Every gamer has that one title they finished years ago that left them staring at the credits in awe (in a good way), then waiting for a continuation that never came. Whether it was due to studio closure or poor sales, some of the medium's best stories were cut short. In a thread on r/gamers, people commiserate over the franchises that vanished too soon.

1. Star Wars Battlefront II (Classic)

The shooter set the gold standard for Star Wars gaming, according to many, yet fans are still so heartbroken over the canceled third installment that they turn to mods to get a feel for what could have been.

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To this day, it pains me so. They did, however, have SWBF3 in production. Simply never seen the light of day. Someone found the files and posted them to YouTube a while back. Game looks amazing.

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There is a mod for Battlefront 2 titled "Star Wars Battlefront 3 Legacy". It's a large-scale mod that used assets from Battlefront 3 to give us a taste on what the game would've been, with one of its core features being that you could seamlessly transition from ground to space battles and vice versa.

Of course, assets for the game were later used in Elite Squadron which was likely how the modders got them.

2. Titanfall 2

Often cited as having one of the best single-player campaigns in shooter history, this high-octane game never secured the follow-up many believe it deserves.

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One of the best campaigns of all time 

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I need more games like titanfall and lost planet. Give me that tasty run and gun + mecha fight combo any day.

3. Days Gone

This open-world zombie survival game overcame a buggy launch to build a massive cult following, but disappointing sales numbers ended the franchise before it could truly shine.

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Days Gone. Outstanding game but sequel got canned after poor sales and reviews. Once the glitches were ironed out the game has since steadily grown in popularity. Sony put the studio, Bend, to work on some multiplayer game which was then cancelled (possibly in the wake of Concord) and so wasted years the studio could have been developing a sequel.

just about finished playing Star Wars Outlaws. Again it had a buggy launch but it is immensely playable now. Had the double poison pill of being both Star Wars (whose fans hate anything Star Wars) and Ubisoft (who everyone seems to hate). Also saw complaints that you do not get a play as a Jedi/Sith (despite there being plenty of games you can do) and the typical misogynist comments you get with a female protagonist, most jarring that Kay is ugly. Its a fun game, you play as a Han Solo type before he joined the rebellion type. You deal with the Pykes, Crimson Dawn and the Hutts, you meet Jabba and Lando, you can race around Tatooine on a speeder dodging Krait Dragons, get a space ship and (as a veteran of Elite) have decent space dogfights. Kay and Nix are a good addition to the universe truly a shame its reception destroyed any chance of more stories from them.

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Days gone is probably the best zombie game ever made. 

That said, I felt the story was lacking and dragged on to long. I wasn’t terribly invested in the characters either. 

4. Golden Sun

Role-playing game (RPG) fans still mourn this handheld classic and its direct follow-up, which told two halves of one massive story but left the world on a cliffhanger that was never properly resolved.

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Technically it got a sequel, but the sequel ended at a cliffhanger and never got a sequel-sequel, so I'm counting it: Golden Sun

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Iirc Golden Sun and Golden Sun: The Lost Age were originally set to be one massive game by Camelot but they split it into two later in development due to memory limitations on the cartridges. So technically, they're the same game lol.

However, there was a sequel set 30 years after Isaac's story, Golden Sun: Dark Dawn and follows the children of the previous main cast. It's on the DS. It was pretty mixed on reviews.

5. Bloodborne

From the creators of Dark Souls, this gothic title is a singular experience, leaving PlayStation fans desperate for a return to the nightmare city of Yharnam.

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Hear me out.

Bloodborne and Japan Studio was shut down.

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this wasn't because of a studio shutdown, but someone asked what games people were hoping to see in the state of play and I said "as a bloodborne fan, I've learned that hope does nothing but prolong man's torment"

6. Black & White

Video game designer Peter Molyneux's god-game allows players to raise giant creatures and rule over villagers, a unique concept that unfortunately vanished when Lionhead Studios closed its doors.

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Whilst it did get 2 installments, I'm gonna chuck Black and White in the mix. It never made it to the VR era and I feel that game would have suited it so, so well. Feeling bold enough to even say it could have been one of VRs biggest sellers.

Man, that game deserves being picked up by a dev and having a new installment or even a standalone/spinoff

7. Brütal Legend

This heavy metal action-strategy hybrid oozes style and Jack Black's charisma, but publisher decisions seemingly killed any hope for an encore performance.

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Brutal Legend.

Not that it was a masterpiece by any stretch,  but there were apparently loose plans to make a sequel or dlc but ea said no.   The game had style,  I wanted more. 

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Still waiting for a Brutal Legend 2… game was so fun, yet Double Fine hasn’t gotten back to it (presumably because copyright issues)

8. Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning

An ambitious fantasy RPG that combines fluid combat with deep lore, it nevertheless became a casualty of complex studio acquisitions and legal rights issues.

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Kingdoms of Amalur. THQ bought rights to it, but it's not really not their MO to expand on franchises not originally theirs. 😔😔

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Kingdoms of Amalur Reckoning.

That game was huge and it was gorgeous. It was so much to do and find and see, it was a great game. I loved it so much

9. Sleeping Dogs

Not unlike Grand Theft Auto if it were set in Hong Kong, this open-world crime drama delivers unparalleled melee gaming and atmosphere but remains a standalone gem.

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I actually broke out my ps4 this week to replay this game as I never got around to actually finishing it. Great game. One of the few sandboxes where the side content doesn't feel like an ubisoft checklist. Honestly the driving is probably the weakest part of all the mechanics and design choices and it's still perfectly manageable. I would be so down for a sequel. This game was the replacement for the True Crime games from back in the ps2 days and is probably the best this genre has done.

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That was a great game! Very fun and lots of martial arts combat that was addictive too! Hard to believe it came from a True Crime game. 

10. Infamous

While the franchise technically continued, fans argue the later entries lack the grit of the originals, making them wish for a return to the roots of the series.

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I still have hope that there'll be another infamous game.

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Ideally one in the same vein as 1 & 2. Second Son was pretty meh(fixed). Heck, I'd be happy with a full remake of the first two. I feel like there is a lot to explore there now that games are getting away from the binary morality systems.

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Honestly, getting a new Infamous game with Paper being THE power of the MC could be amazing.

For hardcore gamers, hope for a sequel never truly dies, no matter how many years pass. Whether it's a cliffhanger that needs resolving or a world that simply feels too rich to abandon, these titles have left fans longing for more. Which canceled sequel hurts you the most?

Want more nostalgic gaming discussions? Read the full recommendations in r/gamers, and find more conversations like this in r/patientgamers, r/retrogaming, and r/pcgaming.

This story highlights the perspectives of Reddit users, not Reddit, Inc. Some posts or comments may be lightly edited for clarity. Questions or concerns? Contact us at upvoted@reddit.com.

Running time creep is real. Whether it's a studio stretching a short book into a trilogy or a director indulging in a three-hour cut of a simple story, audiences are noticing that some movies are way longer than they need to be. And not always for the better. In a thread on r/Letterboxd, redditors weigh in on the films that overstay their welcome and the specific scenes they would leave on the cutting-room floor.

1. The Hobbit (Trilogy)

Perhaps the most cited example of studio bloat, Peter Jackson's return to Middle-earth turns a modest children's book into a sprawling epic that many fans feel is spent by the halfway point.

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There was no reason for The Hobbit to be a full trilogy.

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I could have accepted them making it a 2 parter, would have still been ridiculous but far more understandable than 3.

I KNEW they would title the 3rd one The Battle of Five Armies. Which is laughable since that battle really only takes like the last 15 pages of the book. A whole movie of filler. Good lord. I want to try to rewatch the Hobbit as a condensed fan edit and see how it stacks.

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It boggles my mind that The Lord of the Rings is a 1500-page-long story that was turned into a trilogy and The Hobbit is a 200ish page book and they also turned it into a trilogy

2. Meet Joe Black (1998)

This 1998 romantic fantasy starring Brad Pitt is so bafflingly extensive that viewers still struggle to explain exactly where those three hours and one minute go.

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Meet Joe Black is inexplicably a 3 hour movie

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Meet Joe Black instantly comes to mind. Legitimately could’ve been 1 hour 50 minutes and somehow was 3. That being said, it’s pretty solid.

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And ten minutes of that are a minivan and a taxi playing ping pong. Unnecessary.

3. King Kong (2005)

Fresh off the massive success of The Lord of the Rings, Peter Jackson created a remake that many love — but also admit suffers from a lack of editorial restraint.

Comment in r/Letterboxd

King Kong (2005), by a country mile. This could’ve been great, a huge hit instead of a decent one, and a cultural touchstone instead of largely forgotten. Instead, they seem to have accidentally released what should have been the director’s cut. Eliminate the Jamie Bell subplot that goes nowhere, cut the fat from each of the extended chase sequences on the island and you can get this to two and a half hours, maybe two-forty, easy.

And I speak as someone who likes a long film when what’s included warrants it. Jackson just got a little self-indulgent after the massive success of the LotR trilogy and included too much incidental detail. Not the worst movie crime, but it killed the pacing and stopped a good film becoming a great one.

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They spend 30 minutes on the boat to GET TO the Island lol

4. The Deer Hunter (1978)

While widely considered a masterpiece (it won the Oscar for Best Picture), Michael Cimino's war drama contains one specific introductory sequence that tests the patience of even the most devoted cinephiles.

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The wedding scene in The Deer Hunter could be a little shorter.

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That scene is about five hours of a three-hour film.

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The Deer Hunter’s first act needed to be cut like 30 minutes.

5. Hundreds of Beavers (2022)

This modern slapstick indie hit won hearts with its creativity, but some viewers feel the gag dragged on just a bit too long to sustain the laughter.

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Hundreds of Beavers would’ve been much better with about 20 minutes cut out. It was fun, light, silly, and wore out its welcome.

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There’s a reason each looney tunes skit was like 10 mins long

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10 minutes if this film felt too long. Appreciate the idea, but I could not have watched the full length of the film.

6. The Brutalist (2024)

The recent, acclaimed epic divides audiences, with one camp arguing the length is necessary for immersion and the other feeling the story simply doesn't earn its three hours and 35 minutes.

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The brutalist needed 40’ less I would say.

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The Brutalist. It’s cool that it’s so long but I don’t think the characters or plot is developed enough to warrant the length. By the end of it, I don’t feel like I’ve gone through an epic journey with the characters or know them intimately. The same story could have been told in 2 hours.

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The Brutalist could have just been that great opening shot, the rest was trash

7. Dr. Mabuse the Gambler (1922)

Pointing to the fact that pacing issues aren't just a modern problem, even silent film classics from the 1920s get dinged for lingering too long (in this case, a whopping four hours and 57 minutes).

Comment in r/Letterboxd

Dr. Mabuse The Gambler (1922). At 4 hours 30 minutes, it definitely had some fat to trim. There were many scenes where shots lingered way longer than necessary to convey their meaning.

I still loved it though.

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It was actually released in two parts a month apart which explains it, 4 hour movies weren’t normal in the 1920s either.

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Good movie, but fully agree. The sequel is less than half the running time and it's a major improvement. Coincidence?

(Still a good movie, though.)

While a long running time doesn't necessarily detract from a movie masterwork, audiences do get wary of movies they feel don't respect their schedule. Whether it's cutting a gratuitous subplot or tightening a wedding sequence, a little editing can go a long way. Which movie would you take the scissors to?

Want more film discussions like this? Read the full recommendations in r/Letterboxd, and find more conversations like this in r/movies, r/flick, and r/TrueFilm.

This story highlights the perspectives of Reddit users, not Reddit, Inc. Some posts or comments may be lightly edited for clarity. Questions or concerns? Contact us at upvoted@reddit.com.

Do you ever watch a movie that isn't technically a horror film, yet leaves you feeling nauseous, anxious, or completely overwhelmed? In a thread on r/Letterboxd, viewers weigh in on the cinematic experiences that unsettled them the most despite the lack of scary movie labeling.

[Warning! Spoilers ahead.]

1. Eighth Grade (2018)

While this film is largely a coming-of-age story about middle school awkwardness, one specific scene involving a car ride creates a visceral reaction for many viewers.

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Not the whole film but the car scene in Eighth Grade. Made me disgusted and heartbroken even more knowing there’s real people out there like that

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Once upon a time I was an eighth grade girl and that movie gave me so much anxiety.

2. Trainspotting (1996)

This '90s classic is known for its gritty realism, but one particular hallucination sequence is often cited as a moment where viewers have to look away.

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Not Requiem for a Dream but a close cousin in Trainspotting...the baby scene weirded me out hard

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My partner loves Trainspotting, he showed it to me a few years into us dating. I was handling it until the baby died , and then of course the later infamous scene in his bedroom. I’m still mad that he showed it to me, I guess he thought I would like it because I like horror movies, but this film is disturbing in a different way.

3. Uncut Gems (2019)

The Safdie brothers are seen as masters of high-stress filmmaking, creating a relentless pace that physically exhausts the audience.

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Uncut Gems is like a panic attack in a bottle.

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Same. Left the theatre. Contemplated not going back in, but I had never left a movie before so then I became anxious as to what I might be missing by leaving

4. Shiva Baby (2020)

This indie hit utilizes the feeling of claustrophobia and social anxiety to make viewers feel trapped alongside the protagonist.

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Shiva baby made me feel unsettled.

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I agree with Shiva, Baby! being here.

It definitely is a dramedy, super funny and anxiety-provoking.

It also starts stressful and continues to get more stressful, like a car crash you can’t look away from. And it’s a sort of relatable kind of stressful, which makes it horrifying in a “oh no, this could actually happen to me” way that some horror films aren’t (like haunted houses or magical serial killers).

At least that’s what my first thought was when seeing Shiva, Baby! listed here.

5. Grave of the Fireflies (1988)

Sometimes described as the best movie you will only watch once, this anime film delivers a heavy emotional blow even its devotees note.

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Grave of the fireflies....never watching it again

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I just watched this for the first time, and it hit me hard. I love depressing movies, but there’s usually some kind of revelatory moment to at least make it somewhat uplifting in its own funny way. This one just hit so hard.

6. Red Rooms (2023)

Fans say this recent psychological thriller manages to keep audiences awake at night without relying on traditional graphic horror elements.

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I just watched this a few weeks ago. Legitimately one of the scariest movies I’ve ever watched. Was so good!

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Creeped me out. Such a good film.

7. All Quiet on the Western Front (2022)

Depictions of historical combat can be overwhelming, and this recent adaptation leaves a lastingly harsh mark.

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There’s more graphic depictions of war, but All Quiet on the Western Front (2022) has some really horrific moments

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The scene in the muddy pit haunts me, one of the worst things I’ve ever seen.

8. Saving Private Ryan (1998)

Steven Spielberg’s direction creates such a realistic portrayal of the D-Day landings that it shocked audiences upon release and continues to disturb new viewers.

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Does the opening scene of Saving Private Ryan count? So much carnage.

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I watched this movie only relatively recently after obviously hearing about it a bunch cause, ya know, it's Saving Private Ryan, and I was also taken aback by it. I'm really used to gore, but Spielberg is really good at presenting it in such a non-chalant and still overwhelming way that it gets to you. It wouldn't be the same if it wasn't also just a realistic depiction of that kind of infantry combat.

9. The Hunt (2012)

Mads Mikkelsen leads this tense drama about a community turning on one of its own, creating a unique icky feeling.

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The Hunt (2012) with Mads Mikkelson. Not horror but a horrifying premise that made me uber emotional.

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I couldn't finish this one. It had me so anxious it wasn't even worth it to continue.

