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Eye-opening truths can hit hard—some teach us, while others simply shake us awake. Life gives lessons daily, but some lessons are less instructional and more reality checks! Recently, people from around the world converged in an online discussion to reveal some of the harshest realities they’ve realized lately.
The “Nice Person” Paradox

If you consider yourself a nice, genuine person, don’t expect the world to roll out the red carpet for you. Many admit they kept expecting great things to happen because they knew they were “good” people — that simply isn’t the case. Nothing will be handed to you!
Failure Is Part of Life

Going through life without failing is impossible — thinking otherwise is a recipe for disaster. But, unfortunately, failing is a big part of life, and the only way to know how to put yourself back together again is if you fall apart in the first place.
Don’t Expect Happiness at the Finish Line

I’m sure you’ve heard that life is about the journey, not the destination, right? It’s an important reality to accept! “I thought I’d be happy when I graduated college, got my first apartment, or bought my first home. It didn’t happen because I accomplished those goals,” reports one woman. “Happiness comes from yourself, in the now. Enjoy the process.”
Your First Relationship Will Most Likely Fail

No matter how strongly you feel about your first romantic, serious relationship, the harsh reality is heartbreaking. Odds are the relationship will crash and burn, but don’t worry; it’s happened to the best of us. Life goes on.
Nothing Happens Unless You Do Something

Your life is what you make of it, and if you don’t have the life you’ve dreamed of, you can only blame yourself. Luckily, there is always time to turn it all around. “I spent a lot of my early 20s being sad and defeatist, feeling sorry for myself,” confesses one man. “I always coped with this by telling myself that I’d make something of myself eventually, meet a woman eventually, and be happy eventually. But, the truth is, ‘eventually’ doesn’t come if you don’t make it come. So improvement has to be proactive.”
Physical Appearance Does Matter

While this seems especially harsh, the truth is that society judges everyone on their appearance. Countless people admit they got treated better by others after they lost weight, got into shape, or started driving a nice car. It’s sad, but it’s true.
Life Isn’t Fair

You need to accept some things in life and move forward. Failing to do so will devastate you. “Life is not fair,” explains one woman. “Expecting it to be will always disappoint you. People will get special treatment for all kinds of things. It will never change.”
Life Can Change Instantly

Many people recall stories of their lives turned upside-down in an instant. Whether it’s losing a loved one, getting offered their dream job, or suffering a medical emergency, life can change in the blink of an eye – make sure you’re prepared for everything.
Time Eventually Runs Out

Some harsh realities can stop you in your tracks. One man passes along his words to live by: You can’t get your time back. Stop wasting it.
The World Owes You Nothing

Everyone has their issues, but stop expecting the world to fix whatever you are dealing with. If you have traumas and mental health issues, it is not everyone else’s job to tiptoe around you and tolerate bad behavior you refuse to address for yourself,” says one woman.
You Are Replaceable at Work

As much as you may think you’re irreplaceable at your work, the truth is that you’re a spoke on the wheel. Even if you’re told you’re indispensable, your company will keep chugging along whether they employ you.
Social Media Is Bad for You

Although you’ve almost certainly thought about this before, I can’t stress how important it is: Social media is terrible. “Most people should not be on social media because they cannot handle what it does to them mentally,” explains one expert. “It is not about socialization; it’s about corporations monetizing your life.
From Boom to Bust: 18 States on the Brink of Financial Ruin—What Went Wrong?

We’re embarking on a financial roller coaster ride through 18 states, and it isn’t the fun kind. We’re talking about states having to check under the mattress and behind the couch cushions for extra change. These states are trying to balance their budgets, but the numbers aren’t increasing. Why are they skimming through their wallets like they lost a 20-dollar bill? Let’s find out!
From Boom to Bust: 18 States on the Brink of Financial Ruin—What Went Wrong?