People Are Sharing The Adult Versions Of Finding Out Santa Doesn't Exist, And Some Of These Hurt My Soul

If you're familiar with the phrase "wearing rose-colored glasses," then you know being blissfully unaware sometimes has its perks. So, when Reddit user Just_Surround_2108 asked, "What is the adult version of finding out that Santa Claus doesn't exist?" people chimed in with examples in everything from the workplace to relationships. Here's what they had to say:

1."When you realize everyone is just faking it 'til they make it."

Anne Hathaway holding a bunch of shoes in "The Devil Wears Prada."

2."Some friends were never really your friends."

u/Kangaroowrangler_02

3."Being a hard worker and good at your job doesn't necessarily mean you'll be rewarded for it."

Leslie David Baker wearing a suit and tie, sitting at a desk in "The Office."

4."Finding out that your parents are people, too, with weaknesses or flaws that you were blind to when you were young."

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u/tamammothchuk

5."As a millennial, I was raised to believe that going to college and getting a degree would guarantee me a good future job that would allow me to live comfortably."

Jaren Lewison and Maitreyi Ramakrishnan wearing graduation caps and gowns in "Never Have I Ever."
Lara Solanki / © Netflix / Courtesy Everett Collection

6."Finding out that someone you have looked up to and admired your entire life is actually a horrible person."

u/Papooof4

7."When you finish eating your dinner, there is no magical person to wash the dishes, and you have to wash them yourself."

A cluttered kitchen counter with dirty pots, pans, plates, and utensils piled on top of each other."
Catherine Falls Commercial / Getty Images

8."Sometimes there is no justice."

u/Fazi9090

9."That period when your relationship switches and your parent looks to you for answers and advice, instead of them being the one with all the answers."

Ty Burrell and Julie Bowen sitting on a couch in casual clothing in "Modern Family."
Danny Feld / © ABC / Courtesy Everett Collection

10."When you buy an eight-piece Tupperware set, and four pieces are lids."

u/throwmeawaypoopy

11."When both your parents die. I am in my mid-50s and had my mom pass on Mother’s Day in 2022. My dad then was living with us and eventually reached in-home hospice status with a sudden stage IV cancer diagnosis. He died in January of this year, and then I got laid off from my tech job and was unemployed for 10 months. Nothing takes the wonderment and positive outlook from the world than having to empty your childhood home solo and throw everything you grew up with into a big dumpster. You're left to wonder what our lives really mean."

Bouquets of yellow and red flowers placed by a row of gravestones in a cemetery during sunset."
Nickbeer / Getty Images

12."Finding out people without empathy exists. And they are hard to pin down, even after many years of exposure to them."

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u/[deleted]

13."Learning that two people can love each other more than anything in this world and still not be a good fit for a long-term relationship. True and pure love isn't always enough."

Gina Rodriguez and LaKeith Stanfield sitting at a fountain in "Someone Great."
Sarah Shatz / © Netflix / Courtesy Everett Collection

14."Finding out that everything you want is not affordable."

u/DanielCollinsYT

"Realizing NOTHING is free."

u/[deleted]

15."Having to pay tax instead of getting a tax return. The first time this happened to me as a teenager shattered my heart. I had so many plans!"

Wallet with various US dollar bills partially visible on top of more scattered dollar bills.
Thanasis / Getty Images

16."There are no hot singles in your area."

u/MacMemo81

17."Finding out you're getting older means getting uglier, less mobile, worse health, etc. You can delay poor health to an extent, but one way or another, it's coming for us all."

Brad Pitt looking elderly in "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button."
© Paramount / Courtesy Everett Collection

18."Seeing your paycheck and all the taxes deducted from it."

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u/Wiltbradley

19."You can do everything right and still fail. The reverse is true as well."

Poorna Jagannathan and Maitreyi Ramakrishnan sitting in a school office in "Never Have I Ever."
© Netflix / Courtesy Everett Collection

20."Spending time trying to understand why something happened often doesn't lead to answers, and can only prolong your healing process. Sometimes closure is moving forward and not ruminating or trying to figure out why."

u/TwoScoopIceQueen

21."Finding out that reaching retirement is about hitting a financial number and not reaching an age."

Christopher Walken with his hands holding his temples in "Communion."

22.And finally, "Realising that no, we can't have McDonald's, because there is food in the freezer."

u/AwezMush

What's the adult equivalent of realizing Santa is not the one bringing you Christmas gifts each year? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Note: Some responses have been edited for length and/or clarity.