20+ Popular Things That Redditors Admit They Believe Everyone Just Pretends To Love

Without a doubt, the everyday struggles of the world can be tiring at times. Society requires additional attention as, these days, we're expected to act, respond, and look a specific way.

Most of us are now accustomed to this notion, and we're forging ahead with our days, doing things we may detest. At times, we pretend to be someone we're not around individuals whose approval we desire, rather than simply being ourselves.

We might suppress our true feelings and refrain from putting ourselves out there completely just to gain love, acknowledgment, or respect from family, friends, customers, colleagues, and, in some cases, even complete strangers. Are we really just pretending to like things in this day and age? Well, probably.

In this article, you’ll read what online users have to say about this pretense, presented in a really engaging and interesting way. These things are not excessively personal, but, without a doubt, many people dislike doing them and instead pretend to enjoy them. 

Moving on, the Reddit user with the name @DionSinghLanda chose to brighten our days by asking the community online to share their opinions on something they’re certain everybody is simply pretending to like. The actual post received more than 22K upvotes, almost 16K comments, and sparked a blazing hot conversation about the things that most of us hate doing!

Scroll down to read the most fitting answers and comment on the ones you like. 

#1 Influencers

Garry Knight OpinionBearSF

#2 Places Where People Can't Hear Each Other...

Steven Lilley

The Psychology of Social Pretense

The phenomenon of social pretense often stems from a desire for social acceptance and belonging. Research in social psychology indicates that individuals may conform to group norms or expectations, even if they don’t genuinely resonate with them, in order to fit in.

Dr. Elaine Hatfield, a leading social psychologist, suggests that this behavior can lead to feelings of disconnection and inauthenticity over time, as individuals suppress their true preferences.

claraclara000

#3 Losing All the Memories of Yesterday

Mike Burns infinityking1

This dynamic can also be understood through the lens of cognitive dissonance, where individuals experience discomfort when their actions don’t align with their beliefs. Studies indicate that to alleviate this discomfort, people may convince themselves that they genuinely enjoy what they profess to, leading to a cycle of inauthenticity.

This highlights the importance of self-awareness and authenticity in fostering genuine connections.

#4 Flat Earth Theory

Tim Bartel EarthExile

#5 The World of Social Media

Kurayba

Encouraging Authenticity in Social Interactions

To combat the pressures of social pretense, it’s essential to encourage authenticity in interactions. Research shows that fostering an environment where individuals feel safe to express their true selves can lead to deeper connections and greater satisfaction in relationships.

Practicing vulnerability and openness can help individuals break free from societal pressures, promoting a culture of acceptance and understanding.

DeadFyre

#6 Can You Stop Pretending Already!

Miguelb Apprehensive_Tea8686

Additionally, reflecting on personal values and preferences can empower individuals to resist conforming to external expectations. Engaging in self-reflection can promote a clearer understanding of one's desires, leading to more authentic interactions and decisions.

This self-awareness can ultimately enhance social satisfaction and well-being.

#7 "I Suffered and So Must You"

City of Boston Mayor's Office miss_kimba

#8 Nickelback

Are you pretending to hate Nickelback?

Angela Dietrich

The Role of Social Media in Perpetuating Pretense

Social media platforms often amplify the pressure to conform to societal norms. Research indicates that individuals frequently curate their online identities to align with perceived expectations, leading to a disconnect between their real and online selves.

Recognizing this dynamic can help individuals establish healthier boundaries regarding their social media usage, promoting more authentic self-representation.

brandinho5

#9 The Pregnancy Journey

The end result is surely worth all the body changes...

Bridget Coila stranaya

Finally, engaging in open conversations about authenticity can foster a culture of acceptance. Encouraging discussions around the pressures of pretense can help individuals feel less isolated in their experiences, promoting a sense of community and understanding.

By addressing these issues collectively, we can create spaces where authenticity is celebrated rather than stifled.

#10 "Tiger King Wasn't That Great"

Henry Burrows ArlingtonAmorette

#11 Working a Corporate Job

Governor Mark Dayton Ambiguous-Insect

#12 "I'm Filled with Joy, I Love Church"

Paul_the_Seeker redditsdeadcanary

#13 Waking Up Early to Work Out...

David Howard Stringskip

#14 Trash Cans Full of Ice...

Wade Rockett bubbles2pop

#15 None of My Business

Troykelly Homo-Homie

#16 Getting Roasted by Complete Strangers

Frederick Dennstedt missjett97

#17 Their Health Insurance Policies

Roman Harak DreamQueen710

#18 "Shilling for Some Sort of Profit"

Peter Dowley TimeToLoseIt16

#19 Is This a Condensed Version or Something?

Les Chatfield Turquoise1720

#20 "A Socially Acceptable White Noise Delivery System"

Jaysin Trevino Frank_Lloyd_Trite

#21 "Everyone Who Has Quit Facebook Is Happier"

Could this be true? Well, not for everybody...

George Redgrave EvitaPuppy

#22 Vacationing with Extended Family

Faungg's photos anon_a-miss

Getting Bad Plastic Surgery...

Navy Medicine 1000spiderz

#23 Overwhelming Feelings

Some people feel the same way, just in the reverse direction.

GoToVan wad11656

#25 The Taste of Hard Liquor

Do you drink liquor because you like it or because your friends do?

Jamin Gray No_Yesterday_3344

#26 Walking for an Hour Rather Than Talking

Governor Earl Ray Tomblin AmberinAZ

#27 Children's Art

And they create it with so much love...

Denise Krebs EntrepreneurCandid92

#28 Mumble Rap

"Just chill out and drink Miller Lite..."

Travis Rigel Lukas Hornung Corporate Deaht Burger

#29 If Nobody Was Actually Religious...

Would churches still exist then? ...hmm

Aaron Fulkerson Superb-Bother7058

When you really think about it, you'll find that there are many things we think we like, but in reality, we don’t. As Dr. Susan David, an emotional agility expert, notes, "We often conform to social expectations, leading us to embrace things we don’t genuinely enjoy." If there's anything else you'd like to add to the list of things we pretend to like, we strongly encourage you to share your thoughts with us by commenting down below! 

More on Susan David's website

Psychological Analysis

This discussion exemplifies how social pressures can lead individuals to present inauthentic versions of themselves. Often, this stems from a fear of rejection or the desire for acceptance, which can create barriers to genuine connection.

Analysis generated by AI

Analysis & Alternative Approaches

Understanding the psychological factors behind social pretense can enhance our interpersonal relationships. As Dr. Alexandra Solomon, a relationship therapist, states, "Authenticity is the cornerstone of meaningful connections" on her website dralexandrasolomon.com. Additionally, embracing our true selves allows us to cultivate deeper, more meaningful relationships, as noted by Dr. Gary Chapman, a marriage counselor, who emphasizes that "genuine love and connection come from being true to oneself" on 5lovelanguages.com.