10. Nightcrawler (2014)

Jake Gyllenhaal’s performance is so convincing, according to fans, that his character's lack of morality becomes physically repulsive to watch.

Comment in r/Letterboxd

I’ve never had an actor make me more uncomfortable in a non-horror movie than Jake Gyllenhaal in Nightcrawler. To say he played his role to perfection may be an understatement

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Nightcrawler is the most disturbing movie I had seen at the time. Knowing how many sick people are out there

What we fear doesn't just add up to monsters, ghosts, and serial killers. Sometimes quite ordinary reality (or a heightened version of it) is enough to turn your stomach. Which of these well-known titles makes you want to look away?

Want more movie lists? Check out the full thread in r/Letterboxd, or find more film discussions in r/movies, r/MovieSuggestions, and r/flicks.

This story highlights the perspectives of Reddit users, not Reddit, Inc. Some posts or comments may be lightly edited for clarity. Questions or concerns? Contact us at upvoted@reddit.com.

Life is long, and each new phase of life comes with its own problems and joys. Recently, someone polled the community on r/AskReddit, "Redditors over 40, what's something younger people think they understand but won't actually get until it hits them like a truck later?"

In the popular thread, thousands of people over 40 shared the realizations that only come with age.

1. Marry for friendship

Passion is great, but life is long. Experienced partners know that a shared sense of humor often outlasts the initial spark and gets you through the tough days.

Comment in r/AskReddit

My wife is my best friend, even when we get frustrated with each other, but no one makes me laugh like she does (besides myself; I'm hilarious) and I know she feels the same. We've both had relationships that weren't ultimately worth the effort, but we each recognize that what we have is special; a once in a lifetime connection, and we don't take that for granted. 

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100%
My spouse and I are best friends. I cannot imagine how miserable it must be to not have that. We just love being around and talking to each other so much. Nearing 25 years and closer than ever.

2. Your body requires maintenance

You might feel invincible in your 20s, but specific parts of your anatomy will deteriorate if you don't look after them now.

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Take care of your feet, your teeth and your ears.

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Really wish hearing protection was more of a thing when I was a teenager/early 20s

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How important stretching is. You just suddenly realize how stiff and sore you get as you get older and I feel like 40 is a big moment where you realize how sitting or sleeping wrong really hits you. Especially in your shoulders and back

3. The acceleration of time

Time feels different as you age. When you're young, a year is a lifetime of change; later, it passes in the blink of an eye.

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Time dilates. Years seam so long when you are young and so short when you are older. You do not in fact "have forever" to do that thing. Go do.

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I started travelling the world and seeing new things. Time slowed down again. We perceive time differently when we are learning and seeing new environments. As children, everything is new. But as we get older we tend to get anchored in place and less and less is new.

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When you’re young, you rush to grow up. You can’t wait to be independent, to make money, to build something, to “start your real life.”

Then one day you wake up and realize this was it. The real life was happening while you were busy planning the next phase. Nobody really warns you that the middle part flies.

You think you have time. Time to travel. Time to call. Time to fix that relationship. Time to say yes to something scary.

You tell yourself, “Next year.” Next year becomes five.

You work. You grind. You postpone joy like it’s a reward you haven’t earned yet.

And then your kids aren’t little anymore. Your parents move slower. Your own body reminds you it’s not twenty-five.

Days feel long when you’re young. Years feel short when you’re older.

If I could tell younger people one thing: Don’t wait for the perfect moment to live. It doesn’t arrive with fireworks. It slips by quietly while you’re distracted.

Call the person. Take the trip. Do the thing. Be present for the ordinary moments, because those are the ones you’ll miss the most.

4. Workplace reality

It can be a hard pill to swallow, but eventually you learn that your job is a business arrangement, not a family. Redditors warn that company loyalty often only goes one way.

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How little your job cares about you. It hits everyone hard when they are suddenly fired after years of creating profit for someone.

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And it won't hit your coworkers as hard as you think. There might be a moment if shared sympathy before they move on to their tasks. You are completely replaceable and your work friendship is ephemeral. 

5. The shifting definition of "old"

Age is relative. The goalposts tend to age up alongside you, leaving you surprised by how young you still feel at an age you once considered "old."

Comment in r/AskReddit

Younger people have some funny ideas about what qualifies as “old”. When they get to be the age that they consider old, and they don’t think they are old, then they’ll finally get the idea. 50 sounds really up there when you’re like 20, or so, but I’m 50, now, and I don’t feel old, at least not in the ways that I used to think defined an “old person”.

Edit: Thanks for the award and upvotes! Sorry, OP, wasn’t aiming to hijack your post.

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That 40 isn't old. Also, I wouldn't trade 40 for 20. Youthful bodies are nice and all, but they come with youthful, inexperienced brains too. Its a fair trade to be able to get experience and a little wisdom.

Of course, the flipside is that if you get to middle age without learning anything... ouch.

6. Friendship tiers

Crisis has a way of thinning out your social circle. You eventually learn the difference between people who are fun to hang out with, and people who actually show up when it matters.

Comment in r/AskReddit

Just because you are always there for someone and help them out doesn't mean they will return the favor when you are in need. To figure out the difference between reliable friends and takers who won't be around in your time of need, keep track of their patterns and keep track of how they talk about others and the stories in their lives. Think of these things are data points. You can still be acquaintances and enjoy the company of the takers, but know it's a oneway street with them.

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As I said to my Ma when pa died "some of your good friends are going to disappoint you, and some of people who are barely friends will amaze you, you need to be prepared for that"

7. Your body’s executive decisions

Lifestyle changes like going to bed early or drinking less aren't always born out of a conscious decision to be responsible — sometimes your physiology makes the call for you.

Comment in r/AskReddit

I think there were a lot of things I thought were “choices” middle aged adults made as part of growing up that made them seem less cool/ more sad to me at 20 (drinking less. Going to bed earlier. More practical clothes and hairstules. Less intense sports) that are really choices your body makes for you and, while everyone has a different experience, there’s no escaping the effects of aging 

Comment in r/AskReddit

I like that phrase "....choices your body makes for you". Very true, though most of us don't realize it until we get.....older.

8. No longer needing external validation

There is a massive sense of relief that comes when you realize most people aren't watching your every move and keeping a scorecard of your life.

Comment in r/AskReddit

Stop making personal choices based on what you believe people think of you/how they will react to you. Most people aren't paying attention to you, and even if they are, why should you care about what they think anyway? You don't need external validation, you need to do what makes you happy/fulfilled!

Comment in r/AskReddit

Most people do not think about you when they aren't directly interacting with you. Everyone has their own stuff going on and that's what they're thinking about. They're not thinking about the thing you're lying awake at night ruminating over. No one cares. Literally. You're good.

Comment in r/AskReddit

How to be comfortable and confident in yourself probably. Maybe it's just me but I just turned 40 and finally feel like I've turned into who I'm meant to be. Well, mostly.

The general consensus is that while the physical side of aging isn't always fun, the mental clarity, solid relationships, and sense of self that come with experience are worth the trade. It seems that while youth offers energy, age offers the perspective to actually enjoy it. What lesson hits home the hardest for you?

Want more life lessons? Read the full thread in r/AskReddit, and find more conversations like this in r/GenX, r/relationships, and r/DecidingToBeBetter.

This story highlights the perspectives of Reddit users, not Reddit, Inc. Some posts or comments may be lightly edited for clarity. Questions or concerns? Contact us at upvoted@reddit.com.

Deciding whether to return to the workforce after having a baby is a personal calculation involving finances, career goals, and emotional readiness. But for one mother living abroad, the lack of financial pressure actually made the choice harder. Feeling judged for her hesitation to return to her teaching job, she posted in r/beyondthebump, asking the community for their thoughts on her situation:

If you had the option to stay home full time, or work in whatever capacity you chose, what would you do?

I am in a very unique situation. I work abroad as a teacher and have very good benefits. My husband works with me as well in a managerial position. My son is 18 months old and was born in this country (we are not citizens). Because of my husband’s salary, I have had no need to go back to work in a rush. He has always told me it’s fully up to me. I am still nursing my son and I feel that we’re very close and I’m very tired all the time, the concept of going back to work just isn’t appealing to me. He’s so little and I like being with him all day, even if I am a bit lonely and lacking intellectual stimulation. The idea of getting him a full time English speaking nanny, waking up in the morning and getting ready, commuting to work, working for 8h+ only to rerun home and be mom immediately doesn’t sound fun to me.

People keep making backhanded comments to me about how I must be going crazy, how I need to wean him asap, how he’s too attached to me, and how my life seems sad and small.

I’m super curious to hear from actual moms out there who maybe didn’t get to choose and needed to return to work before they felt ready. If you could choose, what would you do?

Thanks! And this is an absolutely judgement free zone. I encourage all moms to do what’s best for them and I love and root for all of you!!

The comments quickly fills with honest reflections, debating the pros and cons of professional ambition versus domestic life.

Embracing the stay-at-home life

For many redditors, the opportunity to step away from the workforce is a privilege they wouldn't trade, despite the challenges of isolation. These parents emphasize that while days with a toddler can be repetitive, the emotional payoff of witnessing every milestone outweighs the desire for office recognition.

Comment in r/beyondthebump

I did get a choice and I chose to stay home, but there are definite benefits to both! There are days where I envy my husband for getting to leave the house and interact with other adults outside of the family. There are days where I feel like I miss the challenge of solving problems at work and getting recognition outside of my ability as a mom and wife. And there are many moments where my toddler is being loud/difficult and I'm sitting there like... god I wish I was just dealing with an annoying patient instead of being yelled at by this baby.

However for the most part SAHM is the perfect role for me. I know that if both me and my husband worked I would still end up doing more housework/childcare and it would make me resentful. I also feel really fulfilled on days where I get to do a lot of positive interactions with my toddler. Every time she has a first and I'm here to see it I am so excited. I never have to wonder if someone saying 'watch her close, shes really close to walking!' means that she had her first steps and I missed it or theyre being genuine.

What you chose probably should come down to where you get your fulfilment. For me, I would rather spend as much time as I can with my kid while she's little and into it than to have the freedom work provides, but I know there are definitely moms that get more fulfilment our of working and maintaining a sense of self outside of being a mom. Both have positives, and I think its normal to want a bit of both sides.

Comment in r/beyondthebump

My son is 18 months now and I also don't have any rush to go back to work. I've never been a career driven person and I'm the happiest ever being home 😂 I've also gotten comments about how I must be going insane but not at all

Comment in r/beyondthebump

I absolutely would not work. I love my job, but nothing would beat being home with my children. It’s a privilege I’d take advantage of eagerly.

The case for career and independence

Conversely, many mothers argued that working is essential not just for financial security, but for personal sanity. These folks pointed out that adult interaction, problem-solving, and financial independence are crucial components to happiness that staying home with an infant simply cannot provide.

Comment in r/beyondthebump

I had to return to work, but I also wanted to. It’s deeply deeply personal. I’m a better mom because I work. I need the adult interaction and the stimulation. Not everyone does, and that’s okay. I’m honestly surprised you’ve been getting that reaction. I got the opposite: “oh are you DREADING going back to work?” “You must be so sad leaving your baby.” Kind of guilting me for wanting to be a working mom. I got over it, but it was frustrating that somehow people thought I loved my child less because I couldn’t be glued to him 24/7.

Comment in r/beyondthebump

Where I live they have a very good maternity leave (22 months) and I decided to go back to work part time afterwards. It was the best decision I made. Being at home with my daughter was nice, but it got very tiring and repetitive after a while. Plus, despite going to other mom and kid groups, I never clicked with anyone. Never found that “village” since I dont have family or friends nearby.

Going to work means being able to actually use my brain for things other than housework, baby stuff, being overstimulated, etc. It feels nice to actually problem solve and use critical thinking skills. Plus, sometimes I have only work 4 days during the week and on my off day I still send my child to daycare and spend that time alone to RELAX. It’s absolutely glorious to take a nap and watch some tv without any disruptions.

Comment in r/beyondthebump

I enjoy my job. I’m not a “climb the corporate ladder type” but I do like having coworkers and problem solving.

I also like having my own money and not being dependent on someone else.

Comment in r/beyondthebump

Work 100%. I would never give up my financial independence. You never know what could happen. I also enjoy my career and feel like I make a difference in people’s lives. It is rewarding for me.

The part-time scenario

A significant portion of the thread rejected the binary choice entirely, arguing that the dream scenario isn't all or nothing. For these parents, the ability to maintain a professional identity while still being present for school pickups represents the ultimate luxury.

Comment in r/beyondthebump

It’s funny because we started new daycare today and I cried. Cried about leaving him cried about him being sick or missing me. But ultimately his last daycare he had friends and he likes playing with other kids and I know he’s in good hands. I have a PhD and a career. So for me I worked so hard to get here. But I still feel so conflicted. I envy my husband who has never once thought about staying home. No fault of his own I just don’t think society ever really puts the onus on men.

In an ideal world I would do part time, personally, and have Friday-Monday with my kiddo and Tuesday-Wednesday at school

Comment in r/beyondthebump

If I had the choice, I would still work but I would work LESS. Like, a lot less, maybe half time.

Comment in r/beyondthebump

Same. I’d love to be part time. I love what I do, but doing it full time while commuting so far to work (50 minutes each way) is exhausting. I’d love to work 9-3, Monday-Thursday, and then have Friday to clean the house and run errands while my kid is at daycare.

Comment in r/beyondthebump

This is me, I have done some projects here and there and am hoping to go back to a part-time role soon.

I definitely want to go back once he’s in school so I want to keep my resume fresh.

To me, it feels like working is a break from mothering and mothering is a break from work. It’s a good balance.

The comments show how there is no single correct way to navigate parenthood and career. Whether commuting, teaching a classroom, or managing a toddler's tantrums, every path comes with its own set of sacrifices and rewards. Ultimately, the community rallied around the idea that the best choice is simply the one that works for the specific family involved. What's your preference?

Want more parenting discussions? Read all the responses in r/beyondthebump, and find more conversations like this in r/Parenting, r/Mommit, and r/workingmoms.

This story highlights the perspectives of Reddit users, not Reddit, Inc. Some posts or comments may be lightly edited for clarity. Questions or concerns? Contact us at upvoted@reddit.com.

While there are general beliefs about travel, there's an exception to every rule, and everyone has their own experiences and opinions. Recently a redditor asked the community on r/travel to share their unpopular travel opinion:

What is your travel hot take?

Mine is that I like planning trips sometimes more than taking the actual trip. My feet don't hurt that way lol. And also fancy hotels are crucial for me enjoying a trip!

This kicked off a viral thread, where the travelers of Reddit exchanged and debated their own hot takes.

1. You don't need to make friends with the locals

While the idea of immersing yourself in a culture by befriending residents sounds romantic, redditors point out that in reality, most people are just trying to go about their daily lives without entertaining tourists.

Comment in r/travel

Unless you’re already friends, most of the time “connecting with locals” while travelling is either incredibly contrived or cringe.

Comment in r/travel

If you're one of those people who needs to meet locals, you really should be hanging out at the most touristy spots in your home town and trying to meet people there. After all, people from other places are just as interesting in the Applebee's at Times Square as they are in Prague or Bangkok.

2. Checked luggage is superior to carry-on

Sticking to carry-on has become the strict standard for efficient travel, but many redditors on the thread argue that the freedom of packing full-sized liquids and not having to fight for overhead bin space is worth the wait at baggage claim.

Comment in r/travel

I prefer traveling with checked luggage.

• I mostly travel with direct flights. If a layover is required, I'll buffer it overnight.

• As I get older, I travel less, but I prioritize comfort more. This also means creature comforts in my carry on.

