10 things not to say when your friend tells you they’re in a time loop

1. I wish I was in a time loop because then i could get so much stuff done. You could not because it resets. Also you are centering yourself in the conversation and responding as if their life is a hypothetical, which is insensitive and may upset your friend. Try asking about the nuances of the time loop if your friend is willing to share.


2. When does it end? If they knew when it ended, they probably wouldn't be talking to you about it. This kind of questioning is rude; also the point of the time loop is not the end but what one learns in it, so be respectful of that fact.


3. Have we met before? *wink* Yes.


4. Ask them what will happen/what to invest in. Once again, we must remind you that it resets, so even if they wanted to help you it would be meaningless in the grand scheme. It's also somewhat demanding to ask how your friend's suffering can benefit you, especially financially.


5. If I was in a time loop, I would fuck with people and say what they were going to say before they said it. While the attempt to find levity for your friend's sake is admirable, if you've never been stuck in a time loop yourself you may not realize how difficult it is to remember every single detail. Especially if theirs is a particularly lengthy loop, they may be experiencing more déjà vu than anything.


6. Have you vacuumed? Wildly insensitive. None of your business. Also i hate you


7. "You have carbon monoxide poisoning" This is often a first thought for many people stuck in time loops. It's safe to say they've checked, and you implying you can figure out what they can't about their situation may be taken the wrong way.


8. Why? This is a deeply insensitive question to ask your friend stuck in a time loop. If they knew why they were stuck, they could likely become unstuck. Also, it may be personal; wait for your friend to come to you.


9. Well you can always drop out (of grad school)


10. Oh, that happened to my cousin. Your secondhand account of your cousin's (or other family member's/person you know's) experience has nothing to do with your friend. People's experiences in time loops are hugely varied, so try asking your friend about theirs rather than trying to explain their situation to them.