In An Often Ugly World - Be Kind!

Jul 15, 2023 4:00 AM

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127576

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#kindness #support #cool

(originally posted by @mfrybeasley on 2022-07-16 01:59:07)

2 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

I was 39 when I started college. I became the class Dad. Those kids surprised me. I hope they get everything they want out of life.

2 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Respect.

2 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

I've always tried to treat every stranger decently as if they had just left a funeral, cause you never know what people are going through. The problem I've found is that too many people behave like a complete p.o.s. who just left a funeral

2 years ago | Likes 7 Dislikes 0

Going to college even 6 years later (after a Navy stint) was like night and day to how it felt to go the first time. The young kids were so young and precious and dumb. I was older and salter and also dumb. Hence why I needed to go to college.

2 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

I was 31, surrounded by 18 year old class mates. I wasn't stressed, I was more frustrated at how little they all cared about their future. Constantly interrupting, not participating, skipping classes, cheating, being obnoxious. Out of 48, myself and 3 others graduated.

2 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

Going to collage when I was 30 instead of 18bwas the best decision I ever made.

2 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

I was 44 in a teaching credential program and a group of mid 20 year olds encouraged me every day. Been teaching for 5 years!

2 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 0

Wow... I never knew there were people that thought I was a jackass just because I was an older student until I read this comment...

2 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Hey Asparagus McProteinPants, maybe start by not calling us “fat people”

2 years ago | Likes 7 Dislikes 1

Protip for anyone going through uni: the ‘annoying old-age’ student at uni is the best partner for group assignments.

2 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

I'm pretty sure I upvoted the original last year, and, by golly, I'm going to upvote it now. The message bears repeating, even if it is by a bot.

2 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

Well, heck, I was wrong (checked CTTLY's source comment). It must have been a different reposting that I've seen before. Welp, Beasley's got the upvote now; better late than never.

2 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

This is so patronising. Why would you assume being fat in a gym is anxiety-inducing for everyone? Some fat people have been going to the gym for years and it's literally not an issue, it's just part of their day, same as any other gym goer.

2 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

I'm old at gym but I sure as heck don't want anyone coming up to me and making small talk.

2 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

2 years ago | Likes 11 Dislikes 0

My experience. The anxiety in the adult student is much less than the 20 year old college student. Wish I had more students with more life experience. They bring more to the classroom and research program.

2 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Yes of course. I'm only not nice to the assholes who are not nice to those people.

2 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Was this written by a fat 38 year old freshman in the gym? 🤔

2 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

wait a minute are u saying people are judging me at lectures

2 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

Might just be my gym, but I have never seen anyone be judgemental or mean towards fat people. In fact, most of us are cheering you on (because most of us were fat at one point too). Now people who park themselves on a machine or bench to scroll their phone is another story.

2 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

That's because this is a contrived scenario to make readers feel good about themselves.

2 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Spreading positive vibes! This is what its all about.

2 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Also the 38 year old freshman knows stuff you don't know and can probably save your ass when you can't figure out the math lecture two days before the finals. But won't if you treated them like shit before.

2 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Regardless of the age, color, etc, don’t be a dick. We all people. This ain’t hard.

2 years ago | Likes 116 Dislikes 0

Exactly

2 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

This.

2 years ago | Likes 6 Dislikes 0

It's not hard for those with empathy. Common sense. Critical thinking skills. A God damn soul. Shit, we're not going to make it are we?

2 years ago | Likes 13 Dislikes 1

I can't fathom how, even with a lack of empathy, it's easier to insult and yell at people, instead of just ignoring them and Where do those people get the energy to be assholes.

2 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

I think we are - at least on this particular front. It doesn't get the big press, but acts of kindness are all over the place. Look for them, and you will start noticing. "Look for the helpers. There are always people who are helping." -F. Rogers

2 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 0

I went thru US Army Infantry basic and AIT (OSUT) with a man who was 37... that fucker held his own...

2 years ago | Likes 52 Dislikes 2

There were a few prior service members in my basic platoon as well. And yeah they held their own.

2 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

And probably kept Advil in business

2 years ago | Likes 39 Dislikes 4

Is 37 ancient now?

2 years ago | Likes 13 Dislikes 0

I got called grampa in the military when I was 25 and that was almost two decades ago.

2 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

I was 20 when I went through basic / infantry training and got harassed endlessly for being the "old man" even by the instructors lol

2 years ago | Likes 7 Dislikes 0

I had a guy come through who was 40 or 41 for the reserves. I didn't have to do a thing to control that class. He was an excellent mentor.

