Have you ever looked back at a moment from your childhood and wondered: Did that really happen?
Some memories are so bizarre, so disturbing, or so inexplicable that they feel almost like fragments of a dream—or a glitch in reality itself. From strange encounters with strangers to terrifying paranormal sightings, these experiences leave a lasting impression, even as the details fade over time.
What’s most interesting is how many of us share these mysterious memories, which begs the question: could there be more to these childhood idiosyncrasies than mere coincidence or imagination? Here are eight such stories that will make you question the limits of logic and memory.
Childhood memories that inspire mystery and curiosity
Childhood memories often carry an air of mystery, full of experiences that defy explanation. These special moments, whether they are strange encounters or terrifying sensations, usually stay with us even as we age and leave us wondering about their origins. Fortunately, many people find solace in online communities where they can share their stories without fear of judgment.
1. The curious case of exchanged pillowcases My boyfriend and I were swinging pillowcases at each other for no reason. At one point we bumped at the same time and when we looked down our pillowcases had somehow switched hands.
Neither of us felt like letting it go and there was no sense of exchange – it just happened. It is still a mystery to this day. If I could watch a video of any moment in my life, I would choose this one. © Broship_Rajor / Reddit
2. Crayfish in the toilet tank I used their bathroom while visiting a family friend’s house. Out of pure curiosity, I opened the lid of the toilet tank and found a live crayfish cooling inside. I still have no idea how it got there. © SuperGloo/Reddit
3. The ghostly grandmother When I was nine, I fell down the stairs from the second to the first floor. A woman approached me and asked if I was okay. I assumed she was Grandma’s friend, so I told her I was fine. Later, I asked my grandmother who her boyfriend was, but she had no idea what I was talking about. I kept seeing this woman until one day my mother showed me a photo of the previous owner of the house. It was her grandmother—the same woman I’d seen all along. © Unknown Author / Reddit
4. A hooded figure with crimson eyes One night I woke up to see a hooded figure standing near my dresser. At first, I thought it was just clothes hanging in the dark, but then it turned to reveal glowing red eyes. I jumped out of bed and turned on the light, but there was nothing there. Worse, my dog was staring at the same corner and refusing to answer me. I finally took her out of the room and she never slept there again. I spent the rest of the night in the living room, haunted by what I saw. ©baron johnsonn / Reddit
5. Misremembered identity I remember lying on the floor around ten, worrying about whether I was a lesbian, how I would tell my parents, and whether I would have children. In the end, I told myself that I would deal with it later and moved on. Here’s the twist – I’m not a lesbian. This memory surfaced years later and left me confused as to why I even thought that. © whatwouldbuffydo / Reddit
6. Cold, skeletal touch underwater When I was little, my dad took us to a big lake with a sandy beach. I waded in the water and felt something brush against my fingers. Curious, I reached out and felt what appeared to be soft tendrils and bones beneath me. It felt like a child’s hand. I was so shaken that I sat on the beach and didn’t say anything to anyone. A year later, my sister told me that she felt something cold and moistening grab her leg at the same lake, but she also kept it to herself. © Bathysphere710 / Reddit
7. The Vanishing Recorder When I was about seven, I was lying on my bed holding a recorder. Suddenly my hand clenched and the answering machine disappeared without a trace. I never found it again. Rest in peace, answering machine. © VeryRoomy / Reddit
8. A lesson in assumptions When we were eight, the boys at our school had to wear cotton waistcoats under their white uniforms. One day a boy named Tom was wearing none. Our teacher angrily pulled down his shirt in front of the class to reveal a bandage on his lower back.
Embarrassed, the teacher apologized, thinking he was hiding an injury. Tom explained that he had hurt himself playing football and was not wearing a vest because the bandage was itchy. What started as a humiliating moment turned into a lesson not to jump to conclusions.
Some childhood memories stick with us through thick and thin, while others leave us confused or uneasy. Whether you laugh, shudder, or scratch your head in confusion, these stories remind us how formative and mysterious our younger years can be.
Childhood is a time of wonder, curiosity, and sometimes inexplicable mysteries that stay with us into adulthood. These stories remind us of the strangeness and unpredictability of those formative years—whether it’s a strange encounter, a terrifying experience, or a fleeting moment that defies logic.
While some memories may leave us confused or uneasy, they also provoke thought and intrigue, connecting us to the shared mystery of growing up. Ultimately, these moments, whether funny, bizarre,e or even a little creepy, make up the fabric of childhood’s unique and unforgettable tapestry.