There are two statements kids often make that decades of scientific research suggest are actually true: "It takes one to know one" and "If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all." The big takeaway is that the things you say about other people are often seen as a reflection of you, too.Dr. Shadé Zahrai—an award-winning leadership strategist, Harvard-trained coach, and member of the Forbes Coaches Council—explained the phenomenon in a viral TikTok post that focuses on how to be more likable and seen as a good person by others. Her lesson, however, is a double-edged sword. @shadezahrai This habit makes you more likable (and a better human). #psychology #socialpsychology #socialintelligence #conversations #emotionalintelligence #leadership How to be more likable"Ever notice how people who speak kindly about others seem naturally likable?" Zahrai asked in the video. "There is something called the social transference phenomenon, and it is pretty fascinating. Research shows that when you describe someone's traits, people who hear unconsciously associate those same traits with you."(Note: Research dating back to 1998 refers to this phenomenon as Spontaneous Trait Transference, or STT.)"So when you highlight someone's optimism or compliment their trustworthiness, you're not just uplifting them, you're building your own reputation as optimistic and trustworthy," she continued. "And if you gossip or speak badly about others, those listening can't help but link those same traits back to you. Your words shape how other people see you." A woman sharing her ideas with friends.via Canva/PhotosIf you're hearing about STT for the first time, you might cringe when thinking about past gossip sessions at work or over drinks with friends. But it's also an invitation to be more mindful of how you talk about others. When you voice negative opinions out loud, they can reflect back on you. Conversely, it's the perfect excuse to start looking for the good in others and bringing it up as much as possible.What is Spontaneous Trait Transference?Research suggests that the human brain associates a communicator with the traits they assign to others, whether those traits are positive or negative, such as brilliant, rude, selfish, thoughtful, or trustworthy. For example, if you tell a story about your friend Stacey being disrespectful to a waiter, listeners are likely to view Stacey as rude and also associate that same trait with you, even if they know you are not typically that kind of person.In this way, the brain can be somewhat sloppy when assigning traits. As the listener processes the story, the idea of "rude" becomes top of mind and is quickly attached not only to Stacey, but also to you, simply because of your proximity. A man and woman enjoying a pitcher of beer.via Canva/Photos"The takeaway? Authentic compliments allow you to express admiration for others, with the positive traits you cite also being attributed to you," writes Wendy L. Patrick in Psychology Today. "The opposite, of course, is true as well."The big lessonsTalking positively about people makes you seem positive. Talking negatively about people makes you seem negative.Spontaneous Trait Transference is a reminder that the brain often makes hasty associations that are not always rooted in reason. The good news is that, when used to your advantage, it can be a win-win. You can focus on uplifting others rather than bringing them down, which will make you more likable, too.

It's never too late to start over, even as one enters their second and, dare we say, "third" acts of life. If something can be dreamed, it quite often can be achieved no matter how many obstacles and circumstances stand in the way. If nothing else, it certainly doesn't hurt to try.A user on Threads named Kari Bliss (@kari.bliss) posted, "Please show me the Gen X women who hit their 40s and 50s and decided to re-invent everything. Bonus points if you have a dog, a career, a hobby you take too seriously, or opinions about wellness."In just a couple of days, there were over a thousand likes on this post and nearly 700 comments. Gen X women were ready to share and many of their stories were beautifully hopeful. Of course, the idea of positive reinvention is unique for everyone, but just the mere fact that so many came forward to relay their inspiration was a win. So much so that the OP made a separate post to thank everyone. "The honesty, the pivots, the late starts, the second chapters… it was a gift to read. I’m really honored people showed up with their stories." A black and white photo by Anna Mullins.Photo Credit: Anna Mullins Via ThreadsAnna Mullins (@a_mullinsphotography) became a photographer. "Turned 55 and decided to fill my shoes with being a black and white photographer. A longing since I was a teenager. I’m 60 now and it was the best decision I’ve ever made. My work feeds my soul like nothing ever has. I’m working on a series called The Menopause Effect. Interviews and