• No stress lifting heavy suitcases into overheads.

• No stress with hilarious asian 7kg carry-on limits.

• No fussing with liquid limits.

• Lots of room for bringing home whatever I want.

• I usually buy more flexible tickets with checked luggage allowance anyway, given my weaker passport.

• I have no concerns about waiting at the baggage belt. I usually have to go through manual border controls anyway, so luggage is usually there once I'm out. If it's not, I don't mind waiting 5-15 minutes.

• If luggage does get delayed, I have no qualms buying replacement clothes for a bit.

• If luggage does get completely lost, I can put that on insurance. Everything valuable travels on my person.

Comment in r/travel

I agree. It also means not dealing with the hand to hand combat of the overhead bins.

3. It's rewarding to repeat destinations

Social media often treats travel like a to-do list to be completed, but veteran travelers insist there is a deep, specific comfort in returning to a place you love.

Comment in r/travel

It’s totally fine to go to the same destination over and over again. Travel is about spending your precious free time and money doing things you enjoy, not putting as many pins into a map as possible.

Comment in r/travel

I actually think people form memories better with repeat appearances in the same places. Returning reinforces the memories from the last time you were there. You talk about last time and get reminded of things. If you never return then the events slip into the ether, but by coming back you reinforce them.

4. Best friends don't always make the best travel buddies

Friendship compatibility doesn't always translate to travel compatibility. Redditors warn that different budgets, energy levels, and organizational styles can ruin a trip regardless of your relationship back home.

Comment in r/travel

Most of your friends won't be "Travel Friends".

Only travel with people who fit/complement your travel style. I don't care if they're your BFF, if they don't meet the travel friend criteria, don't travel with them.

• Energy match

• Organizational compatibility

• Schedule compatibility

• Financial compatibility

• Together/alone time compatibility

Comment in r/travel

This is a very underestimated truth!

Especially as you're getting older and your daily (& travel daily) habits are more and more set, you need to make bigger concessions to accommodate your travel buddies and naturally, so must they. I really don't enjoy travelling with friends/family anymore, unless it's well understood what we do together and when we each do our own thing. And in any case, I prefer to only travel with SO.

5. Fast food as a cultural lens

Foodies might cringe, but seasoned travelers love to check out regional variations of major fast-food chains and see it as a genuinely fun cultural experience.

Comment in r/travel

I actually enjoy trying out the local McDonald's while traveling abroad. I still eat at other restaurants, but it is kind of cool to see the regional differences. Macarons at McDonald's in Paris were on point. I had Sacher Torte at McDonald's/McCafe in Austria. Japan had a shrimp burger and chocolate pie. German McDonald's served beer.

And yeah. Sometimes I just get a cheeseburger because I am tired and want a cheeseburger.

On that note, I really hate influencers who try to convince you that you just HAVE to eat X while you're in Y city. I don't HAVE to do anything. It is my trip.

Comment in r/travel

I like to see what kinds of chicken nugget sauces are in different countries. I also like going to Subway restaurants for the same reason, footlongs of the world!

6. Ordinary errands can be fun in a new city

You don't need a major landmark to soak up the vibe of a new city. For many, simply doing mundane things like grocery shopping or visiting a playground provides a unique window into local life.

Comment in r/travel

Travelling with kids and doing ordinary family activities like visiting local playgrounds / parks / swimming pools is actually quite fun.

Yeah, I know I can do all of this back home but I just enjoy being in a different place, with different people, different food, whatever.

Comment in r/travel

my favorite thing is "ordinary activities". I love a local cafe or walking trail!!!

7. Reclaiming the "tourist trap"

While "tourist trap" is a dirty word for many, others defend popular sites, saying that crowds gather where there is genuinely something genuinely worth seeing.

Comment in r/travel

I love going to tourist traps/tourist areas because I’m a tourist.

Comment in r/travel

That there are tourist traps that are wholly worthy: e.g. Blue Lagoon in Iceland and theme parks in Orlando come to mind.

Comment in r/travel

Prioritize the touristy things to do when you're traveling. There's a very good reason they're crowded. If millions of people go somewhere, it's because it's freaking awesome.

I see people on Instagram saying that you should go to Italy, but skip Rome and Venice but go to some small towns in central Italy.

As someone that's been to Italy 3 times, going to Italy and prioritizing small rural towns instead of Rome and Venice is like going to a Michelin star steakhouse, and ordering a pepperoni pizza.

8. The efficiency of the short stay

Though some think that every major city requires a week to explore, others think a focused visit of 2–4 days is perfectly sufficient. As long as it's well-planned, you can have a complete and legitimate travel experience.

Comment in r/travel

My hot take is that you can get a good general overview of any city in 2-4 days, depending on its size and number of popular attractions. Sure, staying there for a month or whatever would be lovely, but that's a luxury that many cannot afford. You'll need to put some steps into your daily exploration and not spend an entire afternoon in a cafe reading a book though.

Comment in r/travel

I just commented the exact same thing before seeing this, I agree, hit it, see it and keep moving. It annoys me when ppl ask for travel advice here and someone tells them they are doing too much and should stay in one place for 2 weeks.

9. The value of luxury and comfort

Splurging on a high-quality hotel and business-class flight can significantly enhance the overall success of a vacation. For many, comfort is not an expense to be avoided, but an essential part of the travel experience itself.

Comment in r/travel

I don't agree with the school of "I don't care about the hotel. It's just some place where I'll sleep." I want to feel good there, maybe come back between activities and enjoy a cocktail and snacks, have a quality bed and good shower.

Currently in London where I decided to save money by getting a cheaper hotel. I'm not rich, but I won't be doing this again. The shower door was broken, the faucet encrusted in limestone and found a big long hair there. The furniture is nicked and worn, the walls are thin so you can hear everything from the other rooms. Not all channels on the tv work.

This place has an 8 on Booking. It's supposed to be good value for your money, but it isn't a pleasure to come back to. It's made me realize that a decent, not even a great hotel, is part of the pleasure of the travel experience. I'm here for 5 days and if I'd paid maybe 150€ more total I would have had that decent room.

I'll be paying that difference next time because for me the hotel is part of the travel experience.

Comment in r/travel

I'm 46 and have money. I have zero interest in "budget" travel. I fly business class if a flight is over three hours or at a time I want to sleep and stay in 4-5 star hotels, usually on the club level if they have it. I care about value, but no, I'm not staying at a $50/night hotel or want the cheapest banh mi in the city. I prioritize my comfort and quality over cost on vacation.

Travel isn’t about ticking boxes or impressing anyone; it’s about chasing the moments that allow you to have a good time. Whether that means eating McDonalds in Austria or staying in five-star hotels, feel free to make your trip what you wat.

Want more travel advice like this? Read the full discussion in r/travel, and find more conversations like this in r/solotravel, r/vacations, and r/backpacking.

This story highlights the perspectives of Reddit users, not Reddit, Inc. Some posts or comments may be lightly edited for clarity. Questions or concerns? Contact us at upvoted@reddit.com.

Dating is hard, and when you're meeting lots of new people, you're bound to encounter certain qualities that are immediate turn-offs. Recently, a redditor asked the r/AskReddit community, "Women, what is a near-universal 'ick' in the dating world?"

In the thread, redditors share the specific behaviors, comments, and attitudes that cause people to suddenly feel that the romantic potential with a person has vanished.

1. Poor hygiene

If the basics of cleanliness aren't met, nothing else matters. Redditors agree that bad smells and a lack of grooming are the fastest ways to ensure there isn't a second date.

Comment in r/AskReddit

Not washing hands after the bathroom, or just lacking in basic hygiene.

Comment in r/AskReddit

Agreed. I’ve been thoroughly showering, shaving, brushing, doing makeup, and doing hair for nearly my entire life. My routine doesn’t take too long, all things considered - maybe 40 mins., including hair that needs multiple steps to just lay down. Guaranteed most guys need to do less. Just be clean (good 10-15 minute shower will do it) and really brush your teeth. That’s why this is a non-negotiable.

Comment in r/AskReddit

Very long fingernails. I can’t imagine that most people (women) with them can or do clean under their nails thoroughly after a trip to the bathroom. Also I was told by a public health researcher that a majority of men and a a large percentage of women do not wash their hands after a visit to bathrooms at sporting venues. To this I say, “know your date!”

2. Failing to ask any questions

A date should be a dialogue, not a lecture. Redditors express frustration with partners who treat a dinner date like a podcast recording where the other person is merely an audience member.

Comment in r/AskReddit

When they ask zero questions about you and treat the date like a 60-minute podcast where they are the only guest.

Comment in r/AskReddit

I am not kidding. I recently went on a date that was almost 2 hours and not once did he ask one single question about my life. Not one. By the end of the day, he literally didn’t even know what I did for work or what I did every day of my life.

3. Arguing for the sake of being "right"

There is a difference between healthy debate and disagreeing just for the sake of it. People find it exhausting when a date feels the need to play devil's advocate regarding every single topic.

Comment in r/AskReddit

Being a contrarian no matter what is said

Comment in r/AskReddit

Strange how they never seem to advocate for anyone but the devil.

4. Insulting past relationships

When a person describes all of their past partners as crazy, the common denominator is them. This red flag suggests a lack of accountability and self-awareness.

Comment in r/AskReddit

They're typically "crazy" because they found out they were cheated on, lied to, etc. The main part about why they're crazy gets left out or lied about.

Comment in r/AskReddit

Talking about your ex, unprompted, in a disparaging manner.

5. Outsourcing texting to AI

In the modern dating landscape, using tools like ChatGPT to write messages is becoming a new pet peeve. It signals laziness and raises questions about how the person will communicate in real life.

Comment in r/AskReddit

They use ChatGPT to write text messages - usually I can tell because of a sudden, dramatic change in structure and tone. 

Comment in r/AskReddit

A girl I was seeing did this, I kept wondering why certain responses read so strangely. Then I started using ChatGPT for something and noticed the similarities. I wasn't annoyed, but it sat with me in a weird way, since me and her have no issue talking in reality.

6. Being condescending

Few things kill a romantic spark faster than being treated as if you are unintelligent or incapable. Redditors say condescension is a massive ick, regardless of the context.

Comment in r/AskReddit

Somehow the guy who asked me questions but then proceeded to patronize me every answer I gave was far worse. Telling me I chose the wrong degree. Telling me my job was “low value”. Asking me why I was single then calling me a liar and saying I must have multiple boyfriends.

And he wanted to go on a second more romantic date!!

Comment in r/AskReddit

When I was working on my PhD, I went on a date with a guy who kept implying that I had no idea what it was like to work hard, was unemployed because he thought teaching/research wasn't real work, didn't understand how to manage money because I spent $5 more than him on lunch (I paid for myself), etc. Only for it to come out towards the end of the date that he was unemployed and living with his Aunt because his parents kicked him out.

Genuinely bizarre social experience. He seemed shocked when I said it wasn't going to work out.

7. Acting like a victim

When someone acts like a victim or complains about being "friendzoned," they ignore the fact that genuine connections are built on mutual attraction rather than perceived merit.

Comment in r/AskReddit

Meeting a woman on a first date and crying to her about how women are not interested in him

Comment in r/AskReddit

Oh, there is absolutely a story. I was in my selective dating phase, doing my usual coffee shop screening ritual. I walked in and immediately spotted my date because his nervous energy practically greeted me at the door.

We sat down, and before I could even settle in, he opened with the unforgettable line: “I don’t know why women don’t like me.” As his introduction. In my mind I thought, you are sitting with a woman right now, and perhaps the mystery would solve itself if you did not start with a monologue about rejection. Naturally, I kept that thought to myself.

Six minutes later, I made my graceful exit with the classic emergency line about needing to take my friend to the doctor. A dramatic escape worthy of a daytime soap.

Comment in r/AskReddit

Ross from Friends energy.

Oversharing, trying to appear vulnerable but something off about it like thinly veiled anger, victimhood, intrusiveness.

8. Being rude to others

How a person treats others says so much about them. In addition, outbursts of rage, or even minor fits of temper, are serious warning signs that should never be ignored.

Comment in r/AskReddit

Yeah, service people definitely, but why be rude to anyone? Like thats just an overall bad sign no matter who it is.

Comment in r/AskReddit

Manners. I don't care how handsome you are or your career path. If you slob around, neg for attention, and have the temperament of a toddler, "No thank you."

9. Using online lingo like "alpha"

Self-proclaimed status symbols and buzzwords often signal deep insecurity rather than strength. When dates rely on internet subculture lingo to define their worth, it indicates a lack of an original personality.

Comment in r/AskReddit

Calling yourself an alpha

Comment in r/AskReddit

I am a programmer, so for me, I always hear people talking about themselves as an alpha in the same way I look at the alpha stage of software development. Alpha stage = broken, full of bugs and flaws, and unfit for public use. Pretty much sums up anyone who is a self-proclaimed alpha perfectly.

A first date is a vibe check for basic human decency, not a test of your endurance. If you spend the night scouting for the nearest exit, trust your gut and move on. The right person will make you comfortable and happy to be there.

Want more conversations like this? Read the full discussion in r/AskReddit, and find more conversations like this in r/dating, r/relationships, and r/socialskills.

This story highlights the perspectives of Reddit users, not Reddit, Inc. Some posts or comments may be lightly edited for clarity. Questions or concerns? Contact us at upvoted@reddit.com.

Dining out is ideally a relaxing experience, but few realize that just beyond those swinging doors is often a chaotic kitchen environment. One redditor who has worked in kitchens posted in r/KitchenConfidential, asking, "[What's the] craziest thing you saw someone do in a kitchen?" They continued with their own:

Yesterday I saw a post of someone dipping their coated hand in the fryer and it reminded me of a sous chef I used to work with. This guy had burnt off all the nerves in his fingertips over the years to the point where he would hold his bare finger tip in the fryer for multiple seconds and show no reaction.

In the comments, service industry veterans discuss the toughest, and strangest, scenes from their culinary careers.

The mystery of kitchen hands

Years of working in extreme heat causes veterans to develop a startling resistance to temperatures that would be debilitating to others.

Comment in r/KitchenConfidential

I have no feeling in the tips of my fingers on my right hand ..I was a chef/sous chef many years ago ..I can pull fajita type skillets out of 450 degree convection oven with no towel ..albeit I can only handle them a few seconds cause skin will cook before I feel it

Comment in r/KitchenConfidential

In the early 90's we called this Fryolator Races. You had 60 seconds to egg wash/ bread your finger and whoever pulled up first had to clean the dryer.

Comment in r/KitchenConfidential

Just got shortbreads out of the oven. The baking pan somehow slid off the stainless steel station it was resting on, idk if someone bumped it or what.

So, reflexively, I go to catch the pan before it hits the ground. And I caught it! Gave myself second degree burns on my dominant hand and had to spend the night with my hand in a glass of ice when I wasn't working on orders, but I saved the shortbread.

Not quite as bad as the time something slipped off the pan into the deep fryer that wasn't supposed to be there. Reflexes came to the...whatever the opposite of rescue is, once again.

People don't understand how I've been out of the industry for years and still got kitchen hands. Baby, that's nerve damage :')

Shocking hygiene habits

High-pressure shifts can lead to behavior that completely ignores sanitary standards, creating a stomach-turning environment for coworkers.

Comment in r/KitchenConfidential

Saw a guy eat out of the dish pit full of nasty water. Grabbed a piece of pork from there that came from some customers plate and just ate it

Comment in r/KitchenConfidential

I once saw a cook clean a deli meat slicer by leaving it on and holding the towel on the rotating blade. He didn't lose any fingers though so it worked out for him.

