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What’s One “Small Adult Cheat Code” You Wish You Learned Earlier?

· 3 min read

Ever wish adult life was a video game where you could just pull a cheat code and everything would magically work out? We’re all on the same quest—except some of us have discovered the cheat codes before the level‑up. Below are the top “adult cheat codes” that Reddit users swear by. Grab your controller (or your phone) and start hacking your way to a smoother existence.

1. The “Back‑Speak” Anti‑Cheat​

Cheat Code: Avoid the “Spokesperson of Evil”

If someone is a master of behind‑the‑back gossip, you can safely assume they’ll do the same to you. Think of it as a negative health bar: the more they talk, the more your trust depletes. Stay away and keep your life glitch‑free.

2. The “Positive Whisper” Power‑Up​

Cheat Code: Say Nice Things Behind Their Back

This isn’t a passive skill; it’s an active one. Drop a compliment in someone’s ear while they’re not looking. It’s like a stealth mode boost—people notice the good vibes and start seeing you as the hero of the day.

3. The “Sleep‑Solve” Reset​

Cheat Code: Hit the Bed Instead of the Brain

Stuck on a code, an equation, or a life‑changing decision? Just press pause and hit snooze. The subconscious does the heavy lifting while you’re out in dream‑land, and you wake up with the solution in hand. Works for coding, music practice, and even figuring out the perfect pizza topping.

4. The “Gift‑List” Inventory​

Cheat Code: Keep a Secret Notes Folder

Every time your partner mentions a desire—“I wish I had a new mug,” “I love those headphones”—add it to a hidden notes document. By the time Christmas rolls around, you’ll have a ready‑made loot list and won’t have to scramble for last‑minute gifts.

5. The “Sale‑Sneak” Stealth Mode​

Cheat Code: Buy on Sale, Hide in Plain Sight

If you spot a deal you love, grab it while it’s still cheap. Then stash it somewhere nobody will notice—your closet, a drawer, or even the back of a book. That way you can enjoy the spoils without the guilt of “I should’ve saved more.”

Comments​

  • Stay away from people who speak poorly about others behind their backs. They will do the exact same thing to you.

  • In the same vein, be someone who says nice things about people behind their backs. It’s generally a nice thing to do, and people will think more highly of you.

  • Sleep is a magic problem solver. I most often did this with coding problems, but it works with anything. If you're stuck on a complex problem and feel like you're getting nowhere, sleep on it. I don't know if your brain works on it while you sleep, but you will find the solution very quickly the next day.
    Edit: I remembered this also works for learning practical skills, like learning an instrument. Quite often I'd struggle for hours to play a song well, only to nail it on 2 or 3 attempts after a night's sleep.

  • Every time your spouse mentions something they like, make a note of it (I keep a document just for this in the Notes app on my phone). Then you won’t have to scramble to think of presents when Christmas arrives.

  • And if you see it on sale buy it and keep it hidden.

TL;DR​

  • Skip the gossipers, be a secret complimenter, sleep on problems, log gift ideas, and snag sales—then hide them. Adult cheat codes unlocked!