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:

  1. The Budget Barber Disaster – You walked in looking for a trim, but walked out looking like a science experiment.
  2. The Standard Cut – It’s reliable, it’s decent, but nothing to brag about. You’ll be back in a few weeks.
  3. 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.

My Daughter-in-Law Ruined the Vacation I Had Been Dreaming of — So I Showed Her the Importance of Respect

Now don’t get me wrong, she wasn’t annoying me because I was a mean mother-in-law (MIL) who hated her. But because of her selfish question. It seemed I was expected to always be around. “I am going on a vacation to the Bahamas. I already bought the tickets and booked myself at a lovely hotel.”

My son and DIL exchanged surprised looks before staring at me as if I’d grown a second head. “This is so unlike you, mom. Who are you going with?” I rolled my eyes at George’s response. He’d somehow forgotten that before he had kids, I was jetsetting every few months!

“That’s not true my love. I used to travel all the time when my time was mine,” I replied a bit irritated. I couldn’t believe how clueless he’d become when it came to my life. “Well, where are we going to get someone to babysit the kids for free every day?”

I realized at that moment that I’d spoiled these two. “Your parents are a start, Sarah. Arrange play dates with your friends’ children or something, I don’t know,” I said in frustration. Why was I the one who had to figure out what THEY did with their own children?

It dawned on me how much I had made them dependent on me. It wasn’t my intention, I think I took the Gam-Gam role a bit too far, and I so loved my little munchkins! They gave me so much to live for. But I was tired and needed a break.

Without waiting for their response, which I anticipated would make me angry, I turned to leave. “I will send you the details of when I leave, where I’ll be staying, and when I’ll return. Toodles!” I heard them falling over themselves as they tried to catch up to my quick stride.

They were LITERALLY trying to get ME to tell THEM what to do with their children! But I was having none of it and quickly closed the door before rushing to my car and driving away. Yes, I felt like I was escaping and running away from my responsibilities and I HATED that feeling!

When I arrived home, my DIL had left several voice messages that I had no intention of listening to. My therapist was the one who made me realize I was overworked and needed some time off. I was oblivious to that as I continued stretching myself to my limits.

She, my therapist, knocked it into my head that I was overcompensating by trying to be the best MIL and grandmother while losing myself. I stuck to my promise and sent George and Sarah all the details of my travels as a courtesy.

The next few weeks were filled with Sarah trying to convince me to leave with the kids. When she wasn’t trying to do that, she tried to get me to stay and not leave. “I need to do this for ME, Sarah. You won’t understand,” I explained, trying to get her off my back.

If my DIL wasn’t the one pestering me, my son got in on it. But with the words of my therapist playing in my head, “Stick to your guns. You are doing this for YOUR well-being,” I remained resolute in my decision.

When the fateful day came, I announced my departure to my son and left. For two glorious days on vacation, I had nothing but massages, long beach walks, drank piña coladas, and enjoyed the sunsets!

On the third day, my mood was spoiled when I suddenly received a disturbing message from my DIL. “George is on his business trip, my parents have house repairs, and I’m going on MY retreat,” her text began.

“And you know what? It’s in the Bahamas!! Isn’t it amazing? We’re already boarding, I need you to watch the kiddos!” Annoyed is an understatement for what I was feeling! I couldn’t understand, so HER parents have repairs, and I have a vacation, so I can babysit the kids?!

I was MAD AS HELL! I was practically seething! This time I leaned on my own faculties and decided to teach her a lesson on mutual respect. When they pitched, I was my usual affectionate self to my grandbabies and hugged and kissed them.

I then spent an hour bonding with the pair while Sarah mumbled about how SHE had to MEDITATE tomorrow. But the next day, I got an irritated call from her. “WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON? WHERE ARE YOU?!” she had the nerve to demand.

All calm and relaxed as I had anticipated that type of response, I answered, “I’m at the spa, getting a massage. Why do you ask?” Sounding more frustrated, my DIL replied, “Why would you not answer your phone?!”

“The kids have been driving ME crazy, and I need a break!” I had finally had enough of her nonsense and took a deep breath before responding. “I hear you talking about what YOU need and want, but have you asked ME what my plans are?”

“Has it even occurred to YOU to find out if I WANT to babysit during MY vacation and time away?” I heard her gasp as she tried cutting in all respectful this time, saying, “Mrs. Thomas, I…” But I cut her off and continued my rant.

“Do you know what I am doing here, huh? Do you even CARE?” My voice went up a notch. “You receive what you deserve, Sarah. And maybe it’s time for YOU and George to learn a lesson about respect!”

My DIL was stunned into silence. She realized for the first time in two years the depth of her imposition. Her voice had softened as she stammered, “I… I didn’t think… I just assumed…”

I wasn’t done with her as I replied, “That’s exactly the problem we have, you assumed and KEEP assuming. I love my grandkids, but I also NEED my own time.”

“This was MY vacation. It’s time I took off so I can recuperate and have some self-care.” I could hear from the silence on the other side that Sarah was feeling guilty. She was FINALLY understanding where I was coming from.

“I’ve given you and Georgie two long years of my love and dedication.” I shared how I’d stretched myself because I wanted to be a good MIL and grandmother. I also wanted to be there for them as they transitioned into parenthood.

But then I went too far as they kept demanding more and more of my time. I confessed to my DIL that I started feeling burnt out. Yet, because I hadn’t felt the feeling before, I didn’t realize what was happening to me.

A friend I confided in suggested I see her therapist. That’s when it finally clicked that I was wearing myself thin. I was quite upset as I ended my rant by stating, “Next time, respect MY plans and ask, don’t just assume I’m here to serve your convenience!”

Sarah paused for a long time on the other end of the line and I was about to say something when she finally sighed. It appeared she finally understood the weight of my words and where I was coming from.

“You’re right. I’m sorry. I should have asked. I’ll make other arrangements,” my DIL replied, sounding defeated. I won’t lie, I felt a tinge of regret for how I approached things, but decided it was something that had to be done.

After all, as they say, people treat the way you teach them to. I thanked her for understanding. “Now, I’m going to enjoy the rest of my vacation. I suggest you find a way to enjoy yours too, without relying on me.”

I didn’t wait for a response before hanging up and felt the most serene wave of satisfaction! I had stood up for myself and drew boundaries that taught my DIL a valuable life lesson! I happily returned to my massage, content that I would not be disturbed anymore.

I felt the stress melt away from my body as the masseuse kneaded longstanding knots that had built up over the years. I was pleased to know that I had managed to reclaim my well-deserved break.

Unfortunately, Mrs. Thomas isn’t the only person who’s had to take measures to teach people important lessons. Mark’s mother kept nagging his pregnant wife to the point that the younger woman had to leave. Not wanting his mother to miss her mistake, Mark found a clever way to teach the parent about respect and boundaries.

Related Posts

Be the first to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.


*