photography of Appalachian women who want to tell their stories. It’s been incredible."Some people have used roaring into a new life to effect change in terms of volunteering. "Never in a million years did I think I would move to Ukraine at 50 to spend my spare time delivering trucks to front-line units. But here I am." ~ @wolfpartyofoneHollie Rogain (@hrogin), along those lines, wanted to make a difference more locally. "Decided to run for local office in 2020. Became a mayor in 2022. Never in my wildest punk rock dreams did I think this would be something I’d want, much less do. Also, dogs." A Gen X woman becomes mayor of a town.Photo Credit: Threads, Hollie RoginYet another, (@wren.artcher) on the older end of Gen X, seems to feel super seen by the question. "I think the algo (algorithm) called me to your post. Older Gen X-er here who some might say that I reinvented myself. I decided to change from a boy into a girl. That's pretty much changed everything. Oh... and I have a dog in my life. She's pretty awesome."This Threader simply began appreciating themselves: "56th year just began… finally started living for myself unapologetically messy and magnificent. Terrified about the future but ready to conquer. Choosing myself with conviction."One Gen X had a calling from the art world. Sandra Ebejer (@sandra_ebejer_author) writes, "I’m 50. Just started painting last year. On a whim, I submitted one of my paintings to an art gallery and last week I got to see it hanging on their walls. (No dog, but I do have a cat who follows me around like he’s a dog…)" Sandra Ebejer's art hangs in a gallery.Photo Credit: Threads, Sandra EbejerAlison Corey (@fearlessforfiction) went from teaching kindergarten to writing novels, both extremely admirable careers. "Yep, that’s me! I’m 46. I was a kindergarten teacher for 15 years, then left my job after I started a blog. Now my blog is sold and I’m writing my first novel. Not sure where it’s all going to go but I get to write every day, and it’s such a joy! I love my pup, and taught myself to crochet this year."And another (@devaney_camburn) is Madrid-bound! "I’m moving abroad in about 10 weeks. Sold my house and belongings and leaving my 20-year career. I’m anxious and scared and nervous and overwhelmed but I also know I got this."

It can be deeply frustrating when an argument, debate, complaint, or negotiation goes off the rails. The fallout can include hurt feelings, mental exhaustion, and even damaged relationships, whether the disagreement happens in a business meeting or around the kitchen table. But one CEO and corporate communication expert suggests three questions he says can help bring a positive conclusion to almost any argument.Steven Gaffney has worked for more than 30 years as an advisor and communicator for Fortune 500 companies, helping leaders communicate plans and negotiate deals. He said that conversations inside and outside the boardroom can be disrupted and steered toward solutions when one person asks the other party three simple questions. - YouTube youtu.be 1. What would you suggest?Instead of trying to convince another person of your point, it may be more fruitful to give them the opportunity to suggest a solution to the shared problem or propose the plan they prefer. This can surface an option they already support, one the two of you can agree on or negotiate further. It can also redirect the conversation toward solution-finding, or help them realize they do not have a clear alternative and may be more open to yours.2. What would it take for you to agree?Gaffney said that when this question is asked enough times, the conversation naturally shifts toward finding a solution. It helps clarify what the other person wants, what concerns they have with a proposal, and what they ultimately want the outcome to look like. This provides direct insight into their priorities and allows those concerns to be addressed, which can reduce resistance by helping them feel heard.3. Can you live with it?There are times when one or neither person gets 100 percent of what they want. That is simply part of life. Asking this question aloud can surface minor hang-ups that may be blocking an agreement or compromise by encouraging self-reflection, both for the other party and for yourself. If you can "live with it," you have reached a point of agreement. If they can live with it, that is a success as well.The worst case is that someone cannot live with it, and that is fine. If that happens, Gaffney recommends starting the questioning over with "What would you suggest?" to move past a stopping point in the conversation and explore what other options might be available to both of you. @collegehumor Seriously, why can’t we just say the number out loud? #parody #comedy #sketch #collegehumor #business Professionals chime inCommunication professionals told Upworthy that they largely agree with the themes and intent behind Gaffney's three questions."Gaffney's three questions provide