Santo Condorelli isn’t a bad kid. But every time he prepares to dive into another competitive swimming race, he takes a moment to stop and gives his dear Dad the middle finger. And his Dad returns the favor, flipping off his beloved son before the race begins.
Wait, what?
See, the 21-year-old used to have a ton of anxiety about competing against fellow swimmers. That’s when his father Joseph suggested flipping him the bird as a way of relieving tension before a big race.
"[He said] 'You've got to build your confidence yourself and say eff everybody else that you're racing," Santo, who is gearing up to swim for Canada at the Rio Olympics, told the CBC. "He said 'Every time you're behind the blocks, give me the finger and I'll give it back to you."'
However, the confidence inspiring gesture has not been without controversy. That’s because audience members, judges, and of course viewers at home, often mistakenly think the young swimming phenom is flipping them off.
"I was looking at my father and I gave him the finger . . . directing it right at the camera," he recalls "I had to write an apology," the 21-year-old told the CBC.
But for now, he’s going to stick the method that’s working so well for him. Though he’s tried adjusting his finger guns ever so slightly so as to not offend delicate eyes watching at home. And whether you love it or hate it, the method seems to be working as he’s favored to earn a medal when the games officially kick off.
Parents of young children get more time with them if they work from home.Photo credit: Canva
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We could start a rumor.
Grieving couple comforting each other
This response to someone grieving a friend might be the best internet comment ever
When someone is hit with the sudden loss of a friend or loved one, words rarely feel like enough. Yet, more than a decade ago, a wise Redditor named GSnow shared thoughts so profound they still bring comfort to grieving hearts today.
Originally posted around 2011, the now-famous reply was rediscovered when Upvoted, an official Reddit publication, featured it again to remind everyone of its enduring truth. It began as a simple plea for help: “My friend just died. I don't know what to do.”
What followed was a piece of writing that many consider one of the internet’s best comments of all time. It remains shared across social media, grief forums, and personal messages to this day because its honesty and metaphor speak to the raw reality of loss and the slow, irregular path toward healing.
Below is GSnow’s full reply, unchanged, in all its gentle, wave-crashing beauty:
Why this advice still matters
Mental health professionals and grief counselors often describe bereavement in stages or phases, but GSnow’s “wave theory” gives an image more relatable for many. Rather than a linear process, grief surges and retreats—sometimes triggered by a song, a place, or a simple morning cup of coffee.
In recent years, this metaphor has found renewed relevance. Communities on Reddit, TikTok, and grief support groups frequently reshare it to help explain the unpredictable nature of mourning.
Many readers say this analogy helps them feel less alone, giving them permission to ride each wave of grief rather than fight it.
Finding comfort in shared wisdom
Since this comment first surfaced, countless people have posted their own stories underneath it, thanking GSnow and passing the words to others facing fresh heartbreak. It’s proof that sometimes, the internet can feel like a global support group—strangers linked by shared loss and hope.
For those searching for more support today, organizations like The Dougy Center, GriefShare, and local bereavement groups offer compassionate resources. If you or someone you know is struggling with intense grief, please reach out to mental health professionals who can help navigate these deep waters.
When grief comes crashing like the ocean, remember these words—and hang on. There is life between the waves.
This article originally appeared four years ago.