Ever felt like the lone sceptic when the rest of the world seems to be losing its mind over the latest “must-have” thing?
Maybe that viral TikTok song leaves you feeling second-hand embarrassment rather than inspiration, or the book everyone swears changed their life just makes you roll your eyes. It’s easy to feel out of step when you’re surrounded by hype, but honestly, that might just mean you’re the one seeing things clearly.
Some trends catch fire for good reason, but others just seem to take on a life of their own, fuelled by groupthink, social media pressure, or the simple need to belong. From bland food obsessions to overpriced brands and endless online fads, the internet has a funny way of convincing us that ordinary things are extraordinary. So, if you’ve ever felt like you missed the memo, relax. Maybe you’re just a bit more grounded than the crowd.
1. Avocados: The flavorless fruit?
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Don’t get me wrong, avocados are healthy, but the taste? Often bland and mushy. The obsession is a bit baffling considering their less-than-exciting flavour profile. Maybe it’s less about the taste and more about the Instagram-worthy toast? Or perhaps we’ve all just convinced ourselves that they’re tastier than they really are.
2. Celebrity gossip: Who cares?
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The endless cycle of who’s dating whom, who wore what, and who said what can be addictive in a dull, background-noise kind of way. But at the end of the day, it doesn’t add much to your life. It’s a bit like eating crisps when you’re starving: satisfying for a minute, but there’s no real substance. Maybe it’s time to put that energy into your own story instead of scrolling through someone else’s.
3. Pumpkin spice everything
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It started as a cosy (and very American, to be honest) autumn flavour, and now it’s become a full-blown seasonal takeover. From candles and muffins to dog treats and deodorant, pumpkin spice somehow finds its way into everything by September. A latte or two is nice, but by mid-October, most of us are over it. Somewhere along the line, we forgot that autumn tastes like more than cinnamon and nutmeg.
4. True crime podcasts
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They can be fascinating, sure, but when you’ve listened to the twentieth series about a cold case or serial killer, it starts to feel less like intrigue and more like emotional exhaustion. There’s a fine line between curiosity and obsession, and with true crime, it’s easy to cross. Sometimes, swapping murder mysteries for something that doesn’t leave you sleeping with the light on is a welcome break.
5. Tiny houses: Cramped living isn’t romantic
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The minimalist dream looks great on YouTube until you realise it’s basically living in a glorified shed. Downsizing your life can be freeing, but constantly bumping into your partner or storing your wardrobe under the sink is a test of patience, not simplicity. The fantasy of small-space living fades fast when you realise there’s nowhere to escape after an argument.
6. Expensive designer labels
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Luxury brands sell a dream, not necessarily better stitching. Some pieces are undeniably well-made, but most of the time you’re paying for a logo and a sense of belonging. There’s nothing wrong with splurging occasionally, but pretending a handbag defines your worth is a trap. Confidence looks good in any brand, especially when it doesn’t come with a credit card bill.
7. Adulting: It’s not all it’s cracked up to be
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Childhood dreams of unlimited freedom and ice cream for dinner don’t often match up with the realities of bills, responsibilities, and endless errands. Adult life certainly has its benefits, but it also comes with a fair share of unglamorous tasks and challenges. Perhaps the trick is finding joy in the small wins alongside the less-exciting duties.
8. Super loud concerts
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Live music can be magic, but there’s a difference between energy and ear damage. When the bass shakes your chest and you can’t hear your mate beside you, the thrill starts to fade. Music should be an experience, not an endurance test. Bring earplugs. Future you will be grateful.
9. Fancy coffee drinks: What happened to regular coffee?
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When your morning brew costs a fiver and requires a translator to order, something’s gone wrong. There’s beauty in simplicity, and sometimes a straightforward coffee is all you need. Between oat milk foam, caramel drizzle, and obscure syrups, it’s easy to forget the point, which is clearly caffeine and comfort.
10. Social media challenges: Are they worth the hype?
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From dancing in supermarkets to balancing spoons on your nose, viral challenges range from harmless fun to questionable judgment. Most of them are designed to rack up views, not meaning. If you’ve ever scrolled past one and thought, “I’d rather keep my dignity,” you’re not wrong. Not everything online needs an audience.
11. Gender reveal parties: Over the top?
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Once upon a time, it was a simple cake-cutting moment. Now it’s fireworks, confetti cannons, and occasionally, small explosions. Somewhere along the way, the celebration of a baby turned into a social media spectacle. Maybe we could just stick to sharing joy instead of risking a forest fire or blowing yourself up (yes, this has happened).
12. Influencer culture: Real life or staged?
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It’s easy to forget that those perfect photos are filtered, lit, and rehearsed. Influencers have turned ordinary life into performance art, but behind every “effortless” shot is effort, and often a sponsorship deal. Real life is messier, quieter, and a lot more fulfilling. The next time you catch yourself comparing, remember: their perfection is probably just good lighting.