a framework that encourages contribution and ensures commitment," said Joel Simon, attorney at Simon Perdue Law Firm. "They create a structured path from uncertainty to clarity and action. I agree these questions work because they redirect dialogue from blame or debate toward collaboration and problem-solving. Each question encourages ownership, transparency, and commitment which aligns with negotiation principles I use daily, where resolving conflicts efficiently while preserving relationships is paramount."However, while Gaffney has a proven track record and the intent behind his questions is sound, not all of his contemporaries agree that his style of questioning is one-size-fits-all. Jennifer Martin, a communications expert and business consultant with 25 years of experience, said that while she appreciates Gaffney's direct approach, it may not be effective for everyone."Just like the world is not filled with only tech gurus and accountants, as leaders we have to be prepared to style-flex and communicate in the language of creatives, salespeople, people pleasers, and the just-the-facts types among others," said Martin. "This is why personality tests are so popular in business."Communication and workplace culture expert Dallin Cooper largely agreed with the broader intent of Gaffney's questions, saying they place people in an "outcome-focused mindset" that "creates introspection." That said, he also noted that the approach is not foolproof, particularly the final question."The key to de-escalating a conversation is to avoid defensiveness, and if you exasperatedly ask someone 'Can you just live with it?,' that often isn't going to end well," explained Cooper. "The delivery, the tone, and the wording of a question like that can make a huge difference in making it feel non-combative." @kyleinspires People who practice conversations predict social outcomes 44% more accurately #socialanxiety #introvert #communication #neuroscience #brain Like Cooper, Martin was also concerned with how the questions are asked. She suggested that, depending on the other person's personality, communicators may need to tailor their message in a way the audience can best receive. Some people respond well to direct bluntness, while others may require more finesse.Martin recommended approaching the other party with the intention of allowing them to express their point of view, while keeping the focus on understanding what they want in order to find a solution that fits."As all any of us really want is to be seen, heard, respected, and considered," she said."One thing these questions all have in common is that they are undeniably good questions to ask yourself," concluded Cooper. "They will help you understand why you're having the conversation, whether it's worth having, and keep you focused on a solution. All great things to ask yourself. And all good things to ask someone else if you ask them at the right time, and in the right way."

Ask any European about their perceptions of American culture and people, and they'll likely say the United States has some quirks. From apartment buildings to giving strangers compliments to our large portion sizes, the differences can feel innumerable, including how Americans travel by car across the country.A curious British Redditor asked Americans whether they "actually consider a 3-hour drive 'short'?" They explained, "I'm from the UK, and growing up, visiting my grandparents (who lived 3 hours away) was a massive yearly event. It felt like a serious expedition."They added that Europeans and Americans have very different perspectives on what qualifies as a "long" or "short" car ride. - YouTube www.youtube.com "I keep seeing Americans say they drive 3-4 hours just for a weekend visit or even a day trip," they wrote. "Is this an exaggeration, or is my European brain just not comprehending the scale? How do you not go insane driving that long regularly?"To help Europeans understand, one American Reddit user kindly explained how the geography of the U.S. differs from that of Europe:"The U.S. is also, geographically, much bigger and more spread out, especially as you head west. The original states (New England and the upper part of the Mid-Atlantic) are more like Europe, where you can drive a few hours and get to a completely different (though similar) place, whereas there are some southeastern, midwestern, and western states where you can drive for 3 hours and still see your house from there." The size of America versus Europe.Image via Reddit/caseycookeAnother major difference is that American cars are built for longer trips. One Redditor added:"We tend to buy cars more suited for longer distance highway travel too. Very small hatchback type cars popular in the UK and other European countries are generally terrible for that. They get tons of road noise and vibration and are super fatiguing to drive long distances. Our best selling vehicle, the Ford F150 is a road trip champion."Beyond