Comment in r/KitchenConfidential

I worked at a grocery store that had a kitchen/deli for a while.

One of the more...interesting...short-term employees took my (personal) thick dishwashing gloves and wore them while cleaning the toilets. Then she ran the gloves through the dishwasher. I didn't use those gloves again. I don't remember what we did to clean the dishwasher...probably nothing

Questionable food handling

The cooks in these stories prioritized speed or personal convenience over the most basic food safety protocols.

Comment in r/KitchenConfidential

I watched a dude take his hat off, push his hair back and start making more food. All while his hands were covered in raw sausage.

Comment in r/KitchenConfidential

Had a coworker get disciplined for yelling “five second rule” after dropping a steak. she was trying to be funny, but it was an open kitchen….

Comment in r/KitchenConfidential

In a pretzel shop this girl couldn't grasp why we had to throw away the butter and start a new one because a fly got in it. She asked why we were getting rid of it and we told her because of the bug and she was just like "so we can't use it anymore...? 🤨"

Comment in r/KitchenConfidential

Head chef at a steakhouse dropped a big piece of prime rib on the floor, picked it up with tongs, wiped it off with his bare hands, dipped it in the jus and threw it on the plate for the customer....

Equipment chaos and accidents

Commercial kitchens rely on heavy machinery that can lead to massive destruction if handled incorrectly. These stories capture the moment things go wrong, resulting in environment-altering messes and body-altering accidents.

Comment in r/KitchenConfidential

I saw a guy on his first day try to make Russian dressing in a 20 quart mixer. Put all the ingredients in and turned it on but it was left on setting 3. Rookie mistake but bad on the last user. You can imagine the mess and it left his outline on the wall behind him like a murder ( which it was). He cleaned it up. Finished his shift and I never saw him again.

Comment in r/KitchenConfidential

Kid with a busstub full of ice balanced it for a split second on the edge of the fryer.

It tipped in, he tried to rescue it and was splashed in the face with a mushroom cloud of hot grease.

I never saw him again after that.

Comment in r/KitchenConfidential

When I was a dishie I pulled some steel scrubbies apart and sliced my hand open, it was a bloody mess. Found out my boss is sensitive to blood. Ended up needed stitches.

Comment in r/KitchenConfidential

I saw a guy slicing onions on an automatic slicer set to the highest speed, the blade opened about a half inch, and not stopping it in between each onion. He ran his palm across the blade and removed the entire meat off of his hand.

The experiences shared by the r/KitchenConfidential community illustrate a side of the restaurant industry that many diners never consider. These moments show how, in a high-pressure work culture, quick thinking can take precedence over standard procedure. What is the wildest thing you have ever seen in a kitchen?

Want more behind-the-scenes restaurant stories like this? Read the full discussion in r/KitchenConfidential, and find more conversations in r/TalesFromYourServer, r/ChefLife, and r/ServerLife.

This story highlights the perspectives of Reddit users, not Reddit, Inc. Some posts or comments may be lightly edited for clarity. Questions or concerns? Contact us at upvoted@reddit.com.

Dating can feel like constantly navigating a minefield of red flags, but what about the signs you've found a good one? Recently, a redditor asked the community on r/AskReddit, what are the universally agreed upon "green flags" when dating men?

In the popular thread, redditors share the green flags that instantly signal a partner is safe, kind, and relationship material.

1. Engaging in subtle acts of service

Care is demonstrated through small acts of service that anticipate a partner's needs. These gestures show a deep level of observation and a desire to make a partner's life slightly easier without seeking praise.

Comment in r/AskReddit

Subtle acts of caring. Once fell asleep at my bf’s house but forgot to plug my phone in. He specifically made sure it was plugged in because he knows I call my grandma every morning and didn’t want my phone to be dead or dying.

Comment in r/AskReddit

My wife frequently tells people that she knew I was sticking around and a keeper when I did the dishes the morning after the first time I stayed at her place because she didn’t have any clean coffee mugs. I suppose I could’ve just cleaned one mug for myself, but it didn’t really occur to me. I saw a sink with dirty dishes in it, and we both needed coffee and for the dishes to be clean so I cleaned them. I didn’t realize until she brought it up months later that it was an unusual reaction to that situation. I’m not trying to brag here, just want to provide an example scenario for some young dude who may be unsure of how to be a better partner.

Comment in r/AskReddit

My wife was sleeping while being passenger princess and I lowered the visor to keep the sun off of her face. And she nearly cried over it. The smallest thing showing you care even if it’s something you’d do for a stranger is a huge thing

Comment in r/AskReddit

One of the first times I went out with my boyfriend, he got me a soda and right before handing it to me he did that small first twist of the cap to make it easier to open. It was a very small, simple thing, but he does little things like that a lot. Simple consideration is the best.

2. Active listening and genuine curiosity

A conversation should be a tennis match, not a lecture. Redditors value partners who ask follow-up questions and show real interest in their lives rather than just waiting for their turn to speak.

Comment in r/AskReddit

Ask you questions and get interested in your life instead of only talking about themselves.

Comment in r/AskReddit

Communication:

- He is able to listen to what you say

- He is able to share how he feels as well

To be honest, this is a 2-way street. I love how my partner listens to me and tries to either offer help, or just a listening ear depending on my needs, but also when he is struggling with something or needs a listening ear, he is not afraid to be open and he knows how to speak his mind in a normal way too. I do my best to be available as well.

Comment in r/AskReddit

When they ask how are you, they actually listen to your answer

3. Good hygiene and basic adulting

This might seem like a low bar, but a tidy home and basic cleanliness are major indicators that a man can manage life effectively on his own — without needing a partner to step in as a parent.

Comment in r/AskReddit

definitely good hygiene. you'd be shocked sometimes how much of men don't wash their hands after using the washroom or eating greasy food

i know it's nothing too crazy but one guy i dated had a really greasy cellphone (which he wouldn't stop pulling out during our date) instant turnoff tbh.

Comment in r/AskReddit

Good hygiene, keeping his home tidy, being friendly and helpful to his community. My fiancé had me looking at him with heart eyes when he met my dog for the first time and introduced himself by extending a hand to the dog to sniff and saying, "Nice to meet you, sir." When I found out he would spend his weekends chopping firewood for his retired coworker (a little old lady who lived alone), I literally melted into a puddle of adoration. 

Comment in r/AskReddit

Good hygiene, personality and can keep a tidy living space and manage his own life without being told like a teenager. None of us wanna feel like a man's mother.

Comment in r/AskReddit

Being a functioning adult capable of basic everyday tasks instead of pretending they don’t know how to clean up after themselves or practice basic hygiene

4. Following through on promises

Integrity is attractive. When a partner says they will handle something, trusting that it will actually get done lifts a huge mental load off the relationship and builds long-term reliability.

Comment in r/AskReddit

Someone who follows through with their words. Talk is cheap.

There’s nothing like a “I’ll handle it” dude who handles it without it having to be brought up again.

(this applies to anyone also, regardless of gender)

Comment in r/AskReddit

This is actually an interesting one!

I've seen men lose their partners because they went back on their own words.

Saying stuff like, leave it and I'll handle it, then they never handle it.

Being unreliable to other people is offputting, but seeing someone being unreliable even to themselves... That's another level of offputting. If you can't help yourself, if you can't follow through with your own goals, dreams, ambitions and objectives... How can you be a mutually beneficial partner?

5. Remembering the little details

When a partner recalls a small preference or story told in passing, it shows that they are not just hearing the words, but actually caring about the person speaking them.

Comment in r/AskReddit

My partner, 3 weeks into us dating, bought me a Christmas gift. Not just any Christmas gift, but a box of cinnamon buns (my favorite food), 2 tubs of pink gum (my favorite gum), a gift card to a craft store, and 2 massive canvases. He hadn't even known me a month and he knew all these things about me. That's how I knew he was the one. We are now at 5.5 years and common law partners

Comment in r/AskReddit

Something similar for me. I was dating someone and they casually told me when their birthday was. That was the last mention of it, but when it came up a few months later I gave her a small gift. She was floored by the fact that I remembered. The dating didn't work out but we're great friends, very much mutually supportive. She's an amazing woman and I'm so lucky she's my friend.

Comment in r/AskReddit

he once noticed I was shivering and just silently draped his jacket over my shoulders. Didn't make a big deal about it. That was 8 years ago.

6. Treating others with respect

How a person treats other people or animals says a lot about them. From respecting waitstaff during a chaotic shift or being kind to strangers, this provides a reliable preview of a person's long-term integrity and empathy.

Comment in r/AskReddit

When I was younger and still dating, I paid attention to how they would talk about people they didn't find attractive or how they would talk to staff at places like a restaurant. I felt like people who did these things were shallow, lacked empathy, and were short-sighted.

Comment in r/AskReddit

Everyone I know agrees it's a huge green flag that animals and small children always warm up to my guy immediately

Comment in r/AskReddit

The real personality comes out when they think no one is watching them.

While the list of green flags is extensive, the underlying themes are empathy, consistency, and respect. It's clear that for many, the "perfect" partner is not defined by a single heroic act, but by a thousand tiny, considerate ones. These behaviors foster an environment of safety and mutual growth, which is ultimately what most people are searching for in a partner. Which of these behaviors do you think is the biggest indicator that a relationship has real potential?

Want more relationship discussions? Read the full thread in r/AskReddit, and find more conversations like this in r/datingoverthirty, r/relationships, and r/socialskills.

This story highlights the perspectives of Reddit users, not Reddit, Inc. Some posts or comments may be lightly edited for clarity. Questions or concerns? Contact us at upvoted@reddit.com.

Many vacationers are turned off by doing the laundry on their last day and are returning to the reliability of traditional hospitality. A discussion in r/unpopularopinion highlights a divide in how people choose to spend their vacation nights. While private rentals dominated the last decade, many travelers are exhausted by hidden fees and extensive chore lists, prompting a return to the ease and predictability of professional hospitality.

The luxury of doing nothing

Professional hospitality offers a total escape from domestic labor through standardized check-out procedures and built-in cleaning service. Travelers often prioritize the luxury of leaving a room without the responsibility of vacuuming or stripping linens.

Comment in r/unpopularopinion

I've stayed in dozens, maybe hundreds of hotels, and they're easier and simpler to deal with. Not a fan of AirBnbs at all.

Comment in r/unpopularopinion

Agreed. Hotels are just simpler, no chore lists, no awkward host rules. I’m on vacation to relax, not follow instructions.

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Hotels are always more relaxed. You do what you want and leave.

Airbnb is really mostly good if you need a specfc type of place. Or a unique location. Or people that want to live in local areas on vacation.

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I stayed at one that required us to be out by 9am on checkout day AND do a list of chores that included vacuuming/sweeping, stripping the beds and starting the laundry, starting the dishwasher, put the garbage out, and still charged a "cleaning fee."

Also had one that had cameras in every room "for security" (did not stay there, I left my friends and went to a hotel).

I never choose to stay at them - someone else books and I'm stuck with it, so be it, but I prefer a hotel.

Space for the whole group

Groups and families frequently find that private homes provide the necessary space and functional kitchens for their specific travel needs. Separate bedrooms and laundry facilities offer a level of flexibility that standard hotel layouts cannot match.

Comment in r/unpopularopinion

Traveling with kids airbnb is way better; for the same price as a standard hotel room you get a two bedroom apt with a full kitchen. Being able to cook real food (breakfast at a minimum) saves a fortune.

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We did an AirBnB when we went on a vacation with our toddler and wanted to stay up past his bedtime. It's difficult to do that if you are in a one room hotel.

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Airbnb is only fun to me when you are with a big group of people and then the idea of a grown up sleep over before something like a wedding or birthday makes sense

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We do an annual ski trip with friends, and many of the ski houses are way more unique and fun than the limited number of hotels that are near the resorts that inflate their prices. There’s a Spring Hill Suites by one of the mountains we frequent that is $600-800 per night for a one bed suite, we can get a 5 bedroom ski house with a hot tub for $1200-1600 per night and split that with 10 people - which also means cooking facilities (especially for lunch) and places to all hang out together.

Predictability and safety

Standardized lodging provides a predictable environment and on-site staff to handle emergencies or quality concerns. Reliability remains a primary factor for those seeking to avoid the risks and headaches associated with unregulated private listings.

Comment in r/unpopularopinion

My last three Airbnb experiences have been awful. Not using it anymore. From not being able to get in at check in because the host is shopping, to no curtains in the whole flat because 'they need cleaning', refusing cancellations in the time frame and no dishware and not having a kettle because it's broken and it's a holiday for host too so they're celebrating.....

No customer service whatsoever and that's without the not having anywhere to leave your bags between check in. Then there's actual Airbnb with their awful customer service too

Comment in r/unpopularopinion

Airbnb is not for me. I booked an airbnb before which was supposed to be the whole property. When I got there it was a room in a house. The people were strange and the woman seem like she was hitting on me. I got swinger vibes. I was like screw this and left. Airbnb gave me £100 voucher to use next time. When I did use it the host cancelled and the voucher was gone. Airbnb never gave it back. A hotel does not come with this kind of argo.

A cousin of mine in France used to do airbnb in France. He always had girls booking the room who wanted to hookup. IDK what Airbnb is actually all about but its bizarre to me.

Comment in r/unpopularopinion

I am in the “what if something goes wrong“ camp and that’s why I’ll always choose hotels. No worries about late night access. If something is broken in your room they’ll send up a spare, or someone to fix it, or get you a new room. You can always escalate to a manager, or corporate. Hotel employees are used to working in hotels, they’re not some average Joe with no experience who thought it would be fun to make some money renting out their home.

Comment in r/unpopularopinion

I just haven't felt safe the last 2 times I stayed in an AirBnB when I did feel safe before.

For one stay, there was a sliding glass door off the living room to the outside. The latch was rusted through and broken so it was impossible to lock, the door just slid open no matter what. I sent a picture to the owner and they accused us of breaking it even though it was clearly an old issue and said they couldn't fix until after our stay but the area was safe.

The second time, I noticed there was a photo review of the "house rules" posted on the app. The house rules showed the entry code which was the exact entry code we were given and still listed on the house rules. When I asked the owner, they confirmed they don't change the code between stays?! I asked what would stop anyone who's stayed here before from coming back and I got brushed off with a "no one has ever complained about this before".

The rising cost of a stay

The economic landscape has shifted as rising fees and taxes move rental costs closer to traditional hotel rates. Ethical concerns regarding housing availability and the impact on local neighborhoods also influence how people choose where to stay.

Comment in r/unpopularopinion

Air bnb had its moment of being really great. Maybe a five year window when it was popular enough that you could find good options anywhere in the world, but before every man and their dog was trying to cash in on the trend and doing the bare minimum.

Comment in r/unpopularopinion

I don’t use Airbnb because their short term rentals have ruined my neighborhood (Venice Beach) and have contributed to locals getting priced out of a lot of cool cities (Barcelona, New Orleans etc).

Comment in r/unpopularopinion

Possibly unpopular 10 years ago when airbnbs were literally HUNDREDS of dollars cheaper than hotels, but since the pandemic they are as, if not MORE, expensive and have none of the perks of a real hotel.

Verdict: NOT UNPOPULAR!!!

Comment in r/unpopularopinion

Airbnbs were fine when they were far cheaper than a hotel was. That’s… why you did them. Someone rented out their garage to make a little money. It wasn’t ever intended for them to compete with hotels.

