Rep. Brendan Boyle (D-Pennsylvania) was clearly out to pick a fight with soccer fans following the U.S. men’s national team’s embarrassing elimination from the World Cup. After the unexpected loss to Trinidad and Tobago, USMNT fans were shocked and upset by the outcome, but Boyle saw the moment as the perfect time to offer his unsolicited feelings on soccer and soccer fans via Twitter.
Hmm. OK. Moments after a heartbreaking loss that shocked millions of American fans seems like an insensitive time to bring that up, but fans posited that perhaps Boyle didn’t appreciate the game’s intricacies. Boyle responded that he understood the sport just fine and, as proof, offered some painful generalizations and clichés surrounding the sport.
Boyle then veered directly into troll territory, mocking the reaction of soccer fans to his wholesale indictment of the sport. He then quickly added a tacked-on patriotic sentiment to round out the statement.
Turning to what one could only presume is an internet troll checklist, he proceeds to call soccer fans “snowflakes,” urging them to watch baseball, a sport he happens to enjoy more.
He then ended his unsolicited diatribe with another hallmark of trolls — charmless sarcasm.
While we normally would expect more from an elected official who represents citizens, in this instance it was the fans who remained (mostly) civil in their responses to Boyle’s scattered attack on soccer.
Very few fans went to the trouble of insulting him or “dunking on” Boyle. Most took the high road, a path that seems to, at least in this instance, completely elude Boyle.
Unsurprisingly, Boyle didn’t indulge these “snowflakes” — who managed to remain mild even while smarting from a loss — with a response. I guess if the president can shift his focus to petty Twitter squabbles over sports than this congressman felt emboldened to as well.
But maybe Boyle could find a more entertaining way to convey his criticisms.
Ouch. That might hurt as much as the USMNT’s loss.
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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.