that, roads in the U.S. are also designed for long hauls, especially when compared with those in the UK and elsewhere in Europe. Another Redditor noted: "I think a major difference is that America has the space to build a lot of road infrastructure. The States have had automatic gears and cruise control in their cars as standard for years and years. The roads in the UK are smaller and have been built around things, way more bendy and twisty. Manual gears were/ are more common as well, although that's slightly changing with modern cars here. Think driving for 3 hours is just feels slightly different in these countries for these reasons."To further explain what Americans consider a "long" or "short" drive, others chimed in with their own experiences and perspectives: Driving in the United States.Photo credit: Canva"3 hour daily commute? Way too long haha. 3 hour drive to a destination spot? SUPER short haha." "My husband is about to drive about 30 hours (2,000 miles) from the East Coast to Colorado to help his mom out. He'll stay for a week, and then drive back with some stuff that's too expensive to ship. And he doesn't even mind it. Many times, he's driven 6 hours to attend a meeting. Drive out after work one day, stay overnight somewhere, meeting in the morning, stay for lunch, head home. I think the car can find its way itself by now." "I used to drive 12 hours straight to work twice month, there and back home weeks later. Did that for 7 years. The craziest part of all that is that 90% of all that driving was done going across one state: Texas." "3-4 hour one way would be maybe once a month thing for me. 90 minutes can be any day." "Most Americans do not think of a 3 hour drive as something particularly long or unusual. I know many who don't think twice about driving 500 miles a day. Personally I feel like about 350 miles a day is my limit."

For many of us, the struggle to effectively meal plan is very, very real. It's made all the more challenging with rising grocery prices and less time to actually cook. Perhaps, though, part of the issue comes from the pressure we put on ourselves to treat daily meals like an international vacation. Or as Evelyn Ngugi, also known as @myinternetcousin, put it, our need to “Carmen Sandiego meal plan.”“The reason you’re stressed out about meal planning,” Ngugi bluntly began in a TikTok video, is because you’re under the false idea that you need to eat vastly different food every single day.” Ngugi theorized that this might be a strictly “American” quirk, since we have constant access to so many different cultural cuisines, and thus subconsciously think we need to be “hitting every continent in the span of a calendar week.” A family enjoying dinner Photo credit: CanvaThis is something you won’t see in non-American households, argued Ngugi. “Fried rice Monday, taco Tuesday, tikka masala Wednesday... nobody else does that, it’s too much…Have you ever been to a Korean household? Kimchi, kimchi, soy sauce, soy sauce, every single day, every single day.” And for those who feel they “could never eat the same things every day,” Ngugi had some choice words: “Yes you freaking can!” But she also clarified that it’s more about “scaling it back” than removing any and all variety. “I’m not saying you gotta eat the same chicken breast and broccoli for seven days in a row, but there’s no need to go all around the world in seven days.” @myinternetcousin I’m blocking anyone who misses the point govern yourselves accordingly #beansoup ♬ original sound - ✨evelyn✨ Down in the comments, people playfully admitted to being called out: “Without being dramatic, I think you just changed my life.” “No cause same, why do I do this to myself?” “You’re speaking directly to me, and I don’t like it.”“Did you just call me a culinary slut?”There were also others who had already adopted Ngugi’s philosophy who chimed in:“Mine is a rotisserie chicken... on a salad, made into chicken salad, on nachos, made into Verde enchiladas with pepperjack... all of these take me less than 10 mins prep.”“I meal prep something that makes more than 5 meals so you can freeze some. When I get bored of the meal of the week I hit the freezer for a previous meal.”“You also can have all that variety if you’re smart about your ingredients. Rotisserie chicken and rice on Monday is chicken fried rice with leftovers on Tuesday.”“You ever been to a Filipino household? It’s rice and garlic every single day babe.”"As an Indian family, we had roti every day. Then, we started having Fridays as our ‘other’ days: pizza, burgers, pasta, ONE day of the week lol.”“Told my mom once that I didn’t want to make Mexican food three nights in a row, and she goes, ‘Mexicans do?’ So simple but changed everything for me lmao.” A Mexican family enjoying dinner Photo credit: CanvaIt is a luxury to have access to so many different culinary delights, but if what we’re really craving is a bit more peace of mind, maybe we could opt to simplify things a bit.

