We all know that one cynical contrarian who refuses to try the popular thing just because it’s popular.
We know that person because we all take turns being that person, but often our minds are changed in spite of ourselves.
What was something you thought was stupid at first, but you tried it and eventually realized you were wrong?
byu/fredyouareaturtle inAskWomen
So, what might we want to try after all? Reddit has some ideas.
1. Meditation
I thought it was only like a placebo thing but boy I was wrong.
Meditation really did help me in processing my emotions and thoughts.
I encourage everyone to do it at least 10 minutes a day
– Anythingmatcha
2. Keeping a Tidy Home
I always thought I didn’t really care and it couldn’t be worth the effort, but I’m so much more relaxed when I’m not living inside a to-do list and everything has it’s own space etc (and yes, it really is less work overall).
To be totally honest though, getting diagnosed and treated for ADHD did minimise the effort needed by A LOT.
– futurecrazycatlady
3. Putting Time and Effort into Appearance
I was raised very religiously where women existed to be modest but attractive at the same time.
Trying to figure out the impossible balance of being attractive but not too attractive as an awkward kid just made me quit trying and to look down on all girls/women who put effort into their appearance.
Eventually I got out of that culture and realized how sh**ty that attitude was and finally understood that putting effort into my appearance was self-care and made me feel much better about myself.
– Friendly_Beach_9164
4. Modern Music
I’d just listen to classic rock and older bands/musicians and thought that the newer music we have today had no soul, was shallow/boring and whatever.
When I actually started to dig around a little and give it a chance, I found plenty of bands/musicians that are amazing.
No more “born in the wrong generation” crap from me!
– FedahpWithThisWurld
5. Yoga
I used to think it was weird and faddish when I was in my 20s and early 30s, now I love it.
I’m not terribly good at it but I have improved my posture, flexibility, and balance tremendously by having practiced for 4 years.
– Learningtolove2021
6. Using an E-Reader
I still do prefer a physical book if I have the choice because book smell and texture, but an e-reader is so much easier to transport, make notes or look up words, they save space and money, etc.
– Spiggy93
7. K-Pop
Used to think it was ridiculous and over the top.
Maaaan, the serotonin boost I get from this now is just lovely.
I’ll never judge other people’s music taste again. LOL
– fayelalala
8. Quitting Social Media
I took a “temporary” break last July and here I am a year later without any desire whatsoever to reactivate my Instagram/Facebook.
I know Reddit is considered social media, but the big differentiator for me is that I don’t share my personal identity on Reddit and therefore no longer feel pressured to share big life events or pictures from trips to feel relevant in my social circles.
I feel so much less anxiety because of it too, and my close friends have adapted to my hiatus and still keep me in the loop via text if something big happens.
– mecv123
9. Therapy
It’s not so much that I thought it was stupid, it was more that I thought it couldn’t/wouldn’t help. I had a really sh**ty upbringing. Narc mother, molester father, physically abusive grandmother and needed therapy desperately, but it took me being 31 before I finally got myself there.
It’s hard to re-visit pain and trauma and scary, but in the end, I’m mentally so much healthier and no longer afraid of the dark. Like I have been able to sleep without a night light for about four years now.
Sounds ridiculous, but it’s a big deal.
If you’re hesitant about therapy, please go. It can really help.
– mrsj74
10. Trying New Foods
Growing up I was THAT kid and basically survived on pizza and grinders (CT sub sandwich).
Met my husband and moved to SoCal which is the melting pot of food, my God.
It was hard at first for him to get me to try stuff, but now I eat all the things…except tentacles. I gotta draw the line somewhere.
I make my two kids take one bite of everything and so far so good that I don’t have to raise myself. ?
– positivefeelings1234
11. Smoking Cannabis
I waited until my late twenties too and I have no regrets about it, but I definitely do feel like I was brainwashed into thinking it was one of the scariest things when I was younger
– buckhead-brat
12. Being Vegan
I used to eat McDonald’s like 3 times a week, so this is something I didn’t think would ever happen. But wow is it easier than I expected and so so gratifying.
It’s like an invisible weight of guilt and shame that I didn’t even know I had has been lifted off me.
I’ve always thought of myself as a kind person, but now I really feel like I’m living my values instead of just saying them.
– JJbooks
13. More Expensive Clothing
Partly because I grew up poor and partly because I just never even had the opportunity to feel the difference, but sometimes a more expensive brand is actually better quality.
Now I’m not out here getting $4,000 coats from Burberry (although I’m sure they are lovely) but I will for example go for Levi’s over Target brand jeans. I used to think that was so dumb like how can you spend $100+ on jeans? But they do feel better quality and last.
Same for shoes, over the past few years I have been buying less fast fashion and more expensive but durable pieces. I get it now.
– tangerinelibrarian
14. Mom Jeans
Imho it always looks terrible. I got one to see what the hype was when online shopping with full intentions to get it returned/refunded.
Once it was on i really struggled to get out of it. I had spent so many years wearing skinny jeans leg prisons. Now i always wear mom jeans.
I still think i look f**king s**t it in but comfort > fashion for me now
– ashley419
15. Peloton
I was like “who the h**l is spending $4000 on an exercise bike” but I started using the digital subscription with my road bike and trainer set up and I’m obsessed, to the point I don’t see a reason to re-up my gym membership post-Covid.
Sometimes things are popular because they’re good!
– AggressivelyHelpful
Got a few things to check out!
Do you have any suggestions like these?
Share them with us in the comments.