12 ‘Cool’ Things You Did Just to Fit In

Everyone wanted to be part of the group, even if it meant pretending to like something or acting out of character. Looking back, some of the things you did just to feel included now seem hilariously cringeworthy.

Tricia Quitales
October 3, 2025
5 min read

12 ‘Cool’ Things You Did Just to Fit In — Pavel Danilyuk on Pexels

Trying to fit in during your younger years often meant doing things that felt completely unnatural. Whether it was fashion, music, or personality changes, many choices were made with one goal in mind — acceptance. What seemed cool at the time usually ended up feeling awkward in hindsight. Still, these moments were part of the learning curve that shaped who you are today.

1. Wearing Sunglasses Indoors

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You knew it made no sense, but it looked cool in music videos and on older kids. Hence, you walked into class or the mall with shades on, as if it were normal. Teachers rolled their eyes, and you could barely see your notes. Still, you kept them on just long enough for people to notice. Comfort was a sacrifice in the name of popularity.

2. Pretending to Like a Band You Didn’t Understand

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Your friends were obsessed with a group you had never heard of, so you quickly memorized a few lyrics and nodded along like a true fan. Secretly, you didn’t even know who played what instrument. However, not knowing would make you an outsider, so you faked it until the trend passed.

3. Saying You Watched a Show You Never Saw

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Every conversation seemed to revolve around one specific TV series. To avoid being left out, you laughed at jokes and referenced episodes you never actually saw. It felt risky every time someone asked for details. However, being silent would have been worse than being wrong, so you played along and hoped no one called you out.

4. Copying Someone’s Slang or Accent

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You suddenly started using words or phrases that were not part of your usual vocabulary. Sometimes, you even adjusted your tone or accent to match someone you admired. It felt forced but earned a nod or laugh from the group. Inside, you knew it was not really you. Still, it became part of your daily language for a while.

5. Joining a Trend You Secretly Hated

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From slap bracelets to jelly shoes, some trends were more annoying than enjoyable. But if everyone else was into it, you felt pressured to participate. Even when it made no sense or caused discomfort, being left out felt worse. Hence, you bought in, literally and figuratively. Your opinion came second to fitting in.

6. Laughing at Things You Didn’t Find Funny

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The group had a specific sense of humor, and you adjusted yours to match. You laughed at jokes that made no sense or felt mean-spirited. Pretending to find them hilarious helped you blend in. Later, you often questioned why you laughed at all. However, in the moment, silence felt more noticeable than fake laughter.

7. Acting Like You Didn’t Care About School

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Getting good grades was not always considered cool. So you downplayed your effort, hid your test scores, or acted indifferent about achievements. You wanted to be smart but not “too” smart in the eyes of your peers. It was a balancing act between success and social acceptance. Academic pride took a backseat to fitting in.

8. Dressing Uncomfortably for the Sake of Style

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Whether it was skinny jeans that restricted movement or shoes that hurt after five minutes, style came before comfort. You knew the outfit was impractical, but compliments made it feel worth it. There were days you barely made it through without blisters or pulling at your clothes. Still, fashion was a status symbol. Pain was part of the package.

9. Hiding Your Real Interests

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You loved certain books, hobbies, or shows that you never spoke about. They were not “cool” enough, so you kept them secret. Instead, you talked about things that others were into, even if they bored you. Your real passions were kept private until you felt safe to share them. Pretending was easier than being judged.

10. Hanging Out Where You Didn’t Want to Be

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You followed the crowd to parties, parks, or hangouts that made you uncomfortable. Staying home would have made you feel like you were missing out. Even if you did not enjoy yourself, being present felt like a win. You pretended to have fun and smiled through awkward moments. Attendance became more important than experience.

11. Posting Things Just to Impress Others

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You filtered, staged, and captioned photos with one goal — approval. It didn’t matter if the image reflected your real life. Likes and comments validated your place in the group. You shaped your online presence around what others liked. Authenticity was often replaced by strategy.