10 Things Our Parents Lied to Us and to Themselves About

Bright Side decided to think back on all the myths our parents told us.

1. Your ears go red when you lie.

Blood vessels in the ears regulate the temperature of the body, so if they are red, it means the body is overheated.

2. If you sit too close to the TV, you’ll hurt your eyes.

This is a very popular misconception. However, as this long-term extensive study has shown, myopia in children doesn’t have anything to do with watching TV or sitting in front of the computer.

3. You’ll get sick if you stand near a working microwave.

Modern microwave ovens are totally safe as long as they are fully functioning.

4. You’ll get arthritis if you crack your knuckles.

This misconception is very popular, but there is absolutely nothing to worry about. No connection has been made between arthritis and cracking knuckles. Bones don’t pop, but air bubbles do.

5. You’ll get acne if you eat too much chocolate.

Acne is an inflammation of the skin, and chocolate doesn’t cause pimples to appear. There is research that says otherwise, but scientists think it’s controversial.

6. If you swallow chewing gum, it’ll be in your stomach for 7 years.

If you swallow chewing gum, it will be digested just like anything else. The only difference is that it’ll take a little more time. In the end, it will leave your body freely and naturally.

7. If you touch a toad, you’ll get warts.

The reasons why warts appear are reduced immunity and human papillomavirus (HPV).

8. Your hair will grow faster if you have it cut more often.

Unfortunately, hair growth rate doesn’t depend on how often you have it cut. The average hair growth rate is 0.01 inches per day. There are many factors affecting it: age, hormones, and even the time of year.

9. If you get scared when making a face, it’ll stick that way.

Of course, this is a myth. No connection has been found between getting scared and dysfunction of the facial nerve.

10. If you play video games for too long, you’ll destroy your TV.

TVs break down over time, no matter how often you play video games.

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