29 People Share the Cringiest Pictures from Their Childhood | 22 Words

If you're ever having a bad day, just remember that every single person in the whole wide world went through an awkward phase at some point in their lives. It's just a fact. Even the most attractive and popular person had a time in their life — however brief — where they used an entire can of hairspray on their hair, or sported frosted tips, or wore their jeans backward because they thought it was cool.

When I was in fifth grade, my glasses had transition lenses, were bright green, and were decorated with a tiny Bugs Bunny eating a carrot on the hinges. So yeah, I guess what I'm saying is that everyone had an awkward phase except me.

Anyway, seeing evidence of others' "blunder years" can usually make you feel better about life in general. At least, it makes you feel better until you start remembering the details of your own past blunders...

Then you pull one of these:

But let's not dwell on that right now. Instead, let us marvel at just how many ways style has gone wrong for these poor folks.

We're starting off strong.

I don't know much about this person, but I do know that I would like to be their best friend. They've clearly got a lot figured out.

Hair gel + a lot of hair.

That is exactly the kind of thing I can imagine a kid doing. Bless this little guy's heart.

It shows.

It's not easy being green. Unless you are this person. Then it's too easy.

Whoa. Cool guy over here!

Nothing is more intimidating than a guy licking the edge of a knife while looking at himself in the screen of his flip phone. I am shaking.

Incredible.

If you're single and happen to be feeling a little lonely, please take some solace in the fact that this man is married.

Great film.

Hey, Free Willy is a bomb movie! And that "A-HYUCK" sweater is also pretty killer.

This is a senior pic.

Just a gal and her ferrets. What more could you want?

K'NEX Body Armor!

And you know what? You were so right. It is cool. In some select circles.

Oh, honey.

Is it just me, or does this young lady look like she's in the middle of quoting Steve Urkel saying "Ehhh, did I do that?"?

Oh wow.

This is a lot. And I love it all.

I'm mostly impressed.

And also pretty scared. Actually...I'm mostly scared.

God bless Glamour shots.

I don't want to live in a world in which a young child can't dress up and have Glamour Shots taken. However, I'm very glad I live in a world in which I, personally, have never taken any.

This is nothing short of amazing.

You can say this is an awkward photo, but all I see is a little girl who knows how to rock a mullet. And who agrees that she's totally rocking it.

Oh my Lanta.

Do you ever look back at embarrassing photos of yourself as a child and wonder whether your parents actually love you? Well, these boys don't have to wonder.

So shiny!

It's always good to have a backup plan in case the disco ball malfunctions!

It's a Pillow Pet!

God. Bless. The. Internet. This is giving me life.

Proud to be an American.

Loving the hand placement on the lapel! Everything is perfect in this photo, but that hand is just... *kisses fingertips*

You are so hired.

Not even joking: I would hire this person for absolutely any job. Sir, if you're reading this, get at me.

Oh no.

Hey, you like green? I think I may have found your future best friend! She's waiting up near the top of the page!

Hey, we all need a hobby.

Maybe you should consider having more than one? (I'm just kidding. Let people like what they like!)

Naughty or Nice?

This Santa truly is a saint. I hope he got extra milk and cookies that year.

From Santa to Satan.

I don't know how this hairstyle came about, but I'm so glad it has been documented for all time. Our ancestors will probably worship this picture.

Where do you even find a jacket like this?

Because I would like to get one for myself. Then I will have my mom straighten my hair and recreate your whole look.

What a world.

This reminds me of those cakes people used to make, with the Barbies sticking out of the top. And cake is good! So I guess that's a compliment.

Cool.

Oh, were you looking for a very cool person? 'Cause you've just found one.

Congrats!

"Pikachu, I choose you...to be my lawfully wedded Pokeémon. I want to be the very best...spouse."

That is a pretty cool onion ring, though.

I imagine it must have come with your order of fries. Everyone had something to celebrate!

Take a bow.

If I could be this person and go back in time to when this picture was taken, I wouldn't change a thing. It's perfect.

We all had that one weird kid in our class.

And if you don't think you did, that probably means you were the weird kid. Share this with someone who knew you back when you were going through your own awkward phase.