15 Things We Can Only Seem to Learn the Hard Way
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While it may appear evident to some, every one of us has, at times, made decisions or taken actions that led to a stark realization of our mistakes. Wisdom is often accrued through personal experiences and missteps, and individuals regularly share profound insights gained from the crucible of trial and error.
1. Don’t Be a People Pleaser
A user shares their biggest learning point: “some people will not like you no matter how nice you are or how much you try.” Another writer responds, “And if they do have a legitimate reason to hate you, you’ll probably just never get to know what it is because the opportunity to hear about it will never arise.” Worrying about what everyone thinks of us is a big unnecessary stressor.
2. Always Use Protection
Admittedly, a few users shared they learned the hard way that protected sex is very important. Anyone with an unintended pregnancy or STD will agree, do yourself a favor and learn from their mistakes.
3. Don’t Be Too Vain
Someone writes, “If you only go for looks you will have a bad time.” Others agree, although they admit that attraction is an important part of a healthy relationship. It’s all about finding the right balance with someone you truly can connect with. Otherwise, the partnership is doomed from the start.
4. Stop Feeling Guilty
“Putting myself first isn’t selfish,” writes a user. Learning to prioritize one’s own needs, when approrpiate, is important for self-care and mental health. Another user clarifies that putting ourselves first all the time might still be selfish, but doing it on occasion is vital for “maintenance.”
5. Wildlife is Not for Cuddling
A few tourists visiting national parks each year need to remember this. Animals like bears, moose, and elk are not tame or friendly. While they don’t intentionally hurt humans, they will if they feel threatened. A user also commented that he’s learned the hard that ostriches are not friendly. Regardless of the animal, keeping your distance is best.
6. Stoves Are Hot
More than one user recalls learning as a child not to touch a hot stove. One user writes his experience as an adult, too. “And if you think it’s cold and want to verify it’s cold…still don’t touch it. That’s the worst way to prove yourself wrong.
In general, it’s way too easy to absentmindedly do something where the best outcome is “nothing happens” while the worst outcome is “I was right after all, that really was incredibly dangerous/stupid!”
7. Smoke Detectors Are Important
While the full story isn’t shared, only one can guess when a user shares, “Changing smoke detector batteries IS important.” Always better safe than sorry!
8. Kindness Isn’t Always Enough
“Even if you are kind and respectful, some individuals will still criticize you behind your back,” shares a user. Another writes that jealousy is a nasty human trait. It’s best not to waste time and energy on these folks (easier said than done).
9. You Are What You Eat
Nutritional intake (diet) discussions tend to be controversial, yet anyone that’s changed their eating habits can typically confirm that eating better helps them feel better. One user writes, “Eating like sh**, will make you look and feel like sh**.” The good news is, the opposite is also true.
10. Life Isn’t Always Fair
A writer shares a common realization for some people, “Life is unfair and just because you are hardworking and nice does not mean that you will lead a happy life.” This can be hard to come to terms with, but can also be an important reality to accept. This helps disassociate being “nice” or “mean” from life’s circumstances and placing blame on oneself.
11. Don’t Touch Sensitive Areas After Chopping Peppers
After cutting jalapenos or any other spicy pepper, be extra careful with what your hands touch, even if you think you washed them thoroughly. Not eyes, noses, or any other extra sensitive areas when using the bathroom or getting frisky. It will burn!
12. Don’t Try to Change People
A user shares smart advice, “When somebody is showing you who they are, believe them.” Actions speak louder than words, and thinking we can change people sets us up for failure.
13. Focus on What You Enjoy
Many people need to learn to say no more often to things they don’t want to do. A user writes a great explanation: “If you don’t enjoy something, you don’t have to continue it. You don’t have to finish a book just because everyone else is raving about it. You don’t have to turn a hobby into a side hustle because you feel like you need to. You don’t have to do things if you don’t enjoy it.”
14. Telling the Truth is Better
While telling the truth might have consequences, it’s much better than being caught in a lie. Someone writes, “You really don’t get in trouble when telling the truth. 18+. I lied all the time when I was younger to avoid getting in trouble. Now I’m like, “I take full responsibility, how can I fix this.” 99% of the time they say it’s okay and that’s the end of it. If it’s something major though, be prepared for the consequences.”
15. You Are Not Invincible
We don’t realize how fragile we are until someone close, or our own bodies, are subject to a major injury or illness- giving us a reality check.
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