The phrase “dad bod” came about fairly recently, but it didn’t very long to enter the cultural lexicon. It’s a “normal” body type that you typically see on men who are old enough to be, well...dads. It’s been attributed to the drop-off in testosterone production as men age.
It’s meant not so much as an insult, but that doesn’t mean 40-year-old men will be putting “proud dad bod owner” on their Tinder profiles.
But maybe they should, based on the findings from Richard Bribiescas, an anthropology professor at Yale. He claims that men who sport the slightly schlubby physique are seen as more nurturing and more faithful to women, making them more attractive when compared to their hairless, sculpted counterparts.
You’ll probably want a little more support on the whole “dad bods are sexy” argument, so Bribiescas elaborated by stating:
“This change in body composition not only causes men to shop for more comfortable trousers but also facilitates increased survivorship and, hypothetically, a hormonal milieu that would more effectively promote and support paternal investment.”
So, fellas, if you find yourself mocked for not having a six-pack, take comfort in that sexy hormonal milieu of yours, which might be a more effective tool in finding a mate.
If being more attractive to the opposite sex isn’t a compelling enough reason to sculpt that dad bod, it will behoove you to know that it could cause you to actually live longer. Men carrying slightly more fat have been found to be less likely to suffer from heart disease or prostate cancer than those with significantly lower BMIs.
Of course, this assumes that you’re not taking things too far and venturing towards obesity in your quest for a dad bod.
So when you’re sweating out your time at the gym on an exercise bike and happen to notice some Adonis defying gravity with jackknife sit-ups, take comfort in knowing that your more casual approach to fitness might not just help you live longer, but do so with more women lusting after you.
Pretty sweet deal, eh?
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.