The conversation suggests a shift among some travelers: the novelty of staying in a stranger's home has worn off for many of them. While private rentals remain appealing to those who need a kitchen or multiple bedrooms, other vacationers will happily trade the washing machine for a concierge and the cleaning fee for room service. For many, the goal of a vacation is to leave daily chores behind, not to perform them in a different location. Where do you plan to stay on your next trip?

Want more travel stories like this? Read the full discussion in r/unpopularopinion, and find similar conversations in r/travel, r/vacation, and r/frugal.

This story highlights the perspectives of Reddit users, not Reddit, Inc. Some posts or comments may be lightly edited for clarity. Questions or concerns? Contact us at upvoted@reddit.com.

For many travelers, the airline boarding process is a specific kind of purgatory. Do you crowd the gate hoping to snag a spot for your bag, or do you sit back and relax until the final call? In a thread on r/unpopularopinion, one traveler sparked a massive debate by suggesting that being among the last to board is actually the superior choice. The author of the post argues:

Every terminal I’ve ever been to, I see people anxiously waiting their turn to board. I don’t get it. It simply doesn’t make any sense to me to prolong your time in the flying beer can.

I want to spend as little time as possible inside the cabin and as much time as possible in the big open area called the terminal. I’ll often take the extra 15–30 minutes to look out the window, stretch my legs, or just relax while everyone else stands and queues anxiously around the boarding gate.

The responses highlight a sharp divide between those who prioritize comfort and those who view the boarding process as a strategic battle for limited resources.

The battle for overhead storage

Securing a spot for carry-on luggage is the primary reason many travelers feel compelled to board as early as possible. For these passengers, the risk of having a bag forcibly checked at the gate is a significant stressor that outweighs the discomfort of sitting on the plane longer.

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I want that overhead space so I’ll board as soon as I am able to. Personally, I don’t mind having to sit in the plane longer. Gives me plenty of time to settle in and I fly economy.

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Overhead space is a big thing, it’s insanely annoying when they have to check your bag because they ran out of space.

And I’d rather chill on the plane than be standing around the terminal waiting

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This is the reason. I’m flying light and want to get out of the airport as fast as possible. Waiting for my bag, that was supposed to be in overhead, is annoying. So I’m getting in and getting settled.

But I agree with boarding back to front and unloading front to back. This is just a waste of time for everyone when the boarding line stalls because someone thinks their overstuffed bag “absolutely fit in last time.”

Comment in r/unpopularopinion

If you have carry on it gets crazy stressful to board late. Especially if you might have to rush to a connecting flight, and boarding later meant the only place left to stow was far from where you’re seated.

Freedom in the terminal

Many travelers prioritize minimizing their time inside the aircraft cabin, preferring the open space of the terminal for as long as possible. These flyers find the airport gate more comfortable than an economy seat, especially for those with long legs.

Comment in r/unpopularopinion

Confined spaces are manageable, but I’d absolutely always prefer to be in a less cramped space. I’m fairly tall though with disproportionately long legs so it’s also genuinely uncomfortable on my knees when I’m sitting on a plane. I happily chill in the terminal until most people have boarded

Comment in r/unpopularopinion

Allowed to, not forced to; I always board at the last possible second—why would I want to spend even one extra second in stationary metal tube with strangers than I have to. “Troll post”? It’s common sense for anyone who flies business.

Comment in r/unpopularopinion

Yeah my wife and I were usually among the last to get on.

That's changed with kids, can take a bit to get them settled.

However, when they are a bit older you best believe I'm not sitting in a cramped seat for any longer than necessary.

Comment in r/unpopularopinion

Same. I fly Delta whenever possible, and I either travel with next to nothing or I check my bag for free with my Delta card. I am in zero rush to get on the plane. Standing in the aisle while people swing their carryons around at my head isn't my idea of a good time.

I seem to get one of two reactions from gate agents. When I stand up at last call, some give me side-eye. Others give me a knowing nod.

The checked bag gamble

The decision to check luggage often divides travelers between those who value an unencumbered journey and those who fear the baggage carousel. While modern tracking technology has improved reliability, the risk of lost or delayed bags remains a powerful deterrent for many flyers.

Comment in r/unpopularopinion

I get nervous about checking my bag when I’m connecting. There’s more of a chance my bag doesn’t make it 😭

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It definitely is, but I’m in the same boat lol. I feel like my parents drilled in to me that I should never check my bag so I was carry on only for a long time. Then one time I had to check my bag and I kinda liked it. Then I started checking my bag all the time and I loved it lol.

My bags have always made their destination, airlines have very good bag tracking now, and I rarely wait more than a minute or two at the baggage carousel. Ironically, this is especially true due to how long it takes to deplane because of all the people that take forever to pull down their carry on.

Comment in r/unpopularopinion

Baggage claim is very quick these days compared to what it was 20 years ago. I check surfboards all the time and im surprised how quick stuff has been coming out over the years

Comment in r/unpopularopinion

I’ve had enough bags destroyed by airlines to not want to ever check a bag.

The one-bag life

Minimalist flyers who only carry items that fit under the seat have found a way to opt out of the boarding wars entirely. By packing light, these passengers can wait for last call without worrying about overhead space availability.

Comment in r/unpopularopinion

I only ever have a personal item with me on a plane, and even if im in group A, or 1 or whatever, ill always wait untill "last call".

Im not standing in line around a bunch of sweaty people just to get to my seat and wait in a cramped seat while everyone around me fumbles around, then I gotta stand up and let the window guy in etc etc.

Comment in r/unpopularopinion

The same amount of stuff goes in my backpack, it just fits under the seat. So why would I bring a carry on? Any carry on size worth’s of stuff can fit into a good travel backpack. If it’s bigger than that, they won’t let you carry it on anyway.

Comment in r/unpopularopinion

I only fly with a backpack, so no… we don’t ALL have to fight for overhead space. I agree with OP.

Comment in r/unpopularopinion

I agree with OP, but only as someone who usually only has an underseat carry-on and not overhead bin luggage. With that in mind, I don't really want to be on the plane waiting for a ton of people to board. I mean, It's not that big of a deal; it's not like sitting at the gate is way better. But since I have to be in that cramped tube for hours, a few extra minutes outside of it before takeoff is nice.

The best time to step onto a plane remains is clearly subjective — a personal calculation based on luggage and perceived risk. While some find peace in being the first to settle into their seats, others are more comfortable spending every possible minute outside the confines of the aircraft. There is no definitive proof that one method is better for everyone, but the choice often reveals a traveler's priorities. What would you do?

Want more travel discussions like this? Read the full thread in r/unpopularopinion, and find similar conversations in r/travel, r/Flights, and r/AskReddit.

This story highlights the perspectives of Reddit users, not Reddit, Inc. Some posts or comments may be lightly edited for clarity. Questions or concerns? Contact us at upvoted@reddit.com.

The World Cup always brings out the legends, and this year, England icon Wayne Rooney is pulling no punches. While he’s part of the BBC’s tournament coverage, Rooney recently jumped into an AMA on r/ThreeLions to chat about Thomas Tuchel's current squad, look back at his own playing days, and share a few surprising off-the-pitch favorites.

On the 2026 World Cup

Question:

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Wayne Rooney England legend!

What are our biggest strengths and weaknesses at the World Cup?

Wayne Rooney:

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Wayne: I think the underrated strength is probably the bench. There's been a lot of talk about Thomas Tuchel’s squad, but I think we've already seen in the first game that the strength of the players coming off the bench can really have an impact. And the area that concerns me is probably defensively. Tuchel went with John Stones and Ezri Konsa in the first game, which I think was a shock to everyone in terms of Marc Guehi not playing. So, I think we might see that chop and change a little bit.

On breaking into the pros at a young age

Question:

Comment in r/ThreeLions

You came on the scene at 16, similar to players like Dowman and Ngumoha this season. Do you see a difference in how they’re being managed/how they’re being coached to play and how it was when you broke through?

Wayne Rooney:

Comment in r/ThreeLions

Wayne: Yeah, I think so. It’s a lot different for young players now. Obviously, I know as being a manager, you've got to go and do your safeguarding and make sure you get that done and all your coaches and all your staff have to do that. When I was 16, for instance, I was in the dressing room with the first team, you're showering alongside the first team players, whereas now you're taken out, you've got a separate dressing room. So small things like that do make a difference. And when I came in, I felt certainly at Everton I was really the only young player. The next youngest one was like 23, 24, I think. Now there's quite a few young players who come through together, which I think will make it a little bit easier.

On rating his own legacy on the pitch

Question:

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What part of your game did you think people overrated and what part of your game did people underrate in your opinion?

Wayne Rooney:

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Wayne: It's a difficult question. Overrated maybe. I've seen something actually the other day saying that my left foot was very good, where it actually wasn’t as good as people might think. So I did score quite a few goals with my left foot but in terms of playing a 40 or 50-hour pass with my left foot, I wasn’t great at doing that. But I could still finish with my left foot. Underrated? Probably heading. At the start of my career, it wasn’t great, but I worked extremely hard to improve it and get better. Then I scored a lot more headers, so probably my heading was a bit underrated.

On building chemistry with teammates

Question:

Comment in r/ThreeLions

Who was your favourite England player to link up with on the pitch?

Wayne Rooney:

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Wayne: I had two. I think one would probably surprise you. One was Steven Gerrard. Well, three actually. Steven Gerrard, I just really liked playing with Stevie. David Beckham was also excellent to play with because as a forward you knew when he got the ball out of his feet, it was coming in the box so you could make your run. The other one was Emile Heskey, who I really liked and enjoyed playing up front with. I could play off him when he'd hold the ball up well. And then I could play behind and in front of him and get on the ball and he was really good to play with.

On the strongest English squad he played with

Question:

Comment in r/ThreeLions

Of all the England squads you were a part of, which one do you think was the strongest and had the best shot of winning a championship? Miss seeing you play for England and Man Utd. Still wear my Rooney #9 England Away jersey to this very day.

Wayne Rooney:

Comment in r/ThreeLions

Wayne: I think in 2004 and 2006 was the best chance I felt in the squads I played in. We didn’t win anything but we were quite unlucky on both. We went out in the quarter-finals, in the Euros and the World Cup, and to Portugal on penalties on both occasions. So, I think that with a little bit more luck in one of those games we go through, potentially, with obviously a better chance of winning. And in both I think that was the strongest squads I played in.

On his favorite take out meal

Question:

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Rooney what’s your favourite takeaway lad ?

Wayne Rooney:

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Wayne: That's an easy one - Chinese takeaway. I order a mixture of different things at different times, but I like getting a few different starters. Obviously not all to myself, but a few different starters and you can pick at the starters and quite a few times I don't actually get to start the main because you end up getting too many starters. My go-to is probably chicken black bean as a meal. As a starter, salt and pepper chicken wings. Shu Mai as well, and spring rolls. There's loads, we end up getting too much. My favourite Chinese in Manchester is called Wings. To be honest, there's quite a lot of people from Manchester United who go in there. It opened when I first joined Man Utd, and then I've gone quite a bit after games and other Man Utd players and coaches go too. Sponsors, when they come over, they used to go a lot too, so I think it's quite popular with the club.

Whether he's breaking down tactical shifts under Thomas Tuchel or admitting to over-ordering at his favorite Manchester Chinese spot, Rooney's raw honesty is exactly why football fans still love him.

What did you think of Rooney's AMA? Read all the answers in the original thread on r/ThreeLions, and find more conversations like this in r/PremierLeague, r/soccer, and r/football.

This story highlights the perspectives of Reddit users, not Reddit, Inc. Some posts or comments may be lightly edited for clarity. Questions or concerns? Contact us at upvoted@reddit.com.

As the World Cup brings international crowds to U.S. cities like Los Angeles, Dallas, New York, and Boston, there's no denying that the Scottish national team's supporters have been making headlines and catching the attention of locals. The Tartan Army, as their affectionately known, are going viral for their bagpipe playing celebrations, passion for soccer, and infectious friendliness.

Most recently in Boston, they earned praise for picking up after themselves following celebrations in Fenway Park. Their good manners and charming attitudes are making people wonder what's behind the country's warm fan culture. In a thread on r/Scotland, redditors are breaking down why these supporters are a world class act.

A culture of celebration over victory

The overwhelming positivity from Scottish fans often comes from a grounded perspective on their team's chances. Without the intense pressure to seal a victory, supporters focus on enjoying the atmosphere, treating locals with respect, and simply being happy to participate on the global stage.

Comment in r/Scotland

This is it,we're no stupid, we know we'll never win the world cup but by Christ we're going to have a great time anyway

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We're just really happy to be involved.

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Yes! We are all mostly enthusiastic, proud, and our humour is fantastic, lots of banter together and with others, we welcome lots of people, especially ones with beer to offer, and love our culture! 

Leaving a positive mark around the world

Boston, the location of Scotland's first match, isn't the first city to fall in love with the Tartan Army. During previous international tournaments, Scottish fans have consistently earned praise from host nations for their impeccable behavior, bringing a party atmosphere that locals embrace.

Comment in r/Scotland

The Tartan Army came to Cologne, Germany in June 2024. The whole city fell in love with them. We're a city that understands a party. And the Tartan Army knows how to party. It looks like Boston is going through this experience.

Comment in r/Scotland

During the Euro tournament a wee whike back, hosted in Germany, a newspaper there had a reader's poll for which country had the best fans. Germany came second 🙂

The Tartan Army is quite special and reflects our spirit.

No Scotland, no party!

Comment in r/Scotland

After France 98, the mayor of a town in France took a full page advert in the Daily Record to thank Scottish fans for their impeccable behaviour during the tournament x

It starts at home

While the Scottish are great representative of their country, many redditors note that the country as a whole embodies the vibe they bring to other places.

Comment in r/Scotland

I live in Central Mass. I was just in Scotland 3 weeks ago for a week. They are genuinely the friendliest people I’ve ever encountered.

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Yes whenever it rains in Scotland, which is often, you will see groups of neds providing shelter for old dears by shepherding them to their destination.

Happens all the time where I live.

Comment in r/Scotland

I think we have a nice recipe as a people...we don't take ourselves too seriously, are selfless fairly often, we look out for each other for sure but it extends beyond this as we also look out for fellow humans. We have a cheeky sense of humour and like to have a good time.

After the Haiti game we don't rub it in ri Haiti fans, we chat and console and quite frankly...we have been there so know how it feels.

I'm very proud to be Scottish... but don't think we are better or worse than anyone else. This is key...as soon as you think you are better than anyone else...you have lost...and I mean that in the sense of just being a decent human being.

It is clear that the Tartan Army knows how to be impeccable guests, and their World Cup behavior might just be one of the more memorable parts of the 2026 tournament.

What do you think of the Tartan Army's popularity? Share your thoughts on the original thread on r/Scotland. For similar conversations visit r/worldcup, r/football and r/sports.

This story highlights the perspectives of Reddit users, not Reddit, Inc. Some posts or comments may be lightly edited for clarity. Questions or concerns? Contact us at upvoted@reddit.com.

Pop sensation Olivia Rodrigo has announced that she's launching a one-day, all-women music festival that will take place in Irvine, California, on August 29, 2026. Coming just a few months after the release of her third album, You Seem Pretty Sad For a Girl So in Love, the announcement of the Daisy Chain Fields festival has r/popculturechat buzzing as fans of all ages swoon over the legendary lineup and scramble to figure out ticket presales.

A dream festival roster

The sheer star power in the lineup of artists has people losing their minds. The bill manages to bridge the gap between modern pop stars like Chappell Roan and rock royalty like Stevie Nicks, Bikini Kill, and Garbage.

Comment in r/popculturechat

I mean, wow, what a lineup. This is like the playlist you create that you dream would be a festival and here it is.