2 years ago | Likes 19 Dislikes 0

I mean....he just called them fat. Sooooo... he could have said overweight or obese. Calling someone fat is just mean.

2 years ago | Likes 6 Dislikes 5

Getting called overweight or obese as a polite form of being called fat doesn't feel any different than just being called fat. If anything, being called obese is worse

2 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 1

Obese is definitely worse. Overweight is... basically about the same, at least to me. Portly might be a bit kinder, but if you say it, they know you're saying it as a polite softening of fat. But the poster of this advice is not addressing those people. He's telling us randoms, using.... about as neutral a descriptor as possible under the circumstances. We should not bring it up in such a person's presence, of course.

2 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 1

At least those are actually terms for being heavy. Fat is always used to hurt someone. I've got PCOS and have always been overweight. It's fucking hard to get rid of. But I'd someone called me fat, I'd punch the fuck out of them. 🤷🏾‍♀️

2 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 1

2 years ago | Likes 329 Dislikes 0

No, I don't think they will.

2 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

This is why they are my favorites. They really live up to those words.

2 years ago | Likes 9 Dislikes 0

2 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

In the future, they were regarded as prophets. Their message was literally "be nice to people. Have fun.", And the world went "...we can dig it."

2 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

It really doesn't need to be more complicated than this.

2 years ago | Likes 7 Dislikes 0

Oh shit I?m gonna be both of these in a few months yikes.

2 years ago | Likes 496 Dislikes 3

:)

2 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 1

We’re happy to have you. Don’t get in your head about it. Learning isn’t tied to age or to life stage. Some of my best and most interesting students have been returning ones, and most of my worst and most boring ones have been 17-20 year olds. They’re simply not ready.

2 years ago | Likes 10 Dislikes 1

Same!

2 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

When i was 17-18 i always befriended the "Non traditional" students. I had been the new kid at school several times so I knew sort of how it felt.

2 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

That takes a lot of courage. You got this!

2 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

....me too the post was just the anxiety I needed at 5:36am....fml but I will get through it.

2 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 1

Nice

2 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 1

I'm not quite both of those in a few weeks. I'm going to the gym cuz I'm too sknny.

2 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 1

I started going to the gym this February, and not a single person has said more than six words to me or given me a second glance. We're kinda invisible. Just wipe down the machine, and check what you're doing on youtube first so that no one has to tell you not to ruin yourself, and you'll be absolutely fine.

2 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Im no expert but ive been that guy before :) im down nearly 110 lbs in 18 months and i hope nobody is mean to you but if they are fuck em and dont give up if you need help let me know ill try to help :)

2 years ago | Likes 7 Dislikes 1

I bought a membership and spent 3 hours pep talking myself, but on my gym clothes and sat outside the gym in a state of hyper anxiety. Well done to everyone who goes in.

2 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 1

The number of responses to the bot as if its the original commenter is a bit strange.

2 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 1

As a mid-40s guy in college no one was nice or mean to me. You basically don't exist.

2 years ago | Likes 32 Dislikes 1

I remember being intimidated by that guy, he was well dressed and prepared for class (everyday!) he was a real adult, not a mere college student.

2 years ago | Likes 24 Dislikes 0

This was the reaction I got the most. People actually complained in one of my classes that was involved in a large public speaking competition because I had a lot of experience. Talking to an auditorium full of kids is not as intimidating when you're near forty lol. When I was 19 that would have had my heartrate through the roof for days.

2 years ago | Likes 6 Dislikes 0

(originally by @Empathau225 on 2022-07-16 02:17:33)

2 years ago | Likes 12 Dislikes 4

Original top comment: /gallery/ciZzOY8/comment/2248345053

2 years ago | Likes 7 Dislikes 3

Hey, how'd it go @Empathau225 - good I hope? Great job bettering yourself!

2 years ago | Likes 6 Dislikes 1

Original post: /gallery/ciZzOY8

2 years ago | Likes 8 Dislikes 3

That’s a good thing. You are gaining knowledge and have also been well fed. Your body is coated in more survival goo, and your brain will have more survival juice.

2 years ago | Likes 83 Dislikes 2

2 years ago | Likes 30 Dislikes 0

Interesting point. I'm skinny and I constantly run out of energy entirely during challenging times. Maybe it's partly because I don't have a lot of every reserves stored in my body.

2 years ago | Likes 6 Dislikes 1

What's your diet like?

2 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Not a lot of meat but besides that mostly whatever is available. Trying to eat healthy somewhat but not with any strict rules.

2 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

I'm about 38 and I've been trying to gain weight since I was 8...

