Situation Normal

Situation Normal is a Substack featuring narratives that blend humor, humanity, and insight across a range of everyday and eccentric experiences. The author navigates through personal anecdotes, societal observations, and cultural moments, offering reflections on technology, relationships, aging, societal quirks, and the unexpected humor in mundane situations.

Human Behavior Technology Personal Growth Societal Commentary Humor in Everyday Life Interpersonal Relationships Cultural Observations

The hottest Substack posts of Situation Normal

And their main takeaways

A man's gotta have a code, but there's a limit

74 implied HN points • 18 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Literature Film Television Ethics Art
  1. Having a personal code is important, but it can lead you into complicated situations. It's what guides a hero's actions in tough choices.
  2. Choosing your battles wisely is key to maintaining your sanity and focus. If you fight every fight, you risk losing sight of what truly matters.
  3. As you grow older, it's wise to be pickier about which issues you care enough to engage with. Save your energy for the hills that are really worth fighting on.

Depressing, Not Depressed

128 implied HN points • 16 Feb 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Therapy Depression Personal Growth Self-help
  1. There's a big difference between feeling depressed by what's happening around us and actually being depressed. You can be upset about the news but still feel okay inside.
  2. Taking care of your mental health is important. Things like therapy, medication, and yoga can help you feel stronger and more resilient.
  3. It's possible to face dark times and still come out okay. You can experience tough moments without letting them define how you feel about yourself.

The messenger shoots back

153 implied HN points • 09 Feb 25
😂 Humor Social Commentary Pop culture Everyday life Satire Absurdism
  1. People often blame others instead of facing facts, like the man who got upset over the dog food price. It's easier to shoot the messenger than to accept reality.
  2. Sometimes, agreeing with someone just to avoid conflict is tempting, even if it means telling them what they want to hear. But this can lead to misunderstandings later.
  3. A sense of humor can diffuse tense situations, like when a pop culture reference turned a potential argument into a quick resolution at the checkout.

Dude, where's my bigot?

109 implied HN points • 02 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Racism Discrimination Aging Hollywood Society
  1. People can often bring personal complaints and biases into casual conversations. It's surprising how quickly a simple chat can turn into a discussion about racism and discrimination.
  2. Maintaining professionalism can be challenging when faced with someone's offensive views. Sometimes, it's better to politely disengage than to confront someone who's unlikely to listen.
  3. Humor and absurdity can be found in daily life, even in uncomfortable situations. Finding ways to cope with odd interactions can help you deal with them better.

Bed Omen

136 implied HN points • 26 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Humor Lifestyle Consumerism Relationships Storytelling
  1. Assembling furniture can be more complicated than it seems. What started as a simple bed upgrade turned into a hilarious battle with confusing instructions.
  2. Sometimes, the best-laid plans get derailed. After a tough experience with a new bed, sticking with a basic, sturdy option felt like the right move.
  3. Even silly situations can lead to deeper conversations. Scary stories can pop up at unexpected times, showing how our surroundings affect our moods.
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Dispatch from a Clusterfuck

167 implied HN points • 19 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Media Social media Disaster Communication Community
  1. Social media can create confusion during disasters by spreading misinformation instead of clear communication. It's hard to find the truth when everyone is shouting different stories online.
  2. We have lost some human connection with news in the age of social media. Instead of personal calls, we often just get notifications and likes on platforms, making tough moments feel even more isolating.
  3. While social media has its downsides, there are still valuable resources like Watch Duty that provide real-time, accurate information during emergencies. Supporting such services can help communities stay safe.

Sorrow

184 implied HN points • 12 Jan 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Wildfires Natural Disasters Environmental Issues Climate change Community Response
  1. Los Angeles is facing multiple wildfires, causing significant destruction and uncertainty for many residents. People are worried about their homes and the loss of memories associated with them.
  2. The situation is overwhelming for those living in the area, with constant alerts and the threat of evacuation on their minds. It's hard for them to find peace in such a chaotic environment.
  3. Many people need help due to the fires, and there are charities available that can assist in the recovery process. Supporting these organizations can make a real difference for those affected.

Fuck around & find out (who you fucked)

257 implied HN points • 08 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Art Philosophy Media Politics Environment
  1. Climate change is a big concern for many people. Most agree it's a serious issue that needs attention.
  2. People often feel overwhelmed by politics and media. Some choose to avoid it and prefer discussing other topics.
  3. Social connections are important, even if casual. Sharing interests can lead to new friendships or dates.

