I have this thing that I do, if there’s something everyone seems to do or like, then I absolutely cannot do or like that particular thing. Like a reversed kind of peer pressure, but not really. Because I don’t do it just to be different, but because I like things to feel like they’re just mine. Like when I decided after reading the first two Harry Potter books in the late 90’s/early 2000’s that too many people were talking about them and I needed a break. Took me almost a decade to actually catch up.
Lately I’ve been trying to change this stubborn and annoying habit by telling myself it’s okay to do what everyone else does. Here are a few examples:
- Books: Some people love Twilight, others hate it. Everyone seems to have an opinion either way, and after some thought I decided that I couldn’t hate the book just out of principle, but I should actually read it first to confirm my suspicions about its suckyness. I managed to read about 50 pages before I got tired of the crappy writing and the ridiculous plot, but at least I tried.
- TV: I started watching How I Met Your Mother after just assuming it was dumb for years, and now I’m absolutely obsessed with it. Barney is AWESOME!
- Music: Sweden has about 9 million people. About 8 million of them are obsessed with a band called Kent who are boring as hell and the singer mumbles so you can’t hear a word he sings. At least that’s what I used to think until a few days ago when I decided to listen to a few of their songs that I actually like, and they rock. They really do. I have to quit lying to myself. (Kent - Musik Non Stop @ youtube.com)
- WWW: I fell for the pressure. After telling people for 2.5 years that I was never, under any circumstances, ever, EVER going to get a Facebook account, I went and did it. Too many of my old friends kept telling me I had to, and curiosity got the best of me - I just had to see what was so special about that place. After poking around in there for a bit I know it’s nothing new - I mean, we’ve had sites like that in Sweden for more than 10 years - but I think the reason why everyone joins is because everyone’s there. It’s the one place right now where everyone goes, so everyone else goes too. Oh well. It works for me, I just don’t know what I’m supposed to do with the damn thing other than add people I know. But god, this feels almost as awkward as when I got a myspace account two years ago.
It’s strange. These things almost make me feel more normal.
And before I go, one last bit of useless information:
Apparently I fit into a Guitar Hero box. And yes, you can close the lid and shut me in there too.
Mischievous
Kent - Music non stop
I want to give you a really big hug.
I know I’ve already told you that I’m kinda the same when it comes to things that are immensely popular, so I know how you feel. I almost feel like I’m betraying myself a little if I do happen to like something that everyone else already does, but it’s getting better as time goes by. I sincerely doubt that I’ll ever be completely hooked on pop culture, but it’s nice to allow myself to like things that other people also like.
I still don’t get the How I Met Your Mother thing, but I honestly think it’s the actor that plays Barney. I know I’ev seen him elsewhere and was annoyed, so maybe I’m just projecting that onto this show. I’m not sure, but with the addition of the Marshall guy, it’s just too much for me. I think it’s cute that you like it, though. And thanks for introducing me to Kent, they’re nice although I don’t understand a fucking thing. I’m enjoying the fact that I’m unable to nitpick at the lyrics, though, because that’s what I usually do. And yay for you being on Facebook! Now I can poke you. lol.
Someone should put you in the guitar hero box and send it to 5/3 Featherhall Road in Edinburgh. Yep.
But… but… Barney! He’s weird like me and it’s awesome! I don’t know what you could have seen him in that would have made you hate him, but I guess it’s like with me and Sarah Shahi. I can’t stand her after Carmen. And how can you not like Marshall though? He’s so much like Erik it just cracks me up. And Erik rocks.
I don’t think you’re missing too much when you don’t get the lyrics. They don’t make a whole lot of sense in Swedish, and their English albums aren’t that good, they’re just badly translated and what magic was in the Swedish ones is just gone. But I don’t like Kent for the lyrics, I like them for the bass mostly.
I really don’t get the point in poking people on facebook. Makes no sense to me.
I have no idea what I’ve seen him in, but just plain don’t like same. And I don’t dislike the character of Marshall, I just REALLY dislike the guy that plays him. He just cannot act to save his soul and it really bugs me. So many people want to be actors and are good at it, and they give a steady gig to a guy who delivers his lines like he’s cheering for a football game? Madness I say, madness. And I agree, Erik does indeed rock.
Yay bass! Bass is fun. I like the band because although the music isn’t exactly mellow it makes me feel calm.
And I don’t think poking people on facebook makes sense to anyone. I just like the fact that I’m able to poke my girlfriend on a website. lol.
Wtf? I said “same” up there when I meant “him.” Does this somehow mean that I think all guys are alike?
I think it means you type as badly as I do lol