No matter your age, it’s always easy to look at younger generations and think, "Kids these days with their technology." But one new teenage TikTok trend is so analog and evergreen, it feels like it could have existed in the 1900s. It’s pretty simple: Kids are bringing random household items to school, gathering with their friends, plopping their selections down onto a table, and hoping the surprises will make each other laugh to the point of a classic spit-take.It’s hard to pinpoint exactly who started this wholesome game, but it’s quickly become popular enough to spawn an entire social media account rounding up the most popular clips. Several of the best belong to TikToker eliblair._, who posted their first such video on January 9. It shows five kids sitting in a circle, each taking turns in a sort of show-and-tell style. The first one ends with the biggest group laugh: a stuffed Super Mario toy. @eliblair._ #fypシ #viral #school #funny That clip earned over one million views, and (as of this writing) they’ve posted nine more videos, showing the friends cracking each other up with everything from jumper cables to robot vacuums to a large Boston Terrier mask. Some of the biggest laughs happen when two people bring in the same item, including clothes irons and packages of hot dogs. It's hard to describe exactly why this is funny, but...it just is. Will this trend eventually extend beyond schools into our offices, break rooms, and living rooms? It seems entirely possible, given how universal the whole thing is. At any rate, lots of people on TikTok are delighted by these displays of good, clean, (if slightly bizarre) fun. It seems to have triggered a certain nostalgia for many viewers, who made comparisons to the former MTV game show Silent Library (2009-2011), in which contestants tried to stay quiet in strange situations. Here are some of the top reactions to eliblair._’s videos: @eliblair._ #fypシ #viral #funny #school #trending "We gotta bring back silent library""If you think about it [you’re] really just playing show n tell""2026 and we’ve finally brought back silent library. the world may be healing""humans are so easily entertained it's amazing""The children yearn for Silent Library""Everything is so much funnier at school ?""'hey mom can i bring the roomba to school?'""Fellas please don’t stop doing this. It’s so simple yet it’s freaking hilarious. I’m 53 and I laughed my a-- off every time I watch this. This is so me when I was in high school. I love every second of it please keep doing it.""Roomba trying to find its home dock all day""48.2 million views proving THIS is what tiktok was made for.""this IS EXACTLY what it's like to hang out with your bros lmfaooooo""71 year old grandma here and I love these. Always a good laugh."Speaking of absurd but joyful TikTok trends, please turn your attention to the German craze of "pudding mit Gabel," in which teens meet up in parks, bring along a cup of pudding and a fork, and eat together. That’s pretty much it! And it’s gone viral beyond Germany, even extending into other countries: One meet-up even took place in New York City’s Central Park. Teenagers hanging out at a park. Photo credit: Canva, Africa Images (both images, cropped)

You may be preparing for a wedding speech, a work presentation, or another event where you’ll be speaking publicly. No matter how prepared you are, you're nervous and wondering if you could sound as confident, authoritative, and clear as a news anchor on TV. Well, one newsman shared his tips on how he sounded confident live and on camera even when he had to report under stressful conditions.News anchor Dan Schrack of 12WHAM News in Western New York shared on TikTok why and how people in the news sound confident even when they’re not, and especially when they have to speak without a script. Schrack went on to share three tips that helped him “eliminate uncertainty” in his voice and fully keep a group’s attention. @danschracktv Ever wonder how news anchors sound so calm and confident - even when chaos is unfolding live? Here’s the secret: it’s not about being fearless. It’s about sounding certain, even when you’re not. ?