How have you changed as a person over the last 5 years?

1. 3 years ago, after 15 years of marriage, I found out that my (now ex) husband was sleeping with someone who I thought was my friend. Not only did he want a divorce, but he barely wanted to be a parent (he sees our son every other weekend - entirely his decision). I had to quickly learn how to be a single parent, how to run a house by myself and how to get over being alone. On top of that, friends that I had for decades didn't want to hangout with their sad, single friend. It was a truly eye-opening experience. So basically, in 5 years, I went from content and married with lots of couple friends to a single parent in her 40's, making new single girlfriends and dating for the first time in decades. I feel like a whole different person now.
   — This_Interests_Me


2. I allowed all this political shit to intrude into my thoughts, and now I can't escape it.
   — Hazelrigg


3. Five years ago I was a white knuckle dry drunk... Since then, I have been down the rabbit hole of Alcoholism, ...gripped by disabling anxiety, ...attempted suicide, not once, not twice, but SEVERAL times. By the grace of God my attempts failed by pitiful margins. One attempt left me in a bed with machines breathing for me for 3 days. I had a revolving door relationship with the local sanitariums. The local cops knew me by name, and could spot my car anywhere in town. My parents, both successful society folk, were embarrassed by me and the friends I kept. My family would do anything, 100% justifiably, to avoid me. My dad had the wonderful opportunity to watch me get arrested, lie to the officers, and then have a massive anxiety attack and verbally abuse the officer who was rightfully doing his job, I was driving with a BAC of .254 I was an all around awful person to be anywhere near, or even associated with. Now... I have a sobriety date of June 5, 2015. I am a responsible member of society. I pay taxes, have medical insurance, follow the laws, (even when they inconvenience me) I have a wonderful relationship with my parents again, and am on the road to a good relationship with my brilliant older sister. I get to be in the lives of my niece and nephew, and be a positive influence on them. I have the luxury of owning a car, live in a decent 2 bedroom apartment and have a happy healthy 9 year old Golden Retriever named Oscar. I get to give back. I get to be of service to others. All of these things are beyond the wildest dreams I had of life as an addict.
   — Love4lifeamanda






4. I was 13 years old 5 years ago and l had just started High School, how time flies! From being a little guy l moved from Zimbabwe to the United States three years ago and it’s really a highlight for me looking back at the last 5 years on how l changed as a person. I feel like l have matured and learn to take care of myself and not really care about what people think about me.
   — Studyboots


5. Long post warning. --- 5 years ago, I was a chubby, out-of-shape high schooler with a sour attitude and cynical outlook toward life. I basically lived on the internet, posting "funny" (read: Tasteless and cringe-inducing) memes. I had no friends, but I figured that everyone was intimidated by my intellect (I eventually deduced that my off-putting personality and body odor were the more likely culprits). 4 years ago, I thought I was hot stuff. I was basically the same as I was the previous year, but with a video game addiction. I continued posting cringey memes and started acting like a badass on the internet. I thought that acting tough online would make people see me as cool. Sure, it netted me a few Facebook likes, but mostly it just made me seem like even more of an unlikeable prick (if it was even possible). 3 years ago, I got a job and started meeting new people. I found out that, if I wanted anyone to like me, I absolutely could not act like my old self. However, being around new people all day stressed me out a lot. It was around this time that my anxiety and OCD started to flare up very badly. I lived in a constant state of dread, and retreated further into my online identity. 2 years ago was not a nice time for me. I realized that I and I alone was responsible for my current state, but refused to accept it. I was in a bad mood all of the time, and felt as though other people had wronged me (I got picked on in school, and ruminated on it too much). I hated who I was, but wasn't sure how to change. 1 year ago, I started to adopt some more constructive hobbies (such as woodworking, gunsmithing, and 3D printing), and meet new people within the community. I started to come out of my shell a bit more. However, I also started to get into politics more (lemmetellya, THAT was a mistake). In addition to my usual internet activities, I also started getting into bitter arguments with people over trivial matters. My online stubbornness and demeanor began to leak into my everyday personality. I was alienating people simply because I hated losing arguments (no matter how small). 5 months ago, I had an epiphany. I realized that the root of my unpleasant nature was my own dissatisfaction toward myself. I stopped posting edgelord garbage and memes, stopped arguing with people (both online and off), stopped caring about politics so much, and started working out. It was like a huge weight was lifted off my shoulders. Instead of looking at life through a lens of "how can I beat down the opposition?", I started looking at things and thinking "how can I contribute?" These days, I eat healthily, work out, avoid arguments, and act pleasantly toward people. I regret being the jerk I once was but, instead of ruminating on it, I have learned from my past mistakes. I have a long way to go, but I am slowly becoming a better person. Thanks for reading this wall of text. TL;DR: Was a gloomy, self-loathing teenager with a crass sense of humor and well on my way to becoming a real-life Bill Dauterive. Tried to act cool on the internet, realized that I was the problem, learned from it and changed.
   — Vengeful_Whale


