12 Things People Pretend to Enjoy Because Everyone Else Does

12 Things People Pretend to Enjoy Because Everyone Else Does

Sometimes it feels easier to nod along than to admit you do not get the hype.

Trends move fast, and nobody wants to be the person who “doesn’t like fun.”

So we smile through activities that drain our money, time, and energy.

We order the thing everyone orders, we post the photo everyone posts, and we pretend it was amazing.

The truth is that plenty of popular experiences are only enjoyable on paper.

They look good in pictures, sound impressive in conversation, and fit neatly into social expectations.

But in real life, they can be expensive, uncomfortable, awkward, or just plain boring.

If you have ever forced enthusiasm because everyone else seemed obsessed, you are not alone.

Here are twelve common things people often act like they love, even when they secretly don’t.

1. Brunch culture

Weekend mornings are supposed to feel restful, but this tradition often turns them into a production.

You dress up earlier than you want, drive to a crowded spot, and then wait longer than you planned.

By the time you sit down, you are hungry enough to order too much, which makes the bill balloon fast.

People talk about the vibe, yet the vibe is frequently noise, elbows, and servers rushing to flip tables.

The food is rarely bad, but it is also rarely worth the markup and the social pressure to rave about it.

The drinks sound fun until you realize you are paying premium prices to feel sleepy by midafternoon.

When everyone insists it’s the best part of adulthood, it can feel awkward to admit you’d rather stay home.

It is perfectly okay to choose a calm breakfast and call it a win.

2. Networking events

Professional mingling is marketed as exciting, but it often feels like speed-dating with business cards.

You walk into a room where everyone is scanning for the “useful” person to talk to next.

Small talk becomes a performance, and you can practically hear people rehearsing their elevator pitches.

Even confident people can feel drained by the constant need to appear upbeat, interesting, and successful.

If you are introverted, it can be exhausting to pretend you are having the time of your life.

The snacks are usually sad, the drinks are overpriced, and the conversations can feel strangely transactional.

You leave with a pocket full of contacts you may never message because the connection wasn’t real.

Some people genuinely thrive there, but many attend because they think they “should,” not because they enjoy it.

3. Super loud clubs

A night out is supposed to be fun, yet this scene can feel like paying for sensory overload.

Music blasts so loudly that conversations turn into shouting directly into someone’s ear.

The air gets hot, the crowd gets packed, and personal space becomes a distant memory.

You might spend half the night in line for a drink you barely taste, because you are too busy navigating bodies.

People act like they love the chaos, but many are just trying to look carefree and social.

The pressure to dance can feel performative when you are not in the mood or you feel self-conscious.

Afterward, you go home smelling like a fog machine, with ringing ears and a lighter wallet.

If your idea of a good time includes actually talking, it is normal to wonder why this is the default.

4. Ultra-trendy fitness classes

Boutique workouts are often sold like a lifestyle, not a simple way to move your body.

The studio lighting, the curated playlists, and the branded water bottles can make it feel like a social club.

You may love exercise, yet still dread the vibe of being watched while you try to learn unfamiliar moves.

Prices add up quickly, especially when the culture implies you need multiple classes a week to belong.

Some instructors are fantastic, but others lean into motivational speeches that feel more like pressure than encouragement.

People swear it changed their life, which can make you feel guilty for not feeling the magic.

In reality, a workout that fits your budget and comfort level is the one you will actually stick with.

There is nothing wrong with choosing a walk, a home routine, or a simple gym plan over the trend.

5. Craft beer obsession

The enthusiasm around specialty brews can make it seem like everyone has a sophisticated palate.

You hear descriptions involving citrus notes, pine finishes, and complex mouthfeel, and you nod along politely.

Meanwhile, you might just want a drink that tastes good without needing a vocabulary lesson.

Some people truly enjoy sampling new flavors, but others feel pressured to pretend they do.

It can be awkward to admit you do not love bitter hops when the group treats bitterness like a badge of honor.

The cost can be surprisingly high for something that you only half-enjoy, especially when tastings turn into multiple pours.

If you prefer a simple lager, a cocktail, or no alcohol at all, that preference is not “basic.”

Enjoyment is personal, and no trend gets to decide what your taste should be.

6. Minimalist interior design

Scrolling through perfect rooms online can make you believe that “less” automatically means better.

Neutral walls, empty countertops, and carefully placed decor look clean in photos, but real life is messier.

If you have kids, pets, hobbies, or a busy schedule, the constant effort to keep things sparse can feel stressful.

