Thanks to the rise of social media, we’re all bombarded with images of seemingly perfect-looking people; it seems as though the world has become even more shallow in how people are judged.
For those of us that don’t fit the stereotypical “perfect” mold, the world can seem very cruel, with complete strangers feeling it necessary to criticize someone based on their appearance on social media.
Karine de Souza knows this more than anyone. The Brazilian has spent her life covering her skin in SPF100 sunscreens – even when she’s inside her home – due to her rare skin condition.
The 33-year-old was diagnosed with Xeroderma Pigmentosum when she was three years old which means she is at high risk of skin cancer.
Her ”one-in-a-million” condition, which is incurable, means she is highly sensitive to UV rays as she lacks the ability to repair any damage the sun causes to her skin.
Just a few minutes in the sun can mean incredibly painful sunburn for her. Growing up, she was often isolated from the outside world because it was too dangerous for her to spend too much time outside her house.
“When I expose myself to the sun it doesn’t happen in the moment, I don’t feel anything. However, in the future, the lesions appear and need to be removed because of cancer,” she said.
Karine has had to endure 130 surgical procedures to remove lesions caused by the sun, including the removal of her lower lip and part of her nose.
Sadly, it is not only a physical battle she has to endure. Karine often gets stared at in the street and has been the victim of verbal abuse both within her community and online.
But despite her suffering, she remains upbeat and happy and has even found love.
She met her husband Edmilson through social media, who fell in love with her “story and her strength.” Edmilson has always stood by Karine’s side, and he knew he wanted to spend the rest of his life with her.
He also decided to embrace Karine’s three children from her previous relationship, which of course, meant a lot to Karine.
”He came and he showed me that I could live a true love story”, she says.
But after posting photos of them together online, Karine was once again exposed to a whole host of offensive comments.
”We have already read many offensive comments calling me a monster, deformed, a zombie,” Karine said.
Other comments suggested that their relationship wasn’t genuine and that Karine was a ”sugar mommy,” and that she must be very rich.
”Because of the fact he’s a young man and pretty, that caught people’s attention and they didn’t believe that he was with me because he really liked me,” Karine said.
A photographer who captured the couple after they got engaged posted a selection of the images online and wrote:
”In a world where appearance matters more than the feeling, they met not by chance, but by a gathering of souls, an encounter of acceptance and character and love emerged when their souls met and today you are the inspiration to so many people who do not believe in themselves, in life and especially in love.
“THANK YOU every day for being who you are. STOP complaining for being like you are. HUG LIFE, and accept yourself. Much gratitude for teaching me so much. You guys are AMAZING. You are the missing hope in so many people. Thank you for the big hug, and for the wonderful day we experienced together. I carry your smile with me forever.”
His heartfelt words and beautiful images he captured of Karine and Edmilson went viral, and thousands of people commented, congratulating the couple.
Karine wants others to realize the importance of being positive.
”Be happy, smile, because life happens only once,” she said.
In 2023, Karine and Edmílson welcomed a baby girl into the world, and they couldn’t be happier! Their daughter, Zaia, was long awaited – Karine and her husband had been trying for a baby since 2020.
Karine has been through so much but thanks to her positive attitude she has found the happiness she deserves.
Her story is inspirational so help us inspire others in similar situations by sharing this story with your friends and family.
Only boys understand – the real meaning
There are certain things in life that only boys seem to understand. Whether it’s the thrill of perfectly mowing the lawn, the silent agreement among friends about an unwritten rule, or the satisfaction of a fresh haircut, some things just don’t need explaining—because if you know, you know.
The Hidden Meaning Behind the Image
At first, the image looks like a simple comparison of different grass types, each labeled with a different price. But those who have ever sat in a barber’s chair or stepped out of a hair salon know exactly what it means.
The meme humorously compares men’s haircuts to different qualities of grass:
- $50 – Patchy, uneven grass → A rushed or cheap haircut that leaves you wondering if you even got a trim at all.
- $100 – Well-trimmed, uniform grass → A decent haircut that makes you look sharp and well-groomed.
- $1000 – Perfectly manicured lawn → The elite level of grooming, where every strand is in place, giving you that “just walked out of a professional salon” feel.
For most men, haircuts are more than just trimming their hair—they’re an experience, a personal touch of style, and sometimes, an unexpected gamble depending on the barber.
Why Do Only Boys Understand?
Men’s haircuts follow an unspoken rule: the more you pay, the more “precise” your cut will be. While women’s salon visits can take hours with a wide variety of styling options, men usually experience a much quicker process.
Here’s what makes this joke something only guys truly understand:
- The Struggle with Cheap Haircuts – A low-cost haircut often means uneven fades, rushed styling, or an awkward conversation with an overconfident barber.
- The Satisfaction of a Good Cut – When you pay a bit more, you leave the shop feeling refreshed, confident, and like a new man.
- The Price vs. Quality Debate – Men often weigh whether a budget cut is worth the risk or if investing in a more experienced barber will be the safer choice.
The Universal Barbershop Experience
Every guy has had one of three experiences when sitting in a barber’s chair:
- The Budget Barber Disaster – You walked in looking for a trim, but walked out looking like a science experiment.
- The Standard Cut – It’s reliable, it’s decent, but nothing to brag about. You’ll be back in a few weeks.
- The Premium Treatment – Everything is perfectly blended, the edges are sharp, and you’re feeling like a king.
It’s this universal experience that makes the meme so funny. Every guy has been there at some point, silently nodding in agreement.
Beyond Haircuts: The Hidden Meaning in Everyday Life
This meme is a perfect example of how certain things are only relatable to specific groups of people. Just like boys have their unspoken experiences, there are tons of small things in life that only certain people truly “get.”
Other moments that fit the “Only Boys Understand” category include:
- The Unspoken “Bro Code” – That quick glance between friends when something funny happens but you don’t need to say a word.
- The Universal Gamer Pause – When your mom calls you while you’re in an online match, and you frantically try to explain that you can’t pause a multiplayer game.
- The Pocket Check Routine – Before leaving the house: phone, wallet, keys. Every single time.
- The “Fist Bump” Hierarchy – Knowing when to go for a handshake, fist bump, or head nod—it’s an art form.
These little moments, often overlooked, create a shared experience that makes them even more enjoyable when someone else understands them.
The Internet’s Love for “Only Boys Understand” Memes
Memes like this thrive because they tap into collective experiences that are oddly specific yet universally relatable. The “Only Boys Understand” meme trend has taken over social media, covering everything from:
- Funny grooming habits – Like the silent disappointment after a bad haircut.
- Unspoken rules – Like skipping the urinal right next to someone else, even if the restroom is empty.
- Gamer struggles – Like waiting forever for a game update when you just wanted to play for five minutes.
The key to their humor? They don’t need much explaining. You either relate to them instantly or you don’t.
Final Thoughts: If You Know, You Know
Whether it’s a bad haircut, an awkward moment, or an unspoken rule, these little things connect people in unexpected ways. At first glance, the image might just look like three patches of grass with price tags. But for those who’ve ever debated whether to risk a cheap cut or splurge on a professional barber, the meaning is crystal clear.
Some jokes don’t need explaining. If you get it, you get it. And if you don’t—well, maybe it’s just one of those things only boys understand.
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