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Every now and then, we meet someone who offers unsolicited advice. This person thinks they have the answer to everything, even the most complex problems that require deep thought and deliberation. 

Their ability to oversimplify things is actually astounding, so much so that there is a subreddit dedicated to these “geniuses.” Indeed, the Thanks, I’m Cured community does a splendid job of subtly calling out these people for being so out of touch with reality. 

Here are some of the posts from the page. Yes, all of these are facepalm-worthy, but their utter absurdity is where the entertainment value lies.

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    #2

    Thanks For That

    A comic of two dinosaurs discussing sadness, depicting a piece of bad advice.

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    Nathaniel He/Him Cis-Het
    Community Member
    Premium
    7 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    During a bout of depression a long time ago my well meaning boss told me how patients on the cancer ward had worse lives than me. And yes I felt so bad about my depression that it made me more depressed. And guilty.

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    #3

    Cool

    A person in front of the pyramids and Sphinx, with text about bad advice for depression. This is one of the worst pieces of advice.

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    Nikki Sevven
    Community Member
    3 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Well now I'm more depressed because I can't afford to travel the world.

    People who come off as know-it-alls who give unsolicited advice will likely peeve, even offend, the other person. But according to Houston-based psychotherapist Elizabeth Seabolt-Esparza, a lack of emotional intelligence could be a factor outside of narcissism and ego wounding.

    #4

    Looking Forward To The Research Too

    A tweet exchange with Nita offering bad advice for cures to illnesses, humorously questioned by Jovan.

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    Nathaniel He/Him Cis-Het
    Community Member
    Premium
    7 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    There is a cure for stupidity. It's not Jesus.

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    #5

    Oh, Thank Goodness! For A Moment I Thought Something Might Be Wrong

    A comic strip showing a chronic illness patient drowning, a doctor saying results are normal, and the patient sinking. Worst pieces of advice.

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    CloPotato
    Community Member
    Premium
    5 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    HAAHAHAHAAAA my eyes are enjoying this so much they're crying

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    #6

    Work Harder

    Worst pieces of advice: A tweet sarcastically stating only 0.000002% of Americans work hard enough to be billionaires.

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    SM
    Community Member
    6 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yeah, they should be rewarded even more after all they did it all by themselves. No workers, no government, they willed everything into existence.

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    “Some people feel helpless and don't know what to say, particularly in situations involving loss or chronic health issues. Some people may truly mean well while not realizing they are causing harm rather than helping,” Elizabeth told Bored Panda.

    #8

    My Cousin Shared This

    Danny Trejo holding a sign saying You're Not Sad You Just Need Some Tacos, a piece of bad advice.

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    #9

    An Outlet

    A comic strip about getting rid of negative emotions, illustrating worst pieces of advice.

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    Other times, people just want to feel heard. According to licensed therapist Laurie Wilson, these folks just want to feel important and know their opinions matter. In some cases, she says it’s also a product of neurodivergence. 

    “Neurodiverse people don't mean anything malicious about it. We just really swear that we have the right answer,” Laurie says.

    #10

    Weeeeeeeeee

    A meme displaying the worst pieces of advice about perspective, showing a spiral next to a pyramid.

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    SM
    Community Member
    5 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Not if you look at it from the bottom. Maybe the problem is that you haven't sunk low enough to be looking up. I'm not sure I haven't really found out how geometry solves problems like this.

    #11

    If Only Avoiding Bigotry Were This Easy

    An illustration depicting a person changing the TV channel to avoid fear, illustrating bad advice for mental health.

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    2WheelTravlr
    Community Member
    Premium
    5 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Although this is simplified, studies show that constant inundation with media and online social networks is not good for mental health.

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    #12

    But I Hate Turmeric

    A tweet detailing the worst pieces of advice for chronically ill pals, including yoga, turmeric, and sacrifice.

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    Auntriarch
    Community Member
    6 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Does it have to be my own first born son? Cos it's a bit late for that

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    The lack of perspective may also affect someone’s opinions on a specific matter. Elizabeth emphasizes that most people who give unsolicited advice mean well. However, they may be coming from a place of ignorance or privilege, or just want to help so badly.

    #13

    I Think This Belongs Here

    A drawing of a sad bird in an open cage held by a hand, symbolizing worst pieces of advice and feeling trapped.

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    CloPotato
    Community Member
    Premium
    5 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It can be true and can be the necessary push for someone to take conscience of all the bars added to their mental prison and deconstruct what they learnt or what depression made them believe was true (I am personnally grateful for the version of me who went through this process). I just hope this wasn't done in a snarky way, or to say "you don't have problems so f**k off".

