15 Things People Pretend to Enjoy But Secretly Despise
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Nodding along with forced enthusiasm or forcing a smile when you’d rather be anywhere else is a common experience. Whether it’s a social obligation, a trend everyone seems to love, or something you think you should enjoy, it’s easy to go through the motions while secretly counting down the minutes.
It’s surprising what people tolerate to fit in or avoid awkward conversations. Sometimes, it’s easier to play along than to admit the truth, or perhaps there’s a reluctance to stand out. There are certain things people pretend to enjoy when they’d much rather not. Here are 15 things that many secretly despise, even if they never say so out loud.
Networking Events
Networking events often promise opportunities to connect and advance your career, but let’s be honest—most people find them exhausting and awkward. Forced conversations with strangers, the pressure to make a good impression, and the endless exchange of business cards can make these gatherings feel like a chore.
Group Fitness Classes
Many people find group fitness classes a source of anxiety. The pressure to keep up with the instructor, perform in front of others, and push through discomfort can turn what’s supposed to be a healthy activity into a stressful experience. And those overly enthusiastic instructors? They’re not always as motivating as they think.
Small Talk
Even though people pretend to be okay with small talk, it’s often a tedious necessity. Talking about the weather, weekend plans, or other surface-level topics can feel like a waste of time. Many would prefer to skip the pleasantries and dive into more meaningful conversations, but they go along to avoid seeming rude or antisocial.
Office Parties
Office parties are often framed as fun bonding experiences but can be more of a burden than a break. Making small talk with colleagues you barely know, navigating office politics, and staying late when you’d rather be at home can make these events something people endure rather than enjoy.
Surprise Parties
While surprise parties are intended to be joyful celebrations, they can often create more stress than enjoyment. The guest of honor might feel overwhelmed by the sudden spotlight and the pressure to appear happy. There’s also the awkwardness of everyone anxiously waiting for the “surprise” moment to unfold perfectly.
Trendy Diets
From keto to juice cleanses, trendy diets often seem like the path to health and happiness, but many people secretly loathe them. The restrictive nature, constant hunger, and social limitations can make these diets feel like a punishment rather than a lifestyle change. Most people stick with them to fit in or meet societal expectations.
Long Phone Calls
While catching up with loved ones is nice, long phone calls can sometimes feel like a drag. The obligation to stay engaged, the pressure to fill every silence, and the fear of seeming rude if you try to end the conversation can turn what should be a pleasant chat into something people secretly dread.
Brunch Outings
Brunch has become a staple social event, but not everyone loves it as much as they claim to. The long wait times, overpriced menus, and the pressure to look Instagram-ready can make brunch feel more like a chore than a treat. Plus, sometimes you’d prefer to sleep and have breakfast at home.
Watching Award Shows
Although many people find them boring and unnecessarily long, award shows are hyped as must-see events. The endless speeches, predictable winners, and awkward attempts at humor can make these shows feel like a drag. People still tune in year after year, partly out of FOMO and partly to stay in the cultural loop.
Family Reunions
Family reunions are often seen as joyful gatherings but can also be awkward and stressful. Forced interactions with distant relatives and intrusive questions may lead to uncomfortable conversations, while family drama can overshadow the celebration. The pressure to engage can leave attendees feeling drained instead of connected.
Camping Trips
Dealing with bugs buzzing around, sleeping on hard, uneven ground, and using primitive bathrooms can turn camping experiences into more of a hassle than a relaxing holiday. While some may find joy in the great outdoors, many people struggle with these discomforts and often pretend to love camping to avoid being labeled as high-maintenance or unadventurous.
Watching Sports
It’s one thing to enjoy a sport you love, but watching a game you don’t care about just to fit in with friends or coworkers? Not so much fun. The long hours, confusing rules, and forced enthusiasm can make it feel like you’re just going through the motions. But admitting this in a sports-centric culture isn’t always easy.
Fancy Dinners
Fancy dinners can be stressful rather than enjoyable due to unfamiliar menus, pressure to use the proper utensils, and small portions. A simple, comforting meal at home often provides more satisfaction than an elaborate dining experience. But pretending to love fancy dinners is appropriate for special occasions or networking events.
Social Media Trends
Whether it’s a dance challenge or the latest meme, social media trends can be more annoying than amusing. The pressure to participate and stay relevant can turn what’s supposed to be fun into yet another obligation. Many people go along to avoid feeling out of the loop, even if they’re secretly rolling their eyes.
Hosting Events
Hosting an event might sound like a fun way to gather friends and family, but for many, it’s more stressful than it’s worth. The pressure to entertain, the endless cleaning, and the fear that something will go wrong can make hosting feel more like a burden than a pleasure. But with everyone else seemingly enjoying themselves, it’s hard to admit you’re not.
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