2024 for the Wins

147 implied HN points • 15 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Lifestyle Personal Growth Entertainment Arts Community
  1. Celebrating small wins is important. It helps you recognize progress and feel good about your achievements.
  2. Facing personal challenges, like mental health, can lead to growth. Getting support can make a big difference.
  3. Trying new things and keeping promises, like going on trips, can bring joy. These experiences enrich your life.

well ... fuck

234 implied HN points • 10 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Resilience Political system Public Opinion Social Issues
  1. Resilience is key when facing tough times like a disappointing election. Just like how you have to keep doing the little things every day, resilience helps you keep going.
  2. Everyone experiences grief differently, and it’s important to give yourself and others the space to feel how they need to. There’s no right way to grieve after a loss.
  3. We might feel stuck in our situation, but it’s crucial to remember that we have the power to change things. The current political map doesn't define us; we are capable of resilience and making a difference.

I ate a burrito from the middle

161 implied HN points • 24 Nov 24
🍲 Food & Drink Food culture Culinary Arts Food Writing Personal essays
  1. Eating a burrito from the middle is a different approach that challenges traditional methods. It can lead to messy situations, but some people are curious about trying it.
  2. Finding answers and funding for bizarre stories can be tough, but communities can come together to support interesting journalism projects.
  3. Not every new idea or method is better than the traditional way. Sometimes sticking to what's easier, like eating a burrito vertically, just makes more sense.

My barber is a fuck-up

114 implied HN points • 17 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Anecdotes Humor Identity Parenting Life experiences
  1. Sometimes people we know can seem like they are struggling a lot. They may tell us about their chaos and challenges, like a bad day at work or problems at home.
  2. Having kids can add a lot of responsibility, and it can be tough to balance everything. Parents often feel pressure to keep things together while managing their daily stress.
  3. Life keeps moving and some things don’t really change, no matter how much time passes. Even when people grow older, they can still find themselves in similar chaotic situations.

Real American Decider™

111 implied HN points • 03 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Voting Political Opinion Campaigning
  1. Undecided voters in elections can seem confusing, like people who can't choose between chicken or something gross. It's important to make informed choices when voting.
  2. The idea of being a 'Real American Decider' means taking the time to understand politics and make a decision that matters. Being engaged and curious is key.
  3. Even casual conversations about politics can influence voting behavior. Engaging with others about their choices can lead to better decision-making for everyone.

Fly and frisk

130 implied HN points • 20 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Travel Security Humor Lifestyle Personal narrative
  1. Airport security checks can be very random and sometimes unusual things happen, like being selected for extra screening. It can feel awkward and surprising when it happens.
  2. Having unique features can sometimes lead to unexpected attention, like the author’s calves catching the interest of a security guard. It can be both flattering and a bit uncomfortable.
  3. Stories about family experiences with security show that these situations can run in families. It's interesting how some people just seem destined to have awkward airport encounters.

Inconsiderate Yogi

112 implied HN points • 27 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Lifestyle Mindfulness Yoga Self-Improvement Social Behavior
  1. It's important to have personal codes of respect in shared spaces, like returning shopping carts and being on time for yoga classes. Small actions can make a big difference in everyone's experience.
  2. Distractions can come from others, but often our own minds are the biggest distractions. The real challenge in yoga is to focus on being present and mindful despite these distractions.
  3. Wandering thoughts during practice can be seen as a normal part of the experience. Returning to focus is what truly matters in learning to be present.

We're doomed, says the barista

193 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture News Personal Stories Opinion Entertainment
  1. The barista expressed a sense of overwhelming doom about the state of human civilization.
  2. The conversation highlights the despair and concerns about the erosion of civilization, impacting human life and the world.
  3. Despite the pessimism, small acts of kindness like a free coffee and cookie can offer a brief reprieve from the sense of doom.

The one-day work week

128 implied HN points • 25 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Opinion Humor Workplace Life Society
  1. Three-day weekends can be great, but the following week can feel off. Short weeks can lead to longer workdays to get things done.
  2. The idea of a one-day work week, or a six-day weekend, was proposed. The concept involved focusing on productivity and getting stuff done.
  3. The discussion around work weeks highlighted challenges with traditional work schedules like Mondays being unproductive and weekends throwing off productivity.

24 Predictions for 2024

115 implied HN points • 07 Jan 24
😂 Humor Predictions
  1. Predictions made for 2024 include fun and relatable scenarios.
  2. The predictions range from daily life experiences to societal trends.
  3. The author humorously forecasts events like excessive cream cheese on bagels and ongoing struggles with technology.

My stubborn gardener, who probably isn't an assassin

80 implied HN points • 17 Mar 24
  1. Gardeners would make good assassins due to their inconspicuous nature and access to weapons. The theory was discussed with a gardener who found it amusing.
  2. Family dynamics and relationships can be complex, requiring compromise and understanding. Communication and empathy play crucial roles.
  3. Parenting involves enduring tests from children, while child-free choices are made through thoughtful consideration of personal preferences and responsibilities.