️ Cut the hedging. Drop your voice. Slow down. That’s how you sound like you belong in control. #PublicSpeakingTips #CommunicationSkills #SpeakWithConfidence #VoiceTraining #NewsAnchor 1. Remove hedging language Schrack recommends removing hedging terms like “maybe,” “probably,” “sort of,” etc. from your vocabulary. This is because such terms automatically make you sound uncertain and can remove authority from your sentence before you’ve finished saying it. Other speech coaches agree with this, adding that qualifiers water down your message and act as needless filler, too.2. End sentences with certainty/a periodMaking declarative statements and ensuring that they verbally end with a period helps you establish your credibility. Schrack points out that speaking with an uplift in pitch and tone could make whatever you say sound like a question or unsure, so it’s best to be mindful about how you speak along with the content. While you should speak declaratively and without hedging, it’s important to note that you are clear when you are stating an opinion, a theory, or a fact so your declaration remains true. @leogonzall duet this ? who’s on the other line? 3. Slow down and don’t be afraid to pauseSpeaking quickly isn’t really speaking efficiently. Talking too fast can indicate to people that you’re nervous or anxious. Along with that, speeding through your speech can make it harder for people to understand and keep track of what you’re saying.Conversely, speaking at a slower pace indicates that you’re in control. Adding pauses between your sentences also allows whoever is listening to fully digest your words and gives them more weight, encouraging them to listen closely to you.Schrack says that these three tips will help you sound confident even when you’re not. @tamaranews The art of talking like a #newsanchor #tvnews #newsanchor #voiceeffects #voice #behindthescenes #bts #tvreporter #foryou Fellow news anchors and communication specialists weigh inMany of Schrack’s peers, along with other communication experts that reached out to Upworthy, agree with his advice, but have other tips and insight to offer.“One thing I would add is that it’s helpful to understand the story you’re telling through your public speaking and adapt your tone accordingly,” advised Vishakha Mathur, communications specialist and Vice President of SKDK. “You want to make sure that your tone during a serious story conveys the gravitas of the issue, while during a funny story it conveys the lightheartedness of the moment.”"People resonate with people,” said Ryan Bass, Media Director at Otter PR and sports broadcaster for the Tampa Bay Rays. “Over-the-top declarative statements or hyperbolic tone are not the best way to actually reach people." @pierredalati Stop talking like this, here’s how to sound more confident and clear #confidence #communication #selfgrowth #fyp “The pause, the inflection in tone, and the force behind the words should all be intentional,” said Mathur. “Used well, these elements help convey emphasis, signal confidence, and guide the audience toward what matters most in what you’re saying.”"Authenticity is everything," added Bass. "That’s the biggest way to create valuable connection and to get people to pay attention.""The very phrase 'public speaking' should remind anyone who is communicating that it is not solely about them. It's about their audience,” said Christina Butler, a former Emmy-winning local news anchor turned professional communication trainer. “Keeping the focus on that audience and what their needs are is one of the most fool-proof ways to become a strong public speaker. Your points will become more concise, your body language more authentic, and perhaps best of all: your nerves will disappear when you quit focusing on yourself and how you look and sound."All of these things could help you sound more confident, cool, and convicting whether it’s performing on a stage, at a projection screen at work, or during the nightly news.