6. im 5 years older than i was 5 years ago
   — SuitnTie__






7. I was confident, so full of life and joy. I was always optimistic and had so much faith and plans for the future. I honestly don't recognize who I am anymore.
   — Just_Red_00


8. I am confident and I can actually talk to and get women. I have a great job and a college education. I'm stronger and fitter than I have ever been in my life. I'm 34, and I feel like I haven't even come close to hitting my prime yet. For perspective, 5 years ago I was 75 lbs heavier and socially a awkward nerd. I'm still a nerd, but I can actually talk to people now. Edit: fucking spelling
   — Donny_Fresh


9. Five years ago I was in a battle with alcoholism. I had just left for college and had never been allowed to be a free person. I was mean. I was self centered. Kind of a flooze but that's okay. But I just didn't like being a flooze. I started getting good grades. Cut toxic people out of my life. I decided I wanted to drop ot of college for a year and explore the state I moved to. It was great. I learned a lot about myself. Five years ago me was depressed and wanting to kill herself. Five years ago me was lost and scared. Five years ago I was in an abusive relationship. Five years ago I was a mental mess. Five years later I am still dealing with being sexually assualted and an eating disorder, but those things take time. I am now engaged, have two wonderful pets, am on track to graduate, and can look at myself in the mirror. And I have a healthy relationship with alcohol.
   — FatOrangeTabby96






10. I've become more opinionated. More cynical. Much more straightforward and scathing. Stopped tiptoeing around others. Pretty much became tired of taking all the bullshit the world had to offer.
    — oneum


11. I have completely turned my life around over the past 7 years. I was a 90s raver, and basically would down a laundry list of substances every weekend. That led to opiod addiction and years of self destruction that was a pretty direct result of alcoholism and depression on both sides of the family. My dad was a mean drunk. By 14 I just didn't give a shit and did what I wanted. Despite numerous serious run ins with the law, like 5 stints in rehab and overdosing a few times Even flatlining, a year in jail, I managed to hold down decent jobs at times. I have excellent work ethic and a lot of varied skills having lived such a tough life. Anyways I haven't been on heroin for 5 years. Havent smoked for 3 years. Have worked all over the country and settled down with a wife and a beautiful smart 16 month old daughter. I am responsible, and have managed teams of people for the last 5 years. I always said I would die by the time I was 30. I'm 35, and will make it far far longer God willing.
    — oo0Hattrick0oo


12. 5 years ago I was terrified to come out to my family and anxious as hell. Now I’m living with my serious boyfriend of nearly 2 and a half years.
    — Stormsoul22






13. Im a lot calmer I no longer enjoy clubs, i prefer quiet bars I learned to cook healthy meals instead of eating out all the time Im getting older and as a result my hair is thinning :/ I care a lot less of what others think of me, as a result im happier
    — Olimarwearspants


14. My other reddit account was very toxic and hateful and sick, and I realized that and deleted it and started fresh. I feel so much better now. I am still lonely and yeah I guess I’m still depressed and a virgin but I’m trying to be positive now. I could’ve gone down a very dark and dangerous path but I stopped myself before it was too late.
    — boilookinlike