Belonging, Originality, and the Death of Taste.

What even is taste? It feels so far gone.

Once upon a time people left their homes with blank minds — maybe thinking about the day's responsibilities, or simply whether their outfit was comfortable enough for the day ahead. Stepping outside was an exploration. You noticed colors, window displays, the textures of neighbors’ homes, the quiet poetry of city buildings. You saw the world.

Now? We are too online. Someone had to say it. (And yes, I’m too online too.) Few things annoy me more than a post declaring “Why everyone is wearing scarves this summer,” or “Ditch your x bag, everyone will be wearing this now.” Lord. The way that makes me feel miserable. There is no sense of introspection anymore. Do you even question yourself if you actually like what you’re buying — or is it just for the photo you’ll post later?

People are starting to notice this pattern, but nobody seems to care. Is there any originality left? We are living in an automatic state of mind. One button away from anything. One viral post away from everything being out of stock. Someone says yellow, and suddenly, everyone is saying yellow. Everyone looks the same. Thinks the same. Stands for the same things. Where is the intelligence? The debate? The authenticity? It's rare to go out and see someone dressed outstandingly different from others- at least in most of the places I've been.

And it's not even about fashion — which is a big deal in today's modernity. It's about consciousness, about people prioritizing living online over living offline. I suppose my frustration stems from seeing people replace the charm of quality with the ease of mass. Choosing to belong rather than connect.

Being different is frowned upon when it used to be the norm. The art of appreciating things for yourself and not for others used to be how the world revolved. The art of admiration has been lost. Tragic, isn't it?

It all comes down to the big fat “need to belong”. Don't we all want to be friends with the coolest girl? Wear the right jacket, and be at the right hotel. Humanity- especially Westerners- have lost touch with things that matter: like strong relationships, friendship, connecting and allowing nature in our lives, talking to strangers, being genuine, curious, believing in something, trying something new because you stumbled upon it. Our minds have shifted into a belonging state, doing anything to be seen. Have we become walking displays in desperation of affection?

Imagine a different world. What does it look like? Lose the trends. Let your natural self be. Eat the damn donut. Turn off your notifications. For I have learned that life can be what you make it, and not what the internet says you should make it.

So, does anyone really have taste anymore?

Xoxo, Stella.