The other day I saw a colorful chalkboard sign outside a juice bar that read, «when life gives you bananas, make a smoothie.» For some reason, it was bewildering to me. Firstly, they’re totally missing the point of the classic adage they’re referencing. The reason why we lemonade when life gives us lemons is that lemons are just a bit too tart to eat by themselves. The quote is about seeing the silver linings in terrible situations.. But when life gives you bananas, you eat them in front of your coworkers and feel uncomfortable. It’s the only way.
 

After getting annoyed by that dumb sign, I started thinking more about the original phrase and how pompous it is, reducing life’s relatable and unfortunate obstacles to a shallow metaphor. As if it’s easy to just turn all your problems into a delicious and refreshing drink. Here’s our new version of the phrase: When life gives you lemons, scroll through a bunch of weird and funny memes. We prefer limeade anyway.