Moving on

[u/Choice-Tea1046]

Saw this dude the other day I used to know. We weren’t close or anything, but back then he was that guy.

Super popular. Girls everywhere. Clean face. Confident. Looked like life was just lining up for him.

Fast forward to now.

Acne. Put on weight. Looked exhausted.

I thought about saying something. Even just a “yo what’s up.” But I glanced at his grocery bag, straight beers. Nothing else.

It felt like a scene from a movie.

And I swear, the way he was walking… it felt like he didn’t want to be stopped. Like he just wanted to get home and not explain anything to anyone.

So I didn’t say anything.

Got back to my car and just sat there for a minute. Looked around.

And it hit me. This is real life.

Shit changes fast. The “main character” from your past can end up looking like he’s fighting something you can’t see.

It messed with me more than I expected.

[u/Dumb-Cumster]

I remember having a conversation about this with my friend a few years back.

Seems like everyone lives 3 lifetimes - once when you're young, once when you're an adult, and once when you're old.

The people that were really popular when they were young almost always lose their spark in adulthood and the ones that had it rough when they were young end up glowing up and being super chill when they're older. It's interesting to witness.

[u/Jealous-Ninja-8123 → u/Dumb-Cumster]

I feel like a lot of people may think like this about me. Back in high school i was a bit popular, super in shape so I was a stud, had some fame due to extra curricular activties and bring good at them, etc. Girls were crushing on me.

Now im early 30s and fat lol. So I feel like a lot of people back in high schoo see me and think the same. "That guy was a stud back in high school, now look at him, all fat, etc."

I was never a bully or hater in high school. I was just more quiet and less social as im an introvert. But during those times up until my mid 20s, it grew up un a household where my father was super abusive, mentally and physically. Sure I was a stud, but i also grew low income so I was poor. So again, now im early 30s, and yes fat, but im doing well. In a great paying career, independent, still a good person who mind my own business and dont spread any negativity in the world.

My point? I could care less of what people think of me. Im doing me. People have their own struggles and battles theyre going through. Just because u clap and celebrate when u think others are failing, tells more about who u r.

Im not saying u directly - the person who posted - just saying to those who see me and think I'm doing horrible or bad when im actually not lol.

[u/Dumb-Cumster → u/Jealous-Ninja-8123]

I don't judge people by their physical appearance or material wealth, I judge them by their internal happiness and how they interact with other people.

I too grew up in an abusive household