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    #14

    Oh. Okay

    A screenshot of a tweet from Lane Moore about a neighbor offering terrible advice to cure depression.

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    Eliza
    Community Member
    6 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I really hope this was meant in jest.

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    #15

    Paging “Doctor” Mom

    A tweet from Brandon mocking bad advice from his mom about not being anxious.

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    “It can be easy to tell someone to just quit a job they hate or to just stop going to Starbucks when they have a financial net to catch them, not realizing that some people are struggling so much financially that there is no fat to trim, so to speak,” Elizabeth said. “Feeling helpless can create a need to fix it by offering unsolicited advice.”

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    #16

    99% Of Online “Mental Health Advices”

    A cartoon of geometric shapes trying to fit into holes, showing bad advice in a humorous way.

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    #17

    Thought We’d All Appreciate This

    A humorous sketch of a person playing a harmonica during a panic attack, offering bad advice. This is one of the worst pieces of advice.

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    #18

    Pain Is Temporary Unless It's Chronic

    A small bird perched on a railing with text giving unhelpful advice about feelings.

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    BossyCloud
    Community Member
    6 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "just push through the pain to overcome it"

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    So, how can you actually be a supportive listener for someone going through a rough time? Laurie’s number one tip is to “just listen.” She then advised against sharing a story about a similar experience, since the other person only needs to be seen and heard.

    #19

    Can It Actually

    Lisa Simpson presenting a slide stating financial stability as a cure for depression and anxiety issues.

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    Eliza
    Community Member
    6 hours ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Financial stability helps (alot) with things that make normal people sad and anxious, but depression is not about that. It's biological and can happen to people regardless of finances. I have had multiple major depressive episodes and have been upper middle class most of my life. In fact, one of my common thought loops when I get depressed is a feeling of deep seated shame that I have so much privilege and objectively a great life and I can't even do the most basic things. I think about how many people struggle against much more difficult circumstances and do amazing things meanwhile I can't even get up the energy to do my laundry.

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    #20

    I Know It’s Ironic But I Just Had To Post This Because It Fits

    A hand pushing away a bacteria-like image with text offering the worst advice: Just say NO to being sick.

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    2WheelTravlr
    Community Member
    Premium
    5 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I never knew that bacteria follows the same rules as vampires. Ya learn something new every day!

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    #21

    Healthy Coping Mechanisms

    A social media exchange where one user asks how to cope with sadness, receiving ironic bad advice.

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    SM
    Community Member
    6 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This akin to telling someone that they can dig themselves out of a hole by digging deeper.

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    “As a society, we need to be more aware of the link between mental illness and chronic illness, as well as financial and all the other hardships that come along with that,” Laurie said. “Our attachment wounds and our past trauma or past hurt yield illness and hardship. And ‘just think positive’ will not lessen the pain.”  

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    #22

    You Heard 'Em Boys, Effort Doesn't Require Effort

    A list titled Things That Don't Require Effort, then crossed out to say All of this Requires Effort, highlighting bad advice.

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    SM
    Community Member
    5 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This sounds like the kind of people where you can sell them "instant water". (Directions: Just add water)

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    #23

    It Was Just That Simple

    A meme about The 40% Rule for lifting weights, followed by a sarcastic comment on worst advice.

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    Sue User
    Community Member
    4 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    So, either your mind it telling you a lie ( that's worrisome) or your mind is correct and you are ignoring it ( even worse).

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    #24

    Wow Imma Need Me Several Of Those

    Two hands holding beaded bracelets labeled for Autism Relief and Bipolar Disorder Relief, with the text we're cured.

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    Nathaniel He/Him Cis-Het
    Community Member
    Premium
    7 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Anyone want to buy some magic pebbles? I have ones that cure the above, also ones that cure communism in a person, and homosexuality.

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    Meanwhile, Elizabeth’s tip is simple and straightforward: ask yourself if the advice you’re giving addresses the problem within minutes. Her second important piece of advice: remember that not everyone is religious. 

    #25

    And That's How I Lost My Self Esteem

    A meme of a character saying Why do I fix everything I touch, representing teachers giving bad advice.

    [deleted] Report

    Toujin C'Thlu
    Community Member
    3 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I sometimes wonder if these teachers ever experienced bullying, or even interacted with other kids

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    #26

    I Just Thought This Was Funny

    A book cover titled Smile Your Way Out of Depression, representing terrible advice.

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    Bored Silly
    Community Member
    6 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Love the authors last name . Too funny.

    #27

    I Know It’s A Joke But Seems To Fit Here

    A tweet sharing the worst pieces of advice about med students being sick, suggesting they just look at notes.