2 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 0

Weeb helped me. I also like working out high a lot

2 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

I'd take that advice with caution though, highly depending on your general overall situation. Been smoking weed regularly for some time and I'm glad it's become very rare in my life now.

2 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Have you tried adding, like, protean shakes to your diet? Not the body builder stuff, but like, Ensure?. Like add a high protean one to your breakfast.

2 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

I don't know what "protean" is and do you know how expensive ensure is especially to the lower class..?

2 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

I hear the key is to punch the biggest guy there.

2 years ago | Likes 18 Dislikes 1

2 years ago | Likes 7 Dislikes 0

No, you’re thinking of tax fraud.

2 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

What if I am then biggest guy there? Then what?

2 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

wear a teeth guard and be ready to dip out if some shrimpy fucker comes at you with a determined expression.

2 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Obviously you punch yourself to assert dominance

2 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

"Hey don't mess with that guy over there."

2 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

I was that elder student too. I feel like I fit in except when it came to actually doing class work. I took it very seriously compared to fellow students.

2 years ago | Likes 141 Dislikes 1

Yeah, group work was tough, there were some hard-chargers in there though.

2 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Ditto. I watched my classmate edit her video presentation on her phone during class, and even up to the last second before she put it on the big screen. I told her that kind of procrastination isn't anyways going to work, but I know she didn't take my advice. I wouldn't have either.

2 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

I went back to school at 32 for a better degree. Ended up valedictorian and did quite a lot of tutoring. I swear, I didn't become any smarter in my 20s. I think being outside the school system for a while gives you time to get your shit together and focus. I know now I'm good with numbers, didn't know that when I was 16.

2 years ago | Likes 6 Dislikes 0

You absolutely did become smarter in your 20s. A mature brain will do that.

2 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Yes. At the university we had a couple of students who were about 80 years old. They were the most diligent of us all. Also used to ask intelligent questions and we all were very thankful for that.

2 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

I liked students like you. I’ve always loved learning; school and class work always came easy; always A and Bs without trying. But everyone my age was the opposite; didn’t care and too distracted with trying to be people they weren’t. I’ve always gravitated to older relationships in school work and personal. Some school projects were so interesting but I often had close to NO peers to share that interest with. Don’t take all the youngins for fools; though I’m 31 now so I’m old lol

2 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

You should. You have a lot less time to pay off the student loans.

2 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Ditto. I got tired of carrying group projects, and every class had them (b/c our school said local companies didn't think our grads had good "teamwork skills"). So, when prof would announce group project, I'd raise my hand and loudly ask if we were grading each other on the project, so I could give slackers in my group an F. Everyone would look at me, and the slackers knew not to group with me.

2 years ago | Likes 18 Dislikes 1

Real annoying thing was them slacking and (seemingly) putting in little effort but still waxing my ass when it came to actually absorbing the information. I went back to school for engineering and graduated at 34. My classmates were huge helps.

2 years ago | Likes 10 Dislikes 0

Honestly, I wish I went to uni when I was older, because I wasn't ready to deal with being organised enough to do as well as I could have

2 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

That’s what I found being a young one with some elder students. The elder students were great to have for group assignments cause they were organised and mature and the young ones were all shit kicking idiots

2 years ago | Likes 30 Dislikes 0

I must have had an outlier experience. The only middle aged classmate I encountered as a traditional student was an alcoholic who came to a 9 am class drunk and completely bailed on a group assignment (I was in his group). He was eventually kicked out of the class.

2 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 0

Oh wow lol. I luckily didn’t have that experience with the old age students I encountered

2 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Our elder student jumped out of a 2nd floor window to avoid doing his homework.... As in: to escape being seen by the lecturer who'd come to help him, not to try unalive himself. He landed on the hill and took off sprinting.

2 years ago | Likes 8 Dislikes 0

I mean what was the long term goal? Did he come back the next class?

2 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 0

He did, but lecturer stopped trying to help him though. I think he passed? Not sure though. He was our immature mature student.

2 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Same here, I went back for a second bachelor’s in my 40s (employer funded.) Though I had other things competing for my time, I was also more organized and proactive than 80% of my peers, and I had a wealth of accumulated knowledge and experience to relate the lessons to.

2 years ago | Likes 48 Dislikes 1

Exactly. I think I performed much better as an older student. I was genuinely happy to be there and continuing to learn. I don’t know if I could handle it now.

2 years ago | Likes 27 Dislikes 0

I've found that the student i was as a full time college student is very different from the student I am as an apprentice. Is hard to say better or worse, aside from the intense anxiety I now get sometimes dealing with classes which came from some bad times in college

2 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0