It might sound cynical, but we believe there are certain things people claim to enjoy simply because it’s expected. We’re not alone in this thought; many of those around us feel the same way about these trends and activities. In this article, we explore a list of things that, in our opinion, people might only be pretending to enjoy.
Reading Classic Literature
Reading classic books is often seen as smart, but it’s not always fun. The old language and long parts can be hard to get through. People feel they need to read these books to fit in, but in reality, reading these books often feels more like a task than something enjoyable.
Attending the Opera
Being seen at the opera can make you seem important. It’s thought of as something very fancy, but it’s not for everyone. It’s very hard to understand what’s happening without help. Also, operas can be very long and end late. Ultimately, people often value going to the opera more for how it makes them look than for the music itself.
Drinking Craft Beer
This feels like a trendy hobby that not everyone genuinely enjoys. The complex flavors that can be overwhelming and the culture of beer snobbery only makes it worse. It’s also very expensive. Untappd says craft beer can cost up to £150 for a single bottle.
Being Busy All the Time
Having a packed schedule is often seen as a good thing nowadays. People brag about not having free time. But deep down, many people wish they could relax more. Being constantly busy can be stressful. Even though people might seem proud of being busy, many actually wish they had more time to just relax and do nothing.
Using Dating Apps
While dating apps are promoted as the new way to find love, the reality is often a cycle of hope and disappointment. You’ll swipe a lot but not find anyone. There’s pressure to make your profile look perfect. And going on a first date is always awkward. Even though dating apps are supposed to help you find love, often they just lead to feeling let down.
Following Trendy Diets
Trendy diets often get attention because they’re popular, not because they work well for everyone. These diets can be hard to keep up with because they often limit what you can eat. Also, what diet is considered “the best” keeps changing all the time. A lot of the time, social media plays a big part in making these diets popular. So, people might try these diets more because they’re in style than because they’re really good for their health.
Attending Networking Events
Networking events are a huge pain. It can be awkward to start conversations with strangers, and there’s a lot of pressure to make connections that really matter. Sometimes, it feels more like everyone’s competing instead of helping each other out.
Practicing Yoga
Yoga is supposed to be all about relaxation and finding peace, but it doesn’t always work out that way. It can be really hard to do some of the poses, and there’s pressure to feel a certain way during and after yoga class. In some classes, there seems to be a competition about who can be the most flexible or look the calmest. This makes the yoga classes feel more stressful than calming.
Watching Reality TV
People often watch reality TV so they can talk about it with their friends, not really because they love the shows. The drama on these shows can be a lot different from what you’d like in your own life, where you might prefer things to be more peaceful.
Participating in Fad Fitness Challenges
Joining in on fad fitness challenges is often more about the excitement of the challenge than about getting fit. These challenges are popular because they promise big results quickly and everyone talks about them on social media. GymDesk reports that gyms lose 50% of their members in six months, so this might just be true about fitness in general.
Crafting Perfect Social Media Lives
The curated lives we see on social media are often a facade, carefully crafted, and far from the messy reality. A survey by MoneyControl found that 21% of Gen Z had lied on their social media to impress their followers. However, this is true for all ages.
Attending Every Social Gathering
Going to every party or event mostly comes from the worry that you’ll miss out if you don’t go, not because you really want to be there. The idea of hanging out with lots of people sounds fun, but in reality, many of us would rather just stay home and relax. It’s so tiring to keep going to social events one after the other.
Learning Trendy Hobbies
Starting new hobbies that look cool on Instagram, like baking fancy bread or making pottery, is often more about getting likes than doing something you enjoy. At first, you might be really excited to try something new, but that excitement usually doesn’t last long. Then, you’re left with all the tools and materials you bought but never use.
Going to the Gym Early in the Morning
Waking up before the sun to hit the gym might sound energizing, but for many, it’s a performance for their social media rather than a genuine preference. They claim it’s the best start to their day, but we know they’re just in a silent competition with us, the regulars.
Eating Kale
While kale has become a symbol of healthy living, its appeal seems more theoretical than practical for many. It’s hailed as a superfood, but not everyone’s taste buds agree. Unfortunately, this one might be worth trying, as Healthline reports that it can reduce the risk of many chronic diseases, including cancer.
Watching Art Films
Art films, with their deep themes and complex narratives, often leave viewers pretending to enjoy the confusion. The struggle to understand abstract plots doesn’t sound like it could be anyone’s definition of fun. We honestly think people are only pretending to appreciate them to seem cultured.
Listening to Experimental Music
Experimental music is more an acquired taste than a universally loved genre. It’s very pretentious, and most people who like it are obviously having trouble finding the melody. It’s all about the social currency of liking unconventional music. Don’t even get us started on the polite nods when it’s played in social gatherings.
Making Everything a Side Hustle
In today’s hustle culture, the pressure to turn passions into income streams can strip the joy from our favorite pastimes. Not every hobby needs to be monetized, and that’s okay. You can make money another way and keep enjoying your hobbies without turning them into a business.