I think all of us have — at some point or another — told ourselves things that we knew deep down weren't super true in order to feel better or move on from something.
Well, earlier today, Reddit user u/mynameisnotbecky1 posed this exact question to the AskReddit community: "What is an untruth people tell themselves to feel better about life or [the] world they live in?"
Since then, the thread has had thousands of replies. Here are some of the top-voted and best comments:
1. "'If I only get this over with, everything is going to be easy!' Life never runs out of waves to shake you. But while it isn't easy, you do learn to surf better."
2. "For adults specifically: doing your best = success. Don’t get me wrong, doing your best is something to be proud of, but doing your best without preparation/dedication/practice leads to nowhere."
3. "I just need to make it through the end of this week and then I'll be fine."
4. "'Crime doesn’t pay.' I know someone that embezzled over $1 million and got probation and has to pay less than 10% back in restitution."
5. "That the majority of people have a good soul and a good heart. I tell myself this all the time, and I’m constantly proven wrong. In reality, the majority of people are selfish and unkind, especially when it comes to other people."
6. "That the world is 'just.' 'Karma is a bitch.' 'What’s coming to them.' Etc."
7. "People who romanticize being busy at work."
8. "Money can’t buy happiness. Don’t have a house, job, and are starving? Don’t worry, just because you’re poor doesn’t mean that having a mansion, five-course meals, or a six-figure salary will make you happier!"
9. "I'll be happy when I lose 25 kg. I'll be happy when I buy that couch. I'll be happy when..."
10. "'If I fall asleep right now, I’ll get X hours of sleep.' Lie, you’re gonna be awake for a while, honey."
11. "'I am going to tell/live MY truth.' Your truth is just an excuse for your actions, just or not. It's not the objective truth."
12. "Sometimes your best isn’t good enough. It’s a tough pill to swallow, but we’re not all cut out for everything."
13. "That there used to be 'The good old days,' when, in fact, there never was."
14. "Everything happens for a reason."
And lastly...
15. "People always get what's coming to them. The reality is that sometimes the people who tormented you all those years ago are likely living pretty good lives."
You can read the full thread of responses on Reddit.
Note: Some responses have been edited for length and/or clarity.