    Gayephistor Report

    “Comments like ‘let go and let God’ may feel dismissive to someone who is an atheist,” Elizabeth said. “It is advisable to check with the person first to see if they are religious to get an idea of how this may land with them. Even if they are religious, they may not be feeling receptive to this kind of response.” 

    #28

    Please Leave Me Alone

    A Furby meme conveying a look of exasperation, illustrating worst pieces of advice about depression.

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    #29

    Thanks Google

    A search result with worst pieces of advice about depression, including jumping off Golden Gate Bridge.

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    Nathaniel He/Him Cis-Het
    Community Member
    Premium
    6 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Is AI trying to get rid of the human resistance before it renames itself Skynet?

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    #30

    (Found On Facebook)

    Magazine cover about advice to cure anxiety with pretzels, featuring a smiling woman wearing a witch hat.

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    Eliza
    Community Member
    6 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm already using these for treating my PMS related salt cravings, two birds!

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    #31

    We Did It Guys, Bullying Is No More

    A blue sign with a cartoon child saying DON'T BE A TARGET as worst pieces of advice against bullying.

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    Nathaniel He/Him Cis-Het
    Community Member
    Premium
    7 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    So... The bullies are still bullying others? Just not you? I do not think that solves the problem.

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    #32

    Broken Leg? Walk

    A printed notice stating no call-offs are accepted for various reasons, representing one of the worst pieces of advice.

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    Frank Ropen
    Community Member
    7 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Million dollar companies hire more people to prevent being understaffed. So act like a million dollar company

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    #33

    Thanks

    A meme with a teacher posting many assignments, a funny take on bad advice.

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    #34

    Found On Pinterest

    A grid of six people offering unhelpful mental health advice. Worst pieces of advice.

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    Phantom Phoenix
    Community Member
    Premium
    4 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Question for the last guy. Sherry, specifically, or alcoholic beverages in general?

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    #35

    I Dont Know What To Put Here

    A meme with a character from The Simpsons expressing sarcasm about simplistic advice for social anxiety.

    [deleted] Report

    Alessa Gillespie
    Community Member
    5 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Ugh. This is like receiving advice on how to prevent/relief migraines from people who've never had a migraine.

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    #36

    An Insult In A Bag

    A hand holding a clear bag with an Anti-Depression Kit, a piece of advice showing irony.

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    liam newton-harding
    Community Member
    6 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    And this is where you slap the "well meaning" person who handed you this...it may not cure depression, but there will be a short lived rush of dopomine.

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    #37

    Wow I’m Cured

    Text stating various mental health conditions like depression and anxiety are a choice. This is one of the worst pieces of advice.

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    #38

    It’s The Pink Hair That’s The Problem Guys

    A tweet from Dale Partridge giving unsolicited advice to feminists. This is one of the worst pieces of advice.

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    #39

    Positive Mental Attitude

    A chihuahua meme reacting to unsolicited advice on positive mental attitude, representing pieces of advice.

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    Lady Chelsea (LadyChelseaoftheVoid)
    Community Member
    55 minutes ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "Yeah, I'm gonna stop you right there, Karen. I didnt ask for s****y advice, so why are you giving it?"

    #40

    Oh Wow What An Idea Thanks Boomer

    A cartoon offering the worst advice for solving student debt crisis by simply paying it back.

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    Frank Ropen
    Community Member
    7 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    They paid the loan back, the interests are the real burden

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    #41

    So That's How You Get Rid Of Mental Breakdowns

    A conversation with terrible advice: Why do you want a mental breakdown? Control yourself.

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    #42

    Not Sure If It Belongs Here But It Lands In The Same Line Of Posts

    A Reddit screenshot where a user complaining about a slow PC receives the worst piece of advice: Then save up.

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    #43

    And It Is Magically Gone

    A meme of Phil Swift from Flex Tape giving the worst pieces of advice to ignore severe tinnitus.

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    Bewitched One
    Community Member
    Premium
    5 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Riiiiiiight lol let me just not listen to the thing that makes me listen

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    #44

    Toxic Masculinity

    Worst pieces of advice: Phil Swift from Flex Tape fixing a barrel labeled 'men with mental health problems' with 'Be a man'.

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    #45

    That's. Not. How. Autism. Works

    A four-panel comic showing someone with autism receiving bad advice: Have you tried changing your mindset? Worst pieces of advice.

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    David Paterson
    Community Member
    1 hour ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It worked. I've changed my mindset. Now I say "I can't handle (specific thing) due to my stupidity". Is that better?

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    #46

    It's That Easy!

    A text message exchange with the worst pieces of advice, telling someone not to own a dog if they cant afford it.

