Sometimes you need a reference point to put things in perspective.

From differences in military gear to the environment, these 15 photos really help us understand just how much things can change over time or between two people (or pets!).

1. 1990 vs. 2018

Remember when taking video and listening to music required two different devices?

And just look at the size of that laptop!

It’s incredible to think just how many functions our smartphones perform.

2. Smoker’s vs. non-smoker’s apartments

Putting aside the difference in what their lungs look like, it’s pretty shocking to see just how much cigarette smokers pollute the air around them.

There’s a reason it’s nearly impossible to get that smell out – it basically seeps into everything around, including the blinds.

3. Pope Benedict XVI vs. Pope Francis

Interpret however you wish, but the vastly more ornate throne Pope Benedict sat on (as well as his robes) compared to those of Pope Francis certainly says something about the outlook of these men.

4. 13 vs. 13

Those growth spurts can be brutal.

These two friends are the same age, and while they might end up being different heights when all is said and done, it’s almost painful to remember how tough both physical and emotional growth is when you’re 13.

5. Falcon vs. B-2 bomber

Northrop Grumman’s B-2 Spirit, also known as the Stealth Bomber, is modeled on the peregrine falcon.

Hey, if you want to know how to make something fly, it’s best to take a cue from nature.

6. Big guy vs. REALLY big guys

The Rock never looked so small! The man himself shared this photo in which he posed with Charles Barkley and Shaquille O’Neal.

We knew those guys were big, but this really puts it in perspective!

7. Girl’s vs. Boy’s Life

Girls and boys don’t have to be that different, it just depends on the expectations we set for them.

It’s disappointing to see girls exposed to unrealistic beauty standards so young while boys are encouraged to explore their intellectual interests.

8. LED vs. traditional lighting

While Redditors have pointed out that this is an enhanced promo image, there is an awfully big difference between traditional street lighting vs. LED lights.

But both contribute to light pollution that can affect local animals.

9. Adoption day vs. 7 years a pet

Sweet Asher is looking much more lively now that he’s got a fur-ever home and lots of love and security.

He’s gone from scared stray to happy housepet.

10. High vs. low tide

These photos were taken in Nova Scotia on the same deck just 12 hours apart.

A pretty incredible difference and something you certainly have to plan for!

11. The Arctic a century ago vs. today

There’s no point in arguing about whether or not it’s happening. The real point is we kind of needed that water to stay frozen.

When glaciers melt, it contributes to sea-level rise, which can have devastating effects on coastal regions.

12. Surf City, NC before and after Hurricane Florence

There’s a lot more surfing to be done in Surf City, but nobody’s happy about it. The flooding from Hurricane Florence was devastating and wiped out entire neighborhoods.

That’s not the way you want to come into some waterfront property.

13. Her face on her wedding day vs. the day she met Rob Lowe

This is all in good fun, but we had to laugh at the difference in facial expressions.

Then again, the Redditor’s handle is TheNervousPoops, so we can see why his wife happy might be happy to stand next to someone who doesn’t call himself something like that.

14. Norwegian soldiers, 75 years apart

As weapons have become more sophisticated, so has the average gear worn by soldiers.

It’s pretty incredible to think about sending a man off to war armed only with a handgun, especially in our modern era of long-range missiles and drone warfare. Things used to be much more up close and personal.

15. Maine Coon vs. American Shorthair cat

Well, to be fair, both of them are bed hogs.

But while we knew Maine Coon cats were large, we didn’t know quite how big they were compared to your average housecat.

Still, we’d be happy to snuggle up to both.

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