Some minimalist spaces also come across as cold, like a staged apartment rather than a cozy home.

People praise the aesthetic, so you might feel pressured to hide your personality behind beige and white.

It is also easy to overspend chasing the “simple” look, because curated minimalism often involves pricey pieces.

A home should support how you live, not force you to live like a catalog display.

Warmth, color, and meaningful clutter are allowed, even if they are not trending.

7. Highbrow art galleries

Walking through modern art can feel intimidating when everyone seems to understand something you do not.

You glance at a blank canvas, read the plaque, and still wonder if you are missing the point.

The quiet atmosphere can make you feel like you have to whisper opinions you are not sure you believe.

People often act impressed because admitting confusion can feel like admitting you are uncultured.

Sometimes art is moving, but sometimes it is just not your thing, and that does not make you shallow.

The pressure to have a “smart” reaction can turn a potentially enjoyable outing into a test you did not sign up for.

You can appreciate creativity without forcing yourself to pretend every piece speaks to your soul.

If you prefer museums with history, photography, or interactive exhibits, that is still art appreciation.

8. Long wine tastings

A flight of wines sounds elegant, but the experience can feel like homework in a fancy setting.

You listen to someone describe aromas you cannot detect while trying not to look confused.

Spitting wine into a bucket is normal there, yet it can still feel awkward for people who are new to it.

After a few pours, flavors blur together, and you may start agreeing with everyone just to keep up.

The atmosphere can also encourage overspending, because bottles and souvenirs suddenly feel “part of the experience.”

Some tastings are genuinely fun, but others drag on long after your interest has disappeared.

If you would rather share one glass you actually like than analyze five you do not, that is reasonable.

You are allowed to enjoy wine casually without turning it into a personality trait.

9. Group travel with a packed itinerary

Trips with friends sound like a dream until you realize you are traveling with everyone’s expectations at once.

Someone wants sunrise hikes, someone wants shopping, someone wants museums, and you just want to sit quietly with coffee.

When the schedule is packed, you can feel like you are sprinting from one “must-do” to another.

The pressure to be grateful and enthusiastic can make it hard to admit you are tired, overwhelmed, or irritated.

Budgets also clash, and money conversations can turn tense when some people want upgrades and others want to save.

Even meals become complicated when everyone has different tastes, energy levels, and timelines.

People post smiling photos, but behind the scenes there is often stress, compromise, and resentment.

A slower trip with downtime can be more enjoyable than a checklist vacation, even if it looks less impressive online.

10. Hot yoga

Exercising in intense heat is framed as cleansing, but it can feel like surviving a sauna in public.

The room warms up fast, and suddenly you are more focused on not passing out than on your breathing.

Sweat everywhere can be distracting, especially when you are slipping on your mat and trying to hold poses.

Some people love the challenge, yet others keep going because they do not want to seem weak or uncommitted.

The “detox” language can add pressure, as if discomfort automatically equals health and virtue.

If you are prone to headaches, dizziness, or anxiety, the heat can make the class feel like punishment.

A workout should leave you stronger, not miserable, and it should fit your body’s needs.

Choosing a gentler class does not mean you failed, because it means you listened to yourself.

11. Hustle culture

The idea that you must always be grinding can sound motivating until you realize it turns rest into guilt.

People brag about working late like it proves character, even when they are clearly exhausted.

Social media makes burnout look glamorous, as if being busy is the only acceptable personality.

You might pretend you love the constant push because admitting you want balance can feel like admitting you lack ambition.

The truth is that nonstop productivity often leads to stress, strained relationships, and health issues.

Many people also do not have the privilege to “hustle” without consequences, which makes the trend even more frustrating.

It is okay to want a life where your value is not measured by how tired you look.

Success can include boundaries, hobbies, and sleep, even if that is not what gets the most likes.

12. Big weddings

Celebrations of love can be beautiful, but the traditional mega-event often comes with intense pressure.

You are expected to host a spectacle, manage family dynamics, and spend a small fortune while smiling through it all.

Guests say it is the best day of your life, which is a lot of emotional weight for one event.

Planning can feel like a part-time job, especially when every detail becomes a debate about what you “should” do.

Some couples genuinely enjoy the spotlight, but others mainly want a meaningful moment without the production.

The costs add up quickly, and the debt hangover can last far longer than the party.

People pretend it was perfect because nobody wants to admit they were stressed, anxious, or overwhelmed.

A smaller wedding, courthouse ceremony, or nontraditional celebration can be just as joyful, and often far more peaceful.