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casually having stevie nicks in the lineup…

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This is so cool and I love how all of the artists are listed in alphabetical order and not just Olivia at the top then the bigger artists then the smaller artists, that was an awesome gesture.

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Karen O?!?!?!?!

Ill never go and im so jealous of everyone experiencing it. Please have fun for me

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Ho-leee cats... If she didn't get me with the Breeders and Bikini Kill then she won me with Garbage, Karen O and Stevie Nicks 😻 (plus I love Chappell and Doechii so that's a big plus)

I used to live an hour from Irvine, but now I'm in the wilds of the PNW...and at 50 I'm probably not going to do a road trip back down to LaLa land just for a concert. But I feel like I should make a pilgrimage anyway because when's the next time I'm going to see all my 90s faves in one spot?

(If Tori and/or Hole were playing I probably would bite the bullet and rent a van)

A modern-day Lilith Fair

Naturally, the immediate comparison for music fans is the iconic '90s music festival Lilith Fair. Seeing a new generation take the reins on an all-female festival format has sparked nostalgia and joy, with fans thrilled to see Olivia using her platform to lift up legendary women-led bands.

Comment in r/popculturechat

Lillth Fair for the new generation wasn’t on my bingo card. I’m delighted

Comment in r/popculturechat

Lilith Fair was my first concert, and although there's no way I could make it to this festival I am so happy to see it reincarnated in this way!  I love this for the next generation of girls 💕

Comment in r/popculturechat

I was like, whoa, this is giving off Lilith Fair vibes, then BAM! SARAH MCLACHLAN IN THE LINEUP! AHHHHH!!!!!

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I absolutely love how Sarah McLachlan is a special guest. It's like a passing of the torch from the Lilith Fair.

Praising the ultimate girl's girl

Beyond the musical talent, the festival's charitable mission is earning widespread praise. Rodrigo announced that 100% of the net proceeds will be donated to nonprofit organizations dedicated to supporting women and girls, including reproductive rights and domestic violence prevention groups.

Comment in r/popculturechat

A stacked lineup, a clear mission, and the profits going to charity. That's about as good a use of celebrity influence as you can ask for.

Comment in r/popculturechat

This is an insane lineup. Good job Olivia. And for good causes.

Comment in r/popculturechat

We love a girl's girl

Comment in r/popculturechat

Not only is this an amazing line-up and concept with all profits going towards a woman-centric charities but most notably Olivia isn’t being marketed as the headline. It’s alphabetical and all names are the same size!

Don’t think I’ve ever seen any other artist who’s curating their own festival do this.

She’s truly a diamond!

Rodrigo's upcoming Daisy Chain Fields festival immediately became one of the most anticipated events of the summer, combining a philanthropic goal with a stellar, women-focused lineup that spans generations. For the lucky crowd that gets to attend in person, the day promises to be unforgettable.

Who would you be most excited to see at Olivia's festival? Join the discussion on r/popculturechat and find more like this on r/OliviaRodrigo, r/PopHeads and r/Music.

This story highlights the perspectives of Reddit users, not Reddit, Inc. Some posts or comments may be lightly edited for clarity. Questions or concerns? Contact us at upvoted@reddit.com.

Most people ignore the little voice in their head when walking into a restaurant, telling them this is a questionable choice. And then they regret it an hour later. Whether it's a suspiciously large menu or signs that cleanliness isn't a priority, there are usually signs that dinner is about to go wrong. In a thread on r/AskReddit, redditors share the dead giveaways that tell them they might want to keep looking.

1. The novel-length menu

While it might seem nice to have options, redditors warn that a kitchen attempting to cook hundreds of different dishes usually isn't cooking any of them from scratch. If the menu looks like a phone book, the freezer is likely doing the heavy lifting.

Comment in r/AskReddit

A massive menu implies that everything is frozen because they could never afford that many fresh ingredients

Comment in r/AskReddit

I went to a place last year called "Hibachi Mariachi," that served Mexican and Japanese food. I don't mean, like, fusion, I mean they had a Mexican menu, and a Japanese menu, and they were a little taken aback if you tried to order items from both of them. Of all the restaurants I've ever been to, this was definitely one of them.

Comment in r/AskReddit

A 12-page menu with sushi, tacos, pasta, and “authentic Thai.” If the menu has an identity crisis, the kitchen probably does too

2. The bathroom proxy

This is perhaps the most cited rule in the hospitality industry. If the public-facing areas are neglected, users assume the chaotic, high-traffic kitchen is in even worse shape.

Comment in r/AskReddit

nasty bathroom. 'Kitchens are hard to clean, bathrooms are easy' - Anthony Bourdain

If a restaurant cannot properly clean their bathrooms, why do you think they will properly clean their kitchens? Same goes for poorly remolded bathrooms really. If they cut corners in the publicly visible/available spaces, i have serious doubts about the back of house setup.

3. Sticky menus and dining rooms

A sticky menu is a tactile warning that the front-of-house staff isn't keeping up with sanitation. If the things you touch before you even order are grimy, it doesn't bode well for the rest of the experience.

Comment in r/AskReddit

Dirtyness around the booths and tables even with moderate debris buildup tells you sanitation efforts where it really counts are even worse. RUN

Edit: I know this from doing 100s of restaurant inspections for pest control work. Trust me daddy.

Comment in r/AskReddit

When you open the menu for the first time and it's sticky or dirty already. They couldn't even wipe down a laminated sheet, no chance they are cleaning anything else.

Comment in r/AskReddit

The manager that handles the kitchen is likely the same manager that handles the cleaning staff. The managers standards determine how well the job is done. A manager that doesn't insist that the cleaning staff in the front of the house do a good job is probably not going to be insisting on kitchen cleanliness as well.
Managers must maintain standards.

4. The authenticity test

For ethnic cuisine, diners look at who is actually eating there. If the dining room is devoid of people from that specific culture, it suggests the food has been overly adapted for local palates or simply lacks authenticity.

Comment in r/AskReddit

Asian restaurants with no Asian customers.

Comment in r/AskReddit

You could expand this to any ethnicity - if the ethnic food is not good enough for them, it’s probably not good enough for you either.

And the inverse is also true - if a lot of the ethnic group is there, it’s probably authentic or as close as they can find to the version from home.

Comment in r/AskReddit

Ethnic restaurants with no ethnic guests. If I go to a Mexican restaurant and there are no Latino people—I’m out.

Comment in r/AskReddit

My benchmark for a decent taqueria: they have aguas frescas or the filling selection for the tacos includes things like lengua, tripitas, or cabeza. Bonus points for both.

5. The tourist-trap checklist

Locations near major monuments are prime territory for overpriced, low-quality food. Redditors advise avoiding places that rely on foot traffic from landmarks rather than the quality of their kitchen to fill seats.

Comment in r/AskReddit

Restaurants near extremely popular tourist attractions—Roman coliseum, Trevi fountain, Eiffel Tower. They usually have a large menu with pictures posted outside of the restaurant. And also have someone trying to usher you inside. 

Comment in r/AskReddit

We went to Italy recently and the only mediocre meal we had was at a place on the square next to the coliseum in Verona. I knew it as soon as we sat down but the rest of the family was hungry and we didn't have much time, so I caved. It wasn't BAD...but it was obviously a tourist trap.

On the other hand...the place we ate at close to the Leaning Tower of Pisa was pretty damn good, so IDK...

Comment in r/AskReddit

I don't think I've ever had what I would consider to be an excellent meal in a national park. The dining options at Mount Rushmore are awful.

6. The missing smoke signal

Certain types of cooking, like barbecue or wood-fired pizza, have distinct sensory outputs. If you pull up to a BBQ joint and the air is clear, the meat probably wasn't smoked on-site.

Comment in r/AskReddit

A BBQ restaurant where you don’t smell smoke outside

Comment in r/AskReddit

A pizza place without a brick oven. I remember when NYC tried to outlaw fireplaces and the law inadvertently targeted pizza places because a brick oven falls under the same designation and most if not all pizza in the city is made by brick oven

7. The bread basket warning

Simple staples often act as a barometer for quality. If an Italian spot is serving low-grade supermarket rolls, the pasta is unlikely to be made with care.

Comment in r/AskReddit

Bad bread, especially at an Italian restaurant. If they bring out some Hawaiian rolls just leave

Comment in r/AskReddit

When an Italian place serves bread that's subpar; or a Mexican restaurant serves salsa that's subpar. Sets the whole meal off on a bad start if you can't get the quintessential basics down.

Comment in r/AskReddit

Any Italian restaurant that brings out a basket of basic white bread.

8. The menu with stock photos

When a restaurant uses generic stock photography or AI-generated images instead of real photos of their own cooking, it suggests they aren't confident in the actual appearance of their food.

Comment in r/AskReddit

AI generated images outside or on the menu

It can be tricky to judge a book by its cover, but when it comes to dining, trusting your gut (and your nose) before you order usually pays off. Are you willing to overlook a sticky table for a great meal? Is a dirty bathroom an instant dealbreaker?

Want more dining tips? Read the full discussion in r/AskReddit, and for more tips on dining out, check out r/KitchenConfidential, r/DiningOut, and r/Food.

This story highlights the perspectives of Reddit users, not Reddit, Inc. Some posts or comments may be lightly edited for clarity. Questions or concerns? Contact us at upvoted@reddit.com.

While relaxing on a cruise boat, the serene vision of a morning on the ocean can meet frustrating reality at the pool deck: Prime loungers sit empty, claimed only by a single, lonely towel. In a thread on r/royalcaribbean, travelers are debating whether these dawn reservations are savvy planning or a violation of vacation etiquette. One passenger observed:

Maybe it’s worse on bigger ships but I don’t remember it being this bad for find a chair. On Symphony now and on sea days you need to be up here by 7am to find a chair in a decent location. The number of ppl that drop their towels at 7am and don’t come back until 10-11am is insane. They gotta police this better. Not sure what the solution is. They have signs that say unattended towels will be removed but that means nothing.

Cruisers share various ways to handle these unoccupied (yet technically reserved) seats, ranging from strict time-tracking to relocation.

The move-and-deny strategy

Many travelers prefer to handle chair hogs by simply relocating unattended items to the nearest towel station. This tactic often involves shifting the blame to ship staff if the original owner eventually returns to find their spot occupied.

Comment in r/royalcaribbean

If someone only has left a towel and no personal effects, I have no evidence that they're actually there in the vicinity, so I move their towel and take their seat. That's the risk they take.

Comment in r/royalcaribbean

When towels are dropped, return them and take the chair. On one cruise, I turned them in and had chair for hours before someone came asking me about them. I played dumb saying chairs were empty. Too bad.

Comment in r/royalcaribbean

Turn in the stuff if it’s there for longer than 20 minutes saying somebody left it somewhere, sit down, and “oh it was empty when I got here” if the person actually turns up.

Comment in r/royalcaribbean

I did this too. Only a towel on the chairs and they weren’t seen for 2 hours. I brought their towels to the towel station and sat down. A hour later they showed up and I told them the staff moved them because they can’t hold chairs and weren’t seen for hours. They said they were “in the bathroom”. I told them to talk to the staff about it. They did and no one told us to move.

Getting around lack of official enforcement

Redditors point out that staff members are often hesitant to intervene. These comments emphasize how the lack of active policing leaves travelers to fight over rules that are widely posted but rarely enforced.

Comment in r/royalcaribbean

100% agree. The issue is the workers are terrified of complaints by people whose stuff gets picked up. So they just don't enforce it. Which then punishes the people who don't reserve chairs.

Currently on Mariner, and every solarium chair was reserved before 8 am with less than 10 of them actually occupied.

Comment in r/royalcaribbean

Even if a worker did enforce the rule and told someone they’re not allowed to leave their stuff, I guarantee that a Karen would demand to speak with a higher up and ultimately walk away with on-board credit at a specialty dining restaurant and 100 apologies an hour.

The “customer is always right” mentality means rules are mere suggestions. It’s an issue with every company these days.

Watching the clock

Some cruisers rely on specific time limits or technological solutions to determine when a chair has been abandoned. There's an argument to be made that 30 minutes is a fair grace period for basic needs before the space should return to public use.

Comment in r/royalcaribbean

I was at a resort in Maui, and they would clip signed to unattended chairs with towels with the time, and a note that the attendants would come at remove after a certain time. Very friendly and fair. Basically something like:

We noticed this empty chair and to ensure everyone gets a chance to enjoy the limited space, we may move your stuff to make room.

Current time: _______

We may pick up after: ________

If your stuff is removed, you can claim it at the towel desk.

Comment in r/royalcaribbean

I set a 30 minute timer on my phone. At minute 32, I take the stuff off the chair

Comment in r/royalcaribbean

I thought I saw somewhere at one time they would put a slip of paper on the chair with some sort of courtesy message warning/reminder about reserving chairs and mark the time on it. The staff did one round marking the chairs and then 15/20/30/(whatever) minutes later they'd do a 2nd round and start clearing chairs. I can see the paper in my mind, but I can't remember what it said exactly...something about reserving chairs, and they noticed the chair wasn't occupied at 10:30am and if they didn't return to the chair in 20 minutes (or whatever) their stuff would be cleared and could be retrieved at the towel stand.

Kind of like a meter maid, but nicer. 😆

Comment in r/royalcaribbean

It would be cool if the chairs had 30 minute timers on them that started whenever someone wasn't sitting on it. Once the timer hits green, no more hold and the next person can take it.

Personal item placement

The debate veers toward whether personal effects like books or bags signal a more legitimate occupancy than a plain ship towel.

Comment in r/royalcaribbean

If I am getting in the pool and don't want to lounge after - I pick a chair or place where I can just keep my bag. I also tell people that I am off to locate food and bring it back.

Looking at the comments, I may start moving stuff/ handing it in. I never need a lounger for long because I am a pasty English person that burns way too easily, I don't even need a prime spot. I just want bar service and a parking space to read after a dip

Comment in r/royalcaribbean

I think that's my main line of thinking. If you just put a towel there you're probably not actually at the pool. If I see a bag with sunscreen, flip flops, a water bottle, etc. then you're probably actually in the pool or grabbing a drink or whatever.

Finding quiet away from the pool

Some cruisers suggest that the easiest way to avoid the chair wars is to leave the most popular decks. They often find that remote corners or specific, overlooked ship areas offer plenty of seating without the territorial stress.

Comment in r/royalcaribbean

I’ve been arguing this too! The people complaining “there’s no chairs” are the same Karen’s who also are trying to find spots RIGHT in front of the pool…so they are mad that they can’t get their pool front spots.

In my 15-20 cruises I have never had problems finding seats around 10am. Yes, it’s not in front of the pool. But there are TONS of loungers all around for all to enjoy.

Comment in r/royalcaribbean

Never ran into this issue as I do most of my swimming in the off hours (dinner time), when everyone is doing something else (port days), or when it’s counterintuitive for most people (outdoor hot tubs on Alaskan cruises in October). Probably helps that I’m pretty tan already so I don’t really need an outdoor chair. 😂

Comment in r/royalcaribbean

I honestly don't understand the obsession with unoccupied pool chairs with towels.  Been on over 40 cruises and always find a chair.  I also like to be in shade so will find a spot away from the crowds.  But even when I take a lap.around, I see hundreds of bodies baking amd.no one standing.  I also see plenty of open chairs all over even on sea days.  Is it the pool you care about?  

Comment in r/royalcaribbean

We were on Symphony OTS in late Feb, a packed school break week cruise. Chairs were available all over the pool deck, Solarium, etc, at 7am, but by 8:30 not much available. Although in the outer areas like near the sports court we never had a problem finding 2 together any time. If you wanted a seat right next to one of the pools you had to get there early or deal with all the chair savers with their towels. But we prefer to sit in the shade mostly and had no problem at all getting 2 together around 8am. Someone looking for more than 2 together would have had more challenge.

