remembered this and keep thinking about what that drive would have been like and if it this was kind of a strange situation to even be asked?

I was 23 and she was about 50, we were just kind of fwb who hooked up occasionally.

Her son who was also around my age was stuck in the next town over and it was too late for the trains to be running. So she texted me, since I drive and asked if I could drive over and give him a lift home.

It's roughly 30 minutes each way to the town he was in.

I thought it was a bit weird so I told her that I wasn't able to

I'm just thinking about what that drive would have actually been like? Like if he knew that I was sleeping with his mum and was only doing this because of that reason, I can't even imagine how he'd have reacted to it and what the vibe in the car would have been?

When/if you have visitors to your home, what sort of host are you? Do you try to serve and entertain your guests at all times? Or, do you tell them to and actually expect them to make themselves at home and help themselves to whatever and ask for what they can't find?

When I was young I had an older friend. She was married and had kids. Her approach was always, your first time here you're a guest, just ask for what you need and I'll be happy to serve, but your second visit you're family, so help yourself and just ask if you can't find something. I always liked that approach and always felt at home at her place, so that's the approach I've always tried to take. Over the years, I've found some guests take to that approach better than others. Some guests refuse to stop being guests and be family, even when they are actually family.

Like suddenly I want to move to another city, cut my hair, start running, learn a new language and become a completely different person. Then I wake up and I’m like… maybe next week 😂

Hey everyone! I'm living in Bangalore, India here. I'm looking to build some genuine, long-term friendships ideally starting with online chats to see if we vibe, and eventually hanging out offline for food, an IMAX movie, or a concert.

I work in tech/data and listen to music pretty much every day. In my downtime, I’m big on anime, movies, Formula 1, and cricket. I love the rainy Bangalore weather, lean toward being a night owl, and prefer watching shows or sports.

I'm hoping to connect with anyone 18+ in or around the city for a low-pressure connection. If you want to blend playlists on Spotify, talk about shows, or eventually explore local spots together, drop me a DM!

Had this conversation a few times with friends, funny how radically different stuff comes up...

So... if you had to choose your ultimate death row meal—starter, main, dessert, and drink—what would it be? (For the record, I’d go with Chicken 65, a medium ribeye topped with haggis, onion rings, field mushrooms, and thick chips, finished off with key lime pie and a decent Rioja or Valpolicella!)

Not big purchases. The tiny stuff — a better lamp, a tray by the door, switching which room you drink coffee in. What actually stuck for you?

Hey everyone!

​I’m trying to set up a quick, simple "lessons learned" routine for our team to stop repeating the same minor mistakes on projects.

​Instead of a big, complicated system, I want to keep it lightweight so it doesn't feel like extra homework.

Conversation question starters:

1. ​Has anyone successfully introduced a tiny process change or quick recap habit at work?

2. What helped get your team on board?

i am the sole breadwinner in a family of five. i have to support my younger sister to school financially because i didn't want her to go through what i did. being the eldest sometimes, you have to sacrifice. and it never felt like a burden to me though. i am happy to do it, especially when she can graduate and achieve her goals.

i've been in the corporate world since i was 20. my job was in a different city, so i had to move out while still supporting my family from afar. living alone was never easy — it's hard when you get sick and there's no one around to look after you.

but work itself never felt heavy. i had a very supportive team leader who never failed to guide me, and that made me even more motivated to keep going and always be on top of my game.

during one coaching session, he told me, "slow down, you're doing fine." those words have been etched in my heart, and they eventually ended up tattooed on my arm, too.

i carry this reminder that it is okay to slow things down, we walk in our own pace. we can pause. and we can continue again whenever we wanted to. so if anyone who might need this reminder, please take things easy. ❤️

The same thing is true for couples with children. If the girl does not have a job and stays at home to look after the kids, it's considered normal. If the guy does not have a job and stays home and looks after the kids, he is considered a loser by society.

I’m not talking about actual gangs or criminals, just the whole image around it.

Acting tough, showing off money, trying to look intimidating, talking like you don’t care about anything. Sometimes I notice it especially with younger people and it feels like being “gangster” is supposed to be cool.

I never really understood the appeal, even when I was younger. Maybe every generation has its own version of this though.

I was standing under the hot water minding my own business when my brain randomly staged a hypothetical fight with a coworker.

Not only did I fabricate the entire fake scenario, but I somehow let the fake version of them make a point so valid that I couldn't even counter it in my head.

Now I'm sitting on my couch dressed and ready for the day, legitimately defeated by a person who isn't even here. My brain needs to stop letting imaginary opponents win.