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    Upstaged75
    Community Member
    6 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Don't borrow money if you can't afford to pay it back!

    #47

    Putting A Magazine In A Revolver

    A meme illustrating the worst pieces of advice for men's mental health issues, with a hand loading a gun.

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    #49

    My Mother Just Forwarded This To Me

    Worst pieces of advice: A pointing finger with text saying 'Stop getting sad... be happy again. You deserve happiness'.

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    Upstaged75
    Community Member
    6 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Sounds like my mom before I made her read a bunch of articles about how depression/anxiety works. Telling me to "snap out of it" is pointless.

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    #50

    …because American Diets Are Famously Deficient In Salt

    A social media post providing the worst pieces of advice about taking salt for various ailments.

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    panther
    Community Member
    6 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Is he a researcher for a company that produces salt?

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    #51

    Why Are You Depressed, You Sad Idiot? You Have Tea And Cookies Right In Front Of You!

    An illustration showing a sad person surrounded by good things, illustrating bad advice for depression.

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    Auntriarch
    Community Member
    6 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Okay I really want to push someone under a steamroller now.

    #52

    Still No Reason To Be A Jerk For No Reason

    A note with bad advice: Your triggers are your responsibility, not the world's obligation to tiptoe around you.

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    Upstaged75
    Community Member
    6 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Eh, I agree with this one. 🤷‍♀️

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    #53

    Thanks Doc I Feel Better Already

    A meme with a doctor saying blood test results are normal, and a patient with brain fog reacting to the worst pieces of advice.

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    Lady Gypsy Rain
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 hour ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Love how the doctors are always so chipper and happy when giving these results. No, dude/dudette. I need answers that actually help.

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    #54

    It's That Simple Bro

    A person literally picking themselves up in a meme, illustrating the worst pieces of advice.

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    #56

    My Brain When Someone Tells Me To “Just Calm Down”:

    An image of an angry penguin sitting on a chair, illustrating bad advice not asked for.

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    Lady Gypsy Rain
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 hour ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Cue weaponized incompetence. The only time it’s ok to suddenly be unable to do so much as put toothpaste on the toothbrush. Much less anything more complicated

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    #57

    Found On A Popular Investing Ig Page

    Text explaining that canceling Netflix or making coffee isnt helpful; increase income for financial advice.

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    Lady Gypsy Rain
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 hour ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Gee…I am absolutely in awe. Why didn’t I think of that? Oh, wait, I did. And so did everyone not in your privileged sphere. You are such a massive a*s, you must smell your own bs all day and night

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    #58

    Yes. Just Pretend To Feel Happy

    Bojack Horseman scene offering advice to pretend happiness to forget pretending.

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    Beak Hookage
    Community Member
    3 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Protip, don't take advice from BoJack.

    #59

    Next Time I Should Just Make It Into More Money Ez

    A meme comparing Rich Man vs Poor Man, depicting financial advice. This is one of the worst pieces of advice.

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    Nathaniel He/Him Cis-Het
    Community Member
    Premium
    6 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The poor man needs to spend the money on necessities, the rich man can afford to invest surplus cash.

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    #60

    Just Think Positive, Bro

    A meme depicting a soldier deflecting depression with 'just think positive lol', illustrating pieces of advice.

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    #61

    Bad Correlation

    Worst pieces of advice comparing health and income, suggesting better health leads to higher income.

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    Kate Johnson
    Community Member
    Premium
    5 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    ....and buy my product, read my blog, follow me! GAG!!!

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    #62

    I No Longer Have Depression Apparently

    A Reddit post offering unsolicited advice, suggesting depression is caused by scrolling Instagram.

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    #63

    I Hatee This Quote

    Image with text about advice to be kind to your parents because it's their first time living too.

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    Mama Oddling
    Community Member
    1 hour ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    As a Buddhist, I find this an offensive assumption.

    #64

    Well That Was Easy

    A chicken on a beach with the text, if you are seeing this the curse is lifted, have a good day.

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    #65

    Sentiments Like This Are Such A Genuine Pet Peeve Of Mine

    An illustration of a person walking with text saying Your normal day is someone's dream, showing unsolicited advice.

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    Lady Gypsy Rain
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 hour ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You misspelled nightmare.

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    #66

    Because They Make The Same Amount Of Money

    A money habit infographic comparing poor vs. rich money habits and why the rich get richer.

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    Kate Johnson
    Community Member
    Premium
    5 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Many don't "earn" anything they "inherit"

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    #67

    Thanks, My Depression Has Been Cured

    Cartoon depicting advice: a happy man in sun between two sad men in rain, captioned Don't make up problems.

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