Telemarketer-in-chief

87 implied HN points • 18 Feb 24
😂 Humor Comedy
  1. Having fun with telemarketers by pretending to be someone else can lead to amusing conversations.
  2. Presidential themed discounts can be a quirky and engaging way to promote special offers.
  3. Offering personalized writing and storytelling services can be a unique and creative business approach to engage potential clients.

Our Racist Neighbor Has a Tech Question

177 implied HN points • 23 Jul 23
😂 Humor Satire Comedy
  1. The author encountered a racist neighbor with a tech question about email security.
  2. The author felt conflicted about giving tech advice to the racist neighbor.
  3. The author decided to mislead the neighbor in order to prevent potential misuse of technology.

According to Facebook, I served in 'Nam?

71 implied HN points • 04 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Social media Entertainment History Books
  1. The author humorously explores how Facebook algorithmically suggested Vietnam War content in his feed despite having no personal connection to it.
  2. Data mining, music preferences, and watching war movies contributed to the inaccurate content in the author's social media feed.
  3. The author reflects on the impact of targeted advertising and the evolving nature of social media platforms like Facebook.

You can have my cake and eat it too

128 implied HN points • 09 Jul 23
🍲 Food & Drink
  1. Words matter in conversations, even seemingly insignificant ones.
  2. Sometimes strangers offer food, sparking curiosity and speculation.
  3. The mystery of human behavior can lead to intriguing and amusing interactions.

Is this how my catalytic convertor saga ends?

87 implied HN points • 02 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Personal Stories Automotive Crime Community Technology
  1. The author faced a dilemma about what to do with their car after multiple catalytic converter thefts.
  2. The options included getting a better parking spot, selling the car and relying on Lyft, or selling and buying a new car.
  3. Ultimately, the author found a solution through a mechanic who had spare catalytic converters and offered to install a shield to protect the car.

Did I just meet the Persian Chuck Norris?

77 implied HN points • 06 Aug 23
😂 Humor Satire Comedy
  1. The story narrates a wild encounter at a gas station involving a man named Pj and two attackers, with dramatic and unbelievable events unfolding.
  2. Pj's storytelling style makes him come across as an unreliable narrator, leaving doubt about the authenticity of his heroic actions.
  3. The Persian Chuck Norris-like character, Pj, captivates the audience with his extraordinary tale, blurring the line between fact and fiction.

Meshuga / Loco

90 implied HN points • 04 Jun 23
😂 Humor
  1. Writing slice-of-life humor allows for covering a wide range of topics from serious to silly.
  2. Consider supporting content creators you enjoy by upgrading to a paid subscription.
  3. Sometimes humor can be found in unexpected places, like a humorous interaction at a Jewish deli.

Yoga dad bod

111 implied HN points • 05 Mar 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Yoga Fitness Body Image Fashion
  1. Sometimes, awkward interactions can lead to funny stories and laughter.
  2. In yoga, focus on the journey of moving and breathing rather than just the destination.
  3. Embrace the concept of 'dad bods' and appreciate different standards of attractiveness.

Twitter-Quitter | Secret Sauce | Teen love

86 implied HN points • 12 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Social media Writing AI Personal Stories Entertainment
  1. The author quit Twitter due to changes and frustrations, emphasizing the importance of finding new ways to reach and connect with the audience.
  2. Writing newsletters through email can be a good interactive platform, promoting engagement and feedback from readers.
  3. There is no secret sauce to writing well, just keep practicing, experimenting with new styles and forms, and reading critically for improvement.

Clever driver

86 implied HN points • 09 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Humor Travel Business Family
  1. The narrator opted for a Lyft ride instead of asking their mom for a lift to the airport.
  2. The Lyft driver turned a car ride into a business opportunity to sell his car with high mileage.
  3. The conversation highlights the creative business mindset of the Lyft driver named Clever.

Mother Troll's Best

92 implied HN points • 05 Feb 23
  1. Linda, the mom in the story, had a unique way of trolling her son in the comments section of his newsletter
  2. The son, the author, realized his mom was the troll after forgetting to mention her subscription in his newsletter
  3. The story showcases the humorous and relatable dynamic between a mom and her son online

Big Tabasco

79 implied HN points • 12 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Food & Drink Humor Social media Friendship Life Reflection
  1. Calling friends for a chat without texting first can make the conversation more genuine and meaningful.
  2. Sometimes feeling like you're not making progress in life as expected is a common sentiment, but having friends to talk to can provide comfort and perspective.
  3. Even simple errands like a trip to the store with a friend can turn into a memorable experience, highlighting the importance of human connection.