In the past, days we've gotten up later and haven't been able to find 2 together, I'll take one somewhere and she'll take one somewhere else. We'll keep an eye on the chairs next to us. We'll give it an hour - if no one has shown up at the chairs next to us in an hour after we sat down, if it's just towels we're moving them to the towel stand so we can sit together. If it's personal stuff we'll call RC staff over and ask them to move them and they always have. I have no problem at all if someone puts their stuff down on a chair and goes to use the pool or a hot tub or walks out for awhile to get a meal. If you haven't checked in at your chairs in an hour in my book you forfeit your claim.

And you know what, I'd have no problem if somebody did that with my stuff either. Sometimes I've had my stuff on a chair and gotten distracted elsewhere. Like go get a meal, then ride the dry slide a couple times, then get distracted by a ballgame at Playmakers. All of a sudden it's 2 hours later, that's on me.

The struggle for pool deck territory highlights a common problem in shared vacation spaces: the gap between official rules and actual behavior. Many suggest that 30 minutes of absence is the logical cutoff, but a lack of consistent enforcement can give aggressive or early-rising passengers the better seats. Whether travelers choose to move towels, seek out remote corners, or engage in confrontation, the tension remains a persistent part of the high-seas experience. What is the fair amount of time to hold a chair?

Want more travel stories like this? Read the full discussion in r/royalcaribbean, and find similar conversations in r/Cruise, r/TravelHacks, and r/Etiquette.

This story highlights the perspectives of Reddit users, not Reddit, Inc. Some posts or comments may be lightly edited for clarity. Questions or concerns? Contact us at upvoted@reddit.com.

Dining out with friends is meant to be about connection, but the arrival of the check can quickly turn a pleasant evening into a source of silent resentment. One person in this thread in r/NoStupidQuestions described a recurring frustration that has made them start declining invitations to social gatherings:

"I'm 34 and this has been happening more frequently with my friend group. We'll go out to dinner and I'll order something reasonable like an $18 pasta dish and a water while my buddy orders the $45 ribeye, three cocktails and an appetizer. Then when the check comes and everyone just automatically suggests splitting it evenly. Don't get me wrong like I'm not broke or anything, but it's gotten to the point where I'm spending $60-70 on meals where I actually only consumed $25 worth of food. How do you navigate this without coming across as petty?"

This dilemma struck a chord, leading other redditors to share their own check-splitting experiences and offer tactical advice for setting boundaries without killing the vibe.

Set the boundary early

Establishing a firm boundary at the start of the meal removes the need for a late-night negotiation. By speaking directly to the server before food is ordered, individuals can avoid the social pressure of a group split while ensuring they only pay for their own consumption.

Comment in r/NoStupidQuestions

When the waiter takes your order you tell them you want a separate check, and give your order. If anyone at the table then says anything you explain the above, and maybe add that you live within YOUR means, not everyone else’s.

Comment in r/NoStupidQuestions

Before ordering my food/drink, I started to tell the waiter that my bill was separate.

My friend, who was the big order $$, tried to make a crack at me, but I just said "I budget my income for me, not for you. I can pay my own way just fine."

Our other friends followed and soon Miss. Spendy wasn't ordering such large $$ when she was paying her own way.

Comment in r/NoStupidQuestions

I agree. This keeps you from having to pay part of their meals, while at the same time not making them look bad - even though they are taking advantage of you.

Comment in r/NoStupidQuestions

“No thank you. I’ll just pay for what I ordered.”

It’s not a hard concept. Establish a boundary and hold it.

Use the budget excuse

Citing a personal budget or bringing physical currency creates a natural reason for paying an individual share. These tactics shift the focus toward personal accountability, making it harder for others to argue for a collective split. By using cash or a tracking app, a person can protect their finances without criticizing the lifestyle choices of peers.

Comment in r/NoStupidQuestions

If someone asks, “I’m tracking every expenditure I have for a few months to see if I’m on track. Nothing serious, just want to be sure.”

Worked for me.

Comment in r/NoStupidQuestions

They are either oblivious to their privilege or intentionally using you to subsidize their food. Either way, the embarrassment should be on THEM.

Tell them "Sorry, your dinner and drinks aren't in my budget. I purposefully ordered something more frugal because I am in a budget." If it feels awkward, that's because they are acting badly.

If they get defensive or act like you're being too picky, put the awkwardness back on them. "I like hanging out with you guys, but I have an eating out budget, and I ordered to fit in it. I am happy to help you make a budget if you're struggling to afford what you ordered. "

I had a roommate who would always forget her wallet, and say "Oh, I don't care about money that much, it comes and goes."

I would say "It's fine if you're not worried about your money coming and going, but right now you're talking about my money. And I do care about money and keep a budget, and your meal isn't in my budget."

It's not cool to spend money without caring. Even rich people who are financially savvy budget their money. The way you get rich is by NOT spending money.

Comment in r/NoStupidQuestions

This is what I do. I check the menu ahead of time and make sure I have enough cash for my portion plus tip. Then it's not awkward, and if anyone makes a comment about the cash, I say I'm sticking to my budget.

Comment in r/NoStupidQuestions

Take cash. Toss in your cash + tip and move on.

Spot the real friends

A person's reaction to a fair billing request can reveal more about the nature of the friendship. Many believe that friends who push for an even split while ordering significantly more are behaving in a calculated manner, rather than just being oblivious.

Comment in r/NoStupidQuestions

Get better friends.

The only people who suggest "Why don't we split the check evenly?" when the meals aren't roughly comparable in price are the people who want their more expensive meal subsidized. There's no way these people don't know their meals are much more expensive than yours: they are taking advantage of you.

It's utterly trivial to split a check so that everyone pays for the meal they ordered (if the wait staff can't or won't do it, EVERY cell phone has a built-in calculator).

Comment in r/NoStupidQuestions

The people that protest separate checks are usually the ones that will try to take advantage of the meals/friendships. One of the hardest things with any friendship is the money part of the friendship. If you're subsidizing a friendship you have to ask yourself, is it really a friendship? I don't mind spending money on friends, but some people will take advantage.

Comment in r/NoStupidQuestions

Real friends do not exploit. In the past, separate checks could be a math headache. With modern technology, having separate checks is simple. The only ones who complain are the people who exploit other people's kindness.

Comment in r/NoStupidQuestions

The reason they're inviting you is because they know you order less and they're counting on you to get a free meal. Don't let yourself be used - these aren't friends.

Just make a joke about how you know so-and-so is too cheap to buy his own dinner, but you're not his mommy and you won't be doing it anymore.

Out-order them

When polite requests are ignored, some resort to a perhaps hostile tactic: matching or exceeding the high spending of their dining peer, which could force a confrontation about the unfairness of an even split.

Comment in r/NoStupidQuestions

Just start ordering food more expensive than theirs, then watch them. That should convince them to change to individual billing.

Comment in r/NoStupidQuestions

I think the solution only goes one of two ways.

You can just tell them, without any additional reasoning, that you’re paying for yourself. That’s all. If they try to rebuttal, they just want your money.

OR

You can show them the absurdity of the situation by ordering absolutely everything you want and a bunch to go. At the end of the meal, just have a big fat smile on your face and say “so we’re splitting the bill evenly right guys?” Call the hypocritical if they say no.

Comment in r/NoStupidQuestions

Order a ribeye to go.

Comment in r/NoStupidQuestions

And many apps. Order more than what they did, and save the extras for lunch/dinner the next couple of days.

Navigating the transition from shared college habits to varied adult incomes can be bumpy. While some view separate checks as a breach of social flow, others suggest it's an act of self-respect. If a friendship is strong, it should be able to survive a simple conversation about who is paying for the cocktails when one person isn't drinking.

Want more social stories like this? Read the full discussion in r/NoStupidQuestions, and find similar conversations in r/Frugal, r/Budget, and r/SocialSkills.

This story highlights the perspectives of Reddit users, not Reddit, Inc. Some posts or comments may be lightly edited for clarity. Questions or concerns? Contact us at upvoted@reddit.com.

The size of an engagement ring was once a clear indicator of rarity and wealth, but that standard is swiftly shifting as technology changes the jewelry market. In a popular thread on r/unpopularopinion, redditors debate why oversized diamonds (which can now be grown in a lab and are available at a much lower price) are increasingly viewed as "gaudy" rather than elegant. The conversation explores how the rise of lab-grown stones and a shift in aesthetic values are making the traditional "big rock" feel more like a common, costume-y accessory than a unique piece of art.

The price of prestige has plummeted

The accessibility of lab-grown diamonds has disrupted the luxury market by offering identical stones at a fraction of the cost of mined gems. This price collapse has shifted the perception of large diamonds from rare treasures to accessible items that some now find basic.

Comment in r/unpopularopinion

They are becoming bigger, in my opinion, because a lot more of them now are lab created. Much cheaper. You can get a big single stone (lab created) for half the price of a perfect flawless natural one.

Comment in r/unpopularopinion

You’d still be overpaying. NPR did an episode on lab diamonds, they bought a real 1-carat colorless, perfect cut and clarity diamond for $137 from Alibaba (Chinese direct-from-manufacturer site), and an expert on the podcast told them even THAT was overpriced.

That’s exactly what I plan to do for my engagement ring, and just pay a jeweler to put it in a band.

Comment in r/unpopularopinion

It’s probably because more and more people are buying lab diamonds. More affordable carat sizes and virtually zero inclusions.

Comment in r/unpopularopinion

It’s because lab grown diamonds are so affordable compared to mined diamonds, which is a good thing. But now everyone has a doorknob their hand which is fine they all seem to look alike

When bigger stops being better, and gets tacky

Many critics argue that the quest for maximum carat size often sacrifices structural integrity and artistic proportion. Oversized stones can feature dangerously thin bands and look more like imitation jewelry than fine heirloom pieces.

Comment in r/unpopularopinion

Agreed. Before I got engaged I went to go try on rings and they all just felt like costume jewelry to me. I couldn’t imagine myself casually wearing something like in my daily life. I ended up picking something that looks more like a wedding band.

Comment in r/unpopularopinion

To me the issue isn't the size of the gem but that they often sit on extremely thin bands that don't look proportionate. Because gold / platinum prices are high and jewelers are selling super thin ring settings to people who don't know the difference.

Comment in r/unpopularopinion

Big engagement rings were always gaudy IMO, but now they're also looking bad.

Even the ones with smaller stones look like they're bedazzled, oftentimes.

Comment in r/unpopularopinion

This! I think the trend of a 3+ carat diamond (natural or lab discussion aside) on an impracticality thin plain band is lame. They’re out of proportion on most people’s hands imo. Giant stones usually have to be set so high they catch on everything. Part of why cocktail rings are traditionally big is they’re not practical for daily wear. The giant diamond also really limits other decorative elements like accent stones or interesting settings. You can buy a 1.5 ct lab grown diamond and have an artful setting.

Choosing meaningful and unique alternatives

Individual expression is taking center stage as many move away from standard commercial diamonds. By selecting vintage pieces or alternative gemstones, people are finding ways to create jewelry that feels both artful and personal.

Comment in r/unpopularopinion

I ended up using small stones from my great grandma’s ring in a low setting band. The family heirloom connection makes it so special!

Comment in r/unpopularopinion

I wanted stones in my wedding band and I had a hell of a time finding something that didn't feel...tacky.

I ended up going with a stacker ring as my actual ring becauss those were the only options that looked decent to me. Delicate, ornate, and subtle, and decorated my hand nicely.

Comment in r/unpopularopinion

Also a lot of ppl are using different stones. My ring is a sapphire cause I wanted one of my favourite color.

Comment in r/unpopularopinion

Eh, my wife has a large ring, but it’s not a diamond. It’s a blue topaz. It made it feasible for us to get a larger stone doing it that way, and she loves when people compliment her on her vintage ring.

Prioritizing practicality over market trends

Some are rejecting traditional standards in favor of pragmatic choices that reflect daily life. From silicone bands to financial stability, the focus moves from the market value of the ring to the reality of the commitment and how people realistically dress and adorn themselves.

Comment in r/unpopularopinion

Happily married for 9 years and we've never had engagement rings or wedding rings. We just don't get it and would rather have that money for things we actually like

Comment in r/unpopularopinion

I have silicone rings that I wear often because I have young kids and work out a lot. I got a pack of them on Amazon for eight dollars.

My husband wears a coconut shell ring that we got in Italy for two euros. We both have nicer ones, but I agree that we should normalize different rings. There is no place that the commenter said we should all have a bevy of fancy pants rings pricey rings. you can wear a rubber band one day and a vending machine ring the next. that’s cool!

It’s a good idea

Comment in r/unpopularopinion

I got a very simple ring I wear daily. I only wear my larger ring on special occasions!

Comment in r/unpopularopinion

Let's normalize having multiple engagement rings/wedding rings. Sometimes I wear gold jewelry, sometimes I wear silver jewelry. Sometimes I just want to wear my wedding band. I like choices! Price shouldn't matter either, if the person wearing the ring likes it, who cares how cheap or expensive it was.

Massive diamonds may have gotten massively more affordable. But the accessibility can denote commonness. Plus a big diamond can be set poorly in a ring. While some still find beauty in a large, glittering stone, many are finding that true elegance lies in the intentionality and proportion of the piece rather than pure size. As lab-grown stones continue to dominate, the "big rock" may eventually be seen as just another fashion choice rather than a mandatory milestone of wealth. Does a larger diamond still carry the same symbolic weight today?

Ready to pick a side in the great diamond debate? Read the full discussion in r/unpopularopinion, and find more conversations like this in r/Jewelry, r/EngagementRings, and r/Weddings.

This story highlights the perspectives of Reddit users, not Reddit, Inc. Some posts or comments may be lightly edited for clarity. Questions or concerns? Contact us at upvoted@reddit.com.

The modern office layout has shifted away from permanent personal spaces toward "hot-desking," where employees choose any available seat each day. (This also happens at coworking spaces where freelancers tend to flock.) This change has sparked a significant debate about productivity, personal boundaries, and workplace culture. In a thread on r/unpopularopinion, one redditor shared the reason behind their preference:

My last job is in a big hot desk workplace, while my current job the desks are all assigned. After doing my current job for 5 months, I really miss hotdesking. I could sit far away from the colleagues in my team and everyone around me is a stranger. I weren't forced to hear meaningless gossips, I could do my job quietly without too much interruption.

In the thread, redditors share their experiences with unassigned seating and weighed whether the daily flexibility is worth the loss of a permanent, known space.

Freedom from the social grind

For some, unassigned seating provides a layer of anonymity that can protect individual focus and limit unwanted social interactions. The ability to move around based on daily needs allows for a more customized workday without the pressure of full-time neighbors — or the ability to gravitate toward coworkers whose presence you enjoy.

Comment in r/unpopularopinion

I love the flexibility of hotdesking. When I feel like talking I can pick a seat near the colleagues I'm close to, when my stomach is having issues I can pick a seat closer to toilets, etc. For the last point, that could be an issue, but if I come early enough there are tons of seats I can choose. I'm not that picky though, the chance that all the available seats are the seats that I don't like is close to zero.

Comment in r/unpopularopinion

That's exactly my case! We also had our own laptops given by company and cleaners clean the desks. I also don't have the needs of having my own work space. Having an assigned desk for 5 months, I never put any personal belongings on my desk after work. My desk is empty except during office hours.

