A few years back, during a conversation with my buddy, Jamie Bell, about her “Joy Project,” I was both astonished and relieved to hear her admit that she has “virtually no love for classical literature.” This confession struck me because I had always thought that everyone was enamored with the classics. But her honesty made me wonder: What societal norms could I challenge? What so-called “good things” can I freely dislike? Here’s a list of things that adults are often expected to appreciate, but I certainly do not. And guess what? You don’t have to either!
1. Theater Isn’t for Everyone
Whether it’s a local production of “Death of a Salesman” or a lavish Broadway show like “Les Misérables,” theater often feels like a costly time-suck that rarely elicits genuine laughter. Many plays tend to drag on (seriously, who speaks like that?), while musicals can be cringeworthy (who bursts into song in real life?). And no one relishes returning to their tight seat after an intermission!
2. Fish Is Not Mandatory
Fish is often touted as a superfood, packed with omega-3s and protein—better than steak, they claim! But honestly, fish can be bland and unsatisfying, leaving you wishing you’d opted for a burger instead. Some folks order fish just to be “healthy.” The only fish I truly enjoy is canned tuna or smoked salmon. Let’s be real: skate wing is only palatable when smothered in butter. You can admit it!
3. Rock Concerts Can Be Overrated
Once upon a time, I thrived in the chaos of a packed venue at a concert. Now? The thought of watching my favorite band in a massive arena, where the lead singer looks like a dot from afar, feels like a nightmare. I’d much rather binge-watch a dance special on HBO from the comfort of my couch—trust me, it’s a peak experience of its own.
4. Red Wine Isn’t a Requirement
Warm beverages aren’t refreshing! You either sip red wine for a buzz (where white or gin would be tastier) or to savor the “earthy notes,” which just sounds gross. I once worked a bar gig, and a guest scoffed that “grown-ups drink red wine.” I pretended to love it for years, but let’s face it: red wine gives most people a headache before they even feel tipsy. Give me a chilled New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc any day! And no, you don’t have to enjoy visiting wineries either.
5. Not Everyone Loves Kids
While every parent finds their own child adorable, it’s a universally accepted fact that other people’s kids can be annoying and sticky-fingered. I attended a gathering recently where a child monopolized the spotlight with an endless tap dance, and the parents were oblivious to the growing irritation in the room. Remember, you don’t have to appreciate other parenting styles either!
6. Johnny Depp Isn’t for Everyone
I used to enjoy films like “Edward Scissorhands” and “Pirates of the Caribbean,” but Johnny Depp lost his charm when he went from being a rebellious star to a character caricature. I mean, a man wearing a 1993 goatee and purple glasses isn’t exactly appealing. It’s okay to admit that you don’t get the hype either!
7. Weekend Getaways Can Be Stressful
Planning a weekend trip often feels like more work than relaxation. The stress of packing for just two days can be overwhelming. You might envision a delightful escape with organic meals and red wine, but the reality often involves late arrivals and frantic traffic returns. By the end, you’re left with a disjointed experience that hardly feels restful. Let’s not even mention antiquing—who really enjoys that anyway?
In conclusion, it’s perfectly okay to step away from societal expectations and embrace your preferences. Life is too short to pretend to enjoy things that don’t resonate with you.
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