Let’s face it – plenty of people don’t truly enjoy half the stuff they say they do. They just like coming off sharp when bringing it up. There is this low-key race to look refined, well-read, or super thoughtful. Even though, if we’re fairly honest, most of us stopped paying attention midway through that “genius” film.
Here are the things people pretend to like, not because they actually do, but because they want to sound 3% more intellectual at dinner parties.
Classic Books No One Finished
You know that old copy of War and Peace just sitting there on your shelf? The book that’s been stuck on page 12 for ages? Yep, that exact one. Some people just enjoy tossing around names such as Orwell, Kafka, or Virginia Woolf when chatting. Sounds cool on the surface. Truth is, we just like claiming we’ve read those books, even if we never made it past page two.
Black Coffee Without Joy
Some folks never stop boasting, “I take mine black – no sweetener.” Like, handling harsh taste somehow shows you’re tough inside. Still, deep down, nearly everyone wants that sugary caramel latte topped with froth. That’s fine. Sipping coffee shouldn’t seem like suffering.
Abstract Art That “Speaks to You”
There is always someone standing facing a huge red square, head bobbing as if cracking life’s biggest mystery. “It shows how delicate people really are.” Sure, Greg. It might just be red paint. No issue there. Yet galleries thrive on pretension because no one wants to be the one who says, “I don’t get it.” Often, it isn’t about meaning – just expensive confusion stretched over fabric.
Reading Philosophy “for Fun”
Some people say they pass weekends diving into Nietzsche. Yeah, right. Then sneak off to search “what do Nietzsche quotes mean.” It’s heavy going. Nobody really likes sitting through three hundred pages of bleak uncertainty – owning up to that isn’t lacking depth, it’s being real.
TED Talks About Productivity
You know the type. “I just watched this talk on habits of highly effective people.” While that’s happening, their task list just sits there, ignored. Watching clips about getting more done seems smart. It tricks you into feeling like you’re progressing – even when you’re not doing anything real. It’s because people just love the illusion of self-improvement. It feels intellectual without being risky.
Podcasts About Modern Society
Some folks act like pop music’s too basic for them – claim they’d rather listen to podcasts all day. Sounds clever… until you realize it’s endless quiet rants on “how no one stays genuine anymore.” That won’t sharpen your energy; it’ll only leave you tired. Zero shame in picking Beyoncé over some guy called Brad screaming about the economy falling apart. The fact is, happiness always wins in the end.
Reading The Economist for Fun
You’ve heard it: “Oh, I was reading The Economist the other day…” Yeah, sure, buddy. They peek at the headline, skim through a few lines, then toss it aside. Not actually about money or markets – it’s more like pretending, as if you’re some serious intellectual. We’ve all faked it before.
17 Ways That People Can Test You Silently
It may be subtle, it may be harsh, but in either case, these silent tests will reveal how much respect you really get. Imagine them as pop quizzes for life – but you have no idea you’re taking it until you fail it. Here are 17 silent tests people quietly put you through.
17 Ways That People Can Test You Silently