Comment in r/unpopularopinion

I like hot desks because it keeps the place tidy.  Back precovid when we had assigned desks there was just clutter everywhere as people didn't ever tidy up and it would just pile up on all the desks.

Now you have to clear the desk at the end of the day things are much better! 

The idea of having assigned desks now feels very quaint!

Comment in r/unpopularopinion

I used to have my own desk, adorned with trinkets and pictures and other homely items. It was nice, sure, but it was an indicator that I was too "at home" and too invested in what was just a vehicle to get paid.

Changed jobs which hotdesks, now I have a nice distinction between work and home and just go there to get paid. No blurring any lines.

The hidden cost of constant setup

Frequent transitions between workspaces can lead to a significant loss of productivity and ergonomic consistency. Maintaining a customized setup is nearly impossible when extra hardware and personal supplies must be packed away every evening.

Comment in r/unpopularopinion

I despised hotdesking. I like consistency. I organise my workspaces in a specific way and dont wannt to have to keep doing that over and over.

You just sound like you dont like your job.

Comment in r/unpopularopinion

I don’t like hot seating. I have a special monitor setup, specific keyboard and mouse. I have books, medications, equipment. I have a specially ordered ergonomic chair for my frame size.

Comment in r/unpopularopinion

This assumes that everything and everyone is interchangeable, which it's not.

I don't want to have to set up my keyboard, mouse, desk height, chair height, screen angles, screen brightness, and more every morning.

I don't want to have to take my keyboard, mouse, headphones, and more with me every evening and bring them back every morning.

I don't want to have to waste time tracking down cleaning supplies to take care of whatever mess the previous inhabitant of the desk left behind.

If you want to go work away from your team take your laptop and sit wherever you want, but you don't need to ruin everyone else's experience to do that.

Hotdesking is a hard no. There's almost no policy that would make me leave a company faster.

Comment in r/unpopularopinion

My last office switched to hotdesking when they moved us into an adjacent building, which was smaller. They purposely didn't have enough desks for everyone, so some days you'd arrive and have to work uncomfortably on a bench or in the kitchen.

They claimed they'd studied attendance and averaged the number of people that would be remote or sick and used that as a baseline. Of course, they did this before they started enforcing RTO and mandatory in-office days.

Monitors were mounted to the desks, but you had your own laptop and had to set up your own equipment like keyboard and mouse each day. The lost productivity was insane. Half an hour per person of setup and takedown time for every person, every day. 400 people, so 200 lost work hours every day. 1000 a week.

Dealing with everyone else's germs

Sharing keyboards and desks leads to inevitable concerns about hygiene and the physical state of the equipment, not to mention cookie crumbs. Many workers find themselves spending extra time cleaning up after the previous occupant's mess.

Comment in r/unpopularopinion

Plus I keep my space clean.

I don’t want to have to deal with some gross sticky keyboard/mouse or station with coffee and other various stains all over the work surface. Tissues stuffed in the keyboard tray. People are nasty.

Comment in r/unpopularopinion

"Great, Ben was here last time. Guess I better clean the Big Mac sauce from the keyboard again."

Comment in r/unpopularopinion

I worked in a hot desk call center. I wish it was only as gross as you described. One guy would prop his foot up on the desk and clip his nails. Another would floss at the desk and leave the used bloody floss on the desk.

The surveillance of the open floor

Modern office layouts are often criticized as surveillance-driven floor plans that prioritize visibility over actual worker engagement. Many professionals find that the lack of privacy increases anxiety and leads to a significant drop in focus.

Comment in r/unpopularopinion

The “open office” is the real enemy here. I would so much rather sit in a cubicle than have rows of eyes on the back of my head

Comment in r/unpopularopinion

Hotdesking and open offices are the worst think to happen to offices and are half why everyone hates rto.

Comment in r/unpopularopinion

I despise the open office plan. I'm a person that gets distracted pretty easily and have anxiety about people being behind me. My cube is on the corner of a relatively busy walkway. It wouldn't be terrible, but our cube walls are only about 3.5' high. So, even sitting at your desk, you can see over them. It's terrible.

I miss our old office. Some of the cube walls were 6+' and the others were 4.5'. You could stand up and look over the short ones but have a lot of privacy because of the tall ones.

But, the best layout (other than everyone having an actual office, is a shared bullpen or small office. 2-4 people in a pretty enclosed area is generally fine.

Comment in r/unpopularopinion

Open / no divider floor plans are a joke. They're meant so you can be watched at all times for lack of engagement and low productivity. Companies that implement it are doing it for surveillance and control instead of any positive goals for the worker.

We used to have real offices wit doors we could close and lock. Often we shared the office with one other person, but that wasn't an issue. We could focus and be more productive with fewer distractions. I kept a nice sound system, colored light strings and a bottle of tequila in my office. I frequently didnt mind staying late as it meant more focus time and productivity for me.

The open floor plan office is a lie. It's distracting. Any sense of collaboration is pointless since productivity dropped by 50% due to being unable to focus. It also became a security nightmare since working on prototype hardware projects made it difficult to keep some secrets from being seen / heard by staff not involved in those projects. Being ADHD, anything that I can see out of the corners of my eyeline would distract me. I finally left after years of this and added malaise.

The debate over hot desks touches on things like corporate efficiency and individual comfort, which are significant to your overall career and life satisfaction. In its favor, the hot-desking model offers freedom from the social fatigue of fixed seating and allows you to forget entirely about decorations and focus on making money. If personal space at work is a luxury, is it one that most are happy to give up for the sake of flexibility?

Ready to claim your corner? Read the full discussion in this thread, and find more conversations like this in r/office, r/work, and r/productivity.

This story highlights the perspectives of Reddit users, not Reddit, Inc. Some posts or comments may be lightly edited for clarity. Questions or concerns? Contact us at upvoted@reddit.com.

The modern dating scene is a minefield of unwritten rules, and few topics spark debate like the exact location of the first date. In a discussion on r/askanything, people clash over a polarizing question: Is a coffee date a smart, convenient-for-all move, or a sign of laziness and lack of romantic vibes? The comments suggest that some value the relative efficiency and safety of a coffee meetup. Meanwhile, romantics out there — not so much.

The ultimate vibe check

For many, a coffee shop offers the ideal low-stakes environment to verify a connection without being trapped in a lengthy three-course meal or getting drunk in a bar with the other person only to regret it. This approach prioritizes conversation and an easy exit strategy if the chemistry fails to materialize.

Comment in r/askanything

Coffee dates are perfect first dates.

You can talk and get to know each other, unlike going to a movie. You're not committed to the time and expense of a full meal if it's not a match. If it's going well, it's easy enough to transition into a walk or dinner.

Perfect.

Comment in r/askanything

In my experience from online dating, I prefer a coffee date early. Make sure people are who they claim to be, let's you have a natural conversation. And if it goes well, it could extend to rest of the day.

Comment in r/askanything

I think something like a coffee date is perfect. No pressure, no great expense, and you get to focus on the conversation.

Comment in r/askanything

Woman: yes, a coffee date is low effort. How much effort goes into going to a coffee place? Little to none, which means it’s low effort.

With that said, a coffee date is the ideal/perfect first date for someone you are just getting to know. Low effort is exactly what’s needed - no pressure to spend big $$$, no pressure to get super dressed up, day time, out in public, and casual.

Low effort does not mean bad date, it means that it doesn’t take a ton of thought / time to plan. A coffee date + short walk around town = a fantastic first date.

The too-business-y camp

On the flip side, some daters argue that coffee shops feel too sterile or business-like to conjure the romantic connection that is so necessary. For these redditors, the lack of effort also signals a lack of serious interest or feels like squeezing a date into a workday errand.

Comment in r/askanything

Woman here, I usually say no to coffee dates because a) I work during the day and I’m not gonna have coffee with a stranger before work- this ain’t the vibe b) after work I don’t want to go to a cafe either because I have coffee dates with clients during the day as well c) this leaves weekends and my weekends are for relaxing and family and friends.

Also, the coffee date guys are being either too cautious for my liking or are trying to get their date budget go as far as possible and are playing a number’s game. Like, no, take time to get to know a person, invest in what you believe in and invite them on a real date.

It’s not so much about low effort as I don’t want my dating life to feel like a client meeting.

Comment in r/askanything

Agreed!

When I think of grabbing coffee I don't see anything romantic about it. It's kind of awkward because grabbing coffee is something I'd do with friends or co-workers.

But I agree with drink dates....the vibes are a lot more different and feel more "date-y".

Plus I LIKE getting dressed up and looking cute....going out to coffee does not make me want to do that lol.

Comment in r/askanything

I see it the same way. Getting a coffee to me is a daytime errand I do by myself in sweatpants and a hoodie, it’s not a date. It’s doesn’t motivate me to dress nice and be social and flirty.

Comment in r/askanything

I expect anyone who wants to be in my life to put in effort. One of the traits I like in a partner is thoughtfulness. A coffee date or a drink date is not thoughtful especially after conversations regarding my interests. I am not expecting a first date at Meduza, but if any man thinks I’ll be excited for a chat over coffee they are highly mistaking. Plenty of women who would accept that but fortunately I am not one of them.

Redefining what effort looks like

A significant contingent challenges the very premise that spending more money equals effort. These folks argue that demanding high financial investment for a first meeting is a toxic mindset and that the real value lies in the connection itself.

Comment in r/askanything

The "low effort" idea is toxic. People should be themselves and do what's comfortable. Showing up on time is a good faith effort. 

Comment in r/askanything

i've never liked the "low effort" vs "high effort" discourse... a date is a date, quality time is quality time. doesn't matter how elaborate it is, it's the thought that counts. if you're both having a good time that's all that should matters- (woman)

Comment in r/askanything

On a first date? No, that's just called not making a large investment into a first date. First dates are important but not where you should be dropping a large amount of money. First dates are casual not fancy.

The idea of "low effort" is pretty toxic. (man)

Comment in r/askanything

"Making an effort" is not the same as blowing half your paycheck on a date. Most of those "low effort" date tags online are made by people whining like a toddler that they didn't get a $100+ dinner on the first date. Claiming that someone didn't spend enough money on you for a date is toxic as hell.

Creative ways to find a middle ground

When coffee feels too casual but a full dinner feels too intense, several alternatives offer meaningful connection without blowing someone's budget. These suggestions prioritize creative settings that demonstrate thought.

Comment in r/askanything

When I was single my go to was a weekend brunch. Doesn’t have the pressure of dinner but a little more effort than just coffee. Also if it went well it usually left time for another activity or just going on a walk after. Never had anyone not want a second date after a first date brunch.

Comment in r/askanything

Same. We got coffee. Ended up walking around our small city for hours. He showed me his vhs collection. Been together 20 years this week

Comment in r/askanything

I’ve definitely gone on a coffee date or two that turned into, “hey you hungry? I know this great place nearby!” Usually some delicious hole in the wall local place; I’m not spending big bucks on a first date, but I’ll take them somewhere fun and interesting.

Comment in r/askanything

Coffee. If you hit it off, you can go for a walk after.

First dates require a balance between low-stakes practicality and romantic gestures. The current digitally fueled dating world, with its endless options, doesn't help clarify what to do. Coffee dates can offer a safe, low-commitment way to vet strangers for some — and avoid "toxic" transactional feelings around more expensive outings. Yet the coffee shop may feel a bit too routine for others. Ultimately, the "right" first date seems to depend entirely on what the two people see as a viable venue for an introduction that might be the start to a great relationship. If they agree, that's a promising start. What's your go-to strategy for a first date?

Still mulling over the coffee date? Read the full discussion in r/askanything, and find more conversations like this in r/dating, r/relationship_advice, and r/socialskills.

This story highlights the perspectives of Reddit users, not Reddit, Inc. Some posts or comments may be lightly edited for clarity. Questions or concerns? Contact us at upvoted@reddit.com.

World Cup fans from around the world are discovering that America's sports venues are better than they expected. In a thread on r/IWantToAskAnAmerican, American sports fans weigh in on a surprising bit of international confusion: why people from other countries assumed the United States would struggle to provide quality stadiums for the tournament and why the reality on the ground tells a very different story.

The sheer scale of American sports

The United States boasts an astonishing number of massive venues, largely fueled by college and professional football. Because international sports fans rarely follow these domestic leagues, the sheer size and volume of stateside arenas often fly under the radar until a global event rolls into town.

Comment in r/IWantToAskAnAmerican

Because other countries built new stadiums for World Cup matches, and we didn’t. We don’t have a huge professional soccer culture, so they assume we don’t have good enough stadiums I guess? They don’t pay attention to American football so didn’t realize that our college stadiums (and sometimes high school stadiums) are more than competitive with their professional soccer stadiums.

Comment in r/IWantToAskAnAmerican

We have 8 of the top 10 largest stadiums in the world.

The Big House in Ann Arbor holds more than the largest dedicated soccer stadium in the world.

Comment in r/IWantToAskAnAmerican

In reality, the only issue with American stadiums, of that large capacity, was whether they could be reconfigured as association football stadiums. Turns out, yes, they can.

Stereotypes and media narratives

American soccer culture has quietly grown into a massive industry, yet international perceptions often lag behind. Some redditors think overseas audiences rely on outdated media narratives that suggest the nation simply does not care about the sport, leading to assumptions that the local facilities would be lacking.

Comment in r/IWantToAskAnAmerican

While that is a real issue it seemed like they thought we didn’t even have stadiums that could hold that many people or that the amenities wouldnt be up to par. We spend more on sports than everything else besides military probably so I didn’t get why they thought we wouldn’t have the facilities. Especially since some university stadiums hold more than pro stadiums and some are even nicer and none of those are even being used for the World Cup.

Comment in r/IWantToAskAnAmerican

MLS is litterally number 9 in terms of overall sports leagues by revenue. The only soccer leagues higher is the EPL, La Liga, Bundesliga, and Serie A are bigger than MLS.

MLS is 4th in the world for soccer attendance (behind EPL, Bundesliga, and Seria A).

If America doesnt care about soccer does that mean the only countries that do is the UK, Germany, Italy, and maybe Spain?

The power of a pleasant surprise

Despite the initial doubts and logistical hurdles, many tourists who make the trip end up absolutely amazed by the reality of American sports culture. Using existing infrastructure not only creates a unique spectacle but also leaves visitors genuinely impressed by the hospitality and impressive scale they experience firsthand.

Comment in r/IWantToAskAnAmerican

Blows my mind that we seem to be the only ones who've figured out that using existing infrastructure for the wc and the Olympics turns a profit.

Comment in r/IWantToAskAnAmerican

Those videos of people coming to the US for the first time are great. People are just blown away at our lifestyle and the state of things compared to the media they consume. Important lesson to be learned about media in general. Of course Gell-Mann quickly sorts that out for us.

Comment in r/IWantToAskAnAmerican

You're not wrong. Europeans are fed a heavy diet of only the most negative and/or outlandish news from the US. I mean, don't get me wrong, we're pretty fucking entertaining with all of our drama. And like any country, we have negative aspects of our culture. But behind that drama lies a friendly populace that enjoys sharing our culture with tourists.

Whether international fans are marveling at the incredible seating capacities or renting out cars to navigate the sprawling suburbs, it is safe to say that the American approach to sports is truly in a league of its own. Bridging the gap between cultural expectations and physical realities is the true spirit of global competition.

Do you agree with these assessments? Read the full thread in r/IWantToAskAnAmerican, and find more conversations like this in r/sports, r/soccer, and r/travel.

This story highlights the perspectives of Reddit users, not Reddit, Inc. Some posts or comments may be lightly edited for clarity. Questions or concerns? Contact us at upvoted@reddit.com.