When times are financially tough, creative frugality often becomes a necessity. Being broke can foster ingenious new ways to get by and reveal just how tenacious people can be.Rather than folding when there was zilch left in their bank accounts, people facing financial hardship got tough. They mastered the art of stretching money and resources to make it to the next paycheck.On Reddit, people who have struggled financially shared the "brokest" things they've done to save money. From scraping together cheap meals to learning new skills, these are 18 ways people went to extreme (and genius) measures to get by. Broke woman with her empty wallet.Photo credit: Canva "In my early 20s whenever my deodorant ran low, I would rub the little bits left on my armpits with my fingers. ? That gave me a good 1-2 weeks extra with that same deodorant. Babyyyyy I made it work!!" - Hefty-Expert-750"Battery ran too low on my piece of junk car. Couldn't afford tow truck. I carried the battery a mile to my apartment, recharged it for several hours, then carried it back to the parking lot where I'd left the car. It worked, I got the car home again." - Miskatonic_Graduate"I didn't know absolutely anything about HVAC. Called two different companies both wanted me to change the whole outside unit for 4k+ cuz the motor was fried. Went on eBay, looked at some numbers on the old motor that seemed like serial numbers. Found it on eBay, opened the outside unit, took out the whole fan with the motor on it and banged it with a hammer to detach the fan, connected the wires color matching them to the old ones cuz it seemed reasonable, put it back on and the thing has been running for 10 more years since that. 30 year old unit it's insane." - Independent-Show1133"I lived a couple of blocks down from a big funeral home in college. Like they hosted multiple funerals a day. Well, I ended losing my full time job at Winn Dixie and couldn't find a new one right away. So I would look up the obits, learn small things about the deceased and then go to the funeral so I could attend the repass and eat. There was 1 man who didn't have his obit written and I attended. There was not a single soul there. I stayed the entire 3 hours and went to the burial. The funeral director came up to me as I was leaving the burial and said 'I guess you don't just come for the food, huh?'. I was so embarrassed. But I told the man the truth and apologized. He offered me a receptionist job, which i took...and I still got the leftovers. Win win if you ask me." - Franklyn_Gage"I ate pancakes for about 2 weeks for every meal until I got paid again." - san323 Man eating a plate of pancakes.Photo credit: Canva"Back in the day when Pizza Hut & Domino's accepted checks, we knew about how long it would take them to deposit & hit my acct. I'd write a check to pay for pizza delivered & we ate that until end of week when paycheck hit." - Remote-Impact3040"When there were big meetings at work they would always put the leftover catered sandwiches in the fridge. I'd purposely stay late cause I didn't want to ask in front of everyone. I'd take them home for lunch or dinner for the week." - So-Durty"When I was a broke flight attendant, I would actually ask the maids for extra toiletries rather than swipe them. They hooked me up, sometimes bringing me a Ziploc bag full of various stuff. I also loaded up on dry cereals if they had a breakfast buffet that crew had access to, as well as other non perishable food. I wasn't proud, but my roommate had moved out with no notice and I was left scrambling financially. It was brutal, but I made it." - bestcrispair"Made bread soup for dinner. Stale bread, water, and a bay leaf. The next day I found a can of tomatoes. I was rich! Had bread soup with tomatoes!" - sheatim"Summer of college, I was working at a warehouse that made salads for the community. I lived off ONLY the free salads for lunch and dinner during an entire summer in order to save any penny I could. I'm talking lettuce/spring mix (no dressing) and the occasional taco salad. By the end of the of it I weighed 115-120 lbs as a 19 year old dude. Skin and bones I tell you. Skin and bones ?. (Saved 10 grand in 3 months after paying coworkers for gas and earning $13ish an hour! Paid for my next full year of college after scholarships and such.)" - Old-Independent4351"Washed my clothes and my kids clothes by hand in the bathtub and hung them all over the apartment to dry." - 30222504cf Washing clothes by handPhoto credit: Canva "Paid for .32 cents worth of gas." - UrCreepyUncle "I'd cut the lid off shampoo bottles or lotion or toothpaste to scrape out every last morsel of product." - frosted-mule"Walk into hotels that offer free breakfast. The staff on shift don't know every guest and likely don't care. I just walk in with the confidence of a hotel guest." - alyssainwonderIand"In college, I drove a manual ford fiesta. Battery was shot. So in the mornings, I'd have my girlfriend sit in the drivers seat and pop the clutch after I pushed it up to speed. I'd park on the second floor of the parking garage, and I'd push the car out and down the ramp to pop the clutch. Made it a good week or two like that." - chrisb-chicken"Gleaning... I know of a peach tree and apple tree near the parking lots of local businesses that I've picked fruit off of." - mlo9109"I wore one contact for a while and would switch it between my eyes so they wouldn't get too strained." - hww94

Lisa Vanderpump is not only a reality TV star, but also an entrepreneur with multiple restaurants. Unfortunately, she tasted failure at these two eateries.