Fashion and cellphones. Except I have been fashionable ever since plaid re-entered the picture. I have a wardrobe that would make a trucker jealous! I only have a phone because it was a gift. Purses too. I have had the same $9 bag for 4 years now and I still love it!

I am NOT on facebook, twitter, instagram, linkedin or any other social media!

Just Houzz--my only social media (-:

I only listen to Christmas music,showtunes,and audiobooks. And I will listen to Christmas music all year if I feel like it.

I have no interest in any social media sites and dont understand their appeal.

I don't understand the froo froo foodie revolution going on right now. My favorite cooking show of all time is two fat ladies,and I have all the episodes in my kindle video library.

I don't like any modern design concepts. Sharp corners and circles dangling from the ceiling scare me.In fact, my tastes could be described as tacky without hurting my feelings.

When I was house hunting I specifically said "NO open concept" and "no white kitchen cabinets" both of which seem to be very popular today.

Except for one German Shepherd, all of my dogs have been pit bulls or pit mixes, which may or may not be unpopular depending on who you ask.

I hate all fish/seafood, caviar and truffles. (The fungus,not the chocolate ones...I LOVE CHOCOLATE) I also don't like any sort of Asian cuisine,authentic or americanized.

I stubbornly insist on checking my bag whenever I fly and only carrying on my purse, because I get exceedingly annoyed at people who shove a whole trips worth of stuff in the biggest suitcase allowed for carry-on (which seems like every one else on the plane,which is why I consider it popular) and then proceed to take forever to wrestle out of the overhead bins and and therefore delay my leaving.

For reasons other than that listed above, I don't like to travel and am not eager to see any other part of the world or its people.

I don't like shoes.

I don't have or want children and never have.

I'm not fond of change, and dont like trying new things.

I can only think of 3 things that are popular that I'm not interested in or into.

Fad diets of any kind, gluten free, free range, organic, etc, just don't care. My pantry is a mix of healthy foods and yep, some processed stuff too because I like the way it tastes.

I'm not on social media, Facebook, twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and all the other moms at my kids school get annoyed by and feel the need to tell me, "well if you were on Facebook I could have just told you last night" of course I'm usually thinking to myself yes, or you could call me or email me or text me or tell me in person like you are doing right now, but oh well. My generation invented social media so they seem dumbfounded when one of their own eschews it.

Last one is pop music. I loathe the formulaic drivel that is put out and I always have, even as a kid and a teen. I was never interested in the boy bands or Britney Spears, Christina Aguilara, Lady Gaga, etc it's not talent in my opinion.

I don't have a cellphone

I'm not on a gluten-free diet

I don't have grey walls

I don't wear fashion boots - ankle or knee high

I don't wear skinny jeans

Apparently "popular" was not a good word to use...I just meant things that you do not care for that it seems many or most people like. Sorry for the confusion....

I love the variety of answers though....

hahaha, this thread has some quirky answers! My kids would tell you that I am not hip or urban. I dance to my own rhythm. I do love alternative rock music, but have noticed lately that I am getting stuck with 10 year old Weezer and Nickleback tunes, it's ok, I like them even if they aren't popular. I am kind of an old earth mother hippy.

I don't like open floor pans either. Actually I go against most decorating trends that are in these days......granite and stainless, ridiculously huge showers, spa tubs, and everything matchy-matchy and symmetrical. If I suddenly found myself building my dream home it would have lots of separate areas with walls and doors. It would have several little quiet zones to relax or work in. I can't stand to have people in my kitchen when I am cooking for company. I certainly don't want "helpers". My money would go to outdoor living over indoor space. I don't like televisions in every room, especially the kitchen or dining areas.

I dislike the trend of loud music, blaring TVs and warehouselike acoustics in restaurants.

I love real wood. I don't understand wanting to take a beautiful grain and distort it with dark stains,glazing etc.

I don't live my live in fear even though I am a "senior". I drive alone at night, go outside and live my life as a free person. I don't have an alarm system and I detest those horrid motion security lights so many around my neighborhood have. If you ever see me installing a surveillance camera it will be for a specific reason or someone I am watching, not because of something that "might" happen.

I don't buy into political correctness. I know what I stand for and I don't have to prove it with words. My actions toward others state who I am.

I do not own any stainless appliances nor do I care for the way they look.

I have zero desire to walk around with my face stuck in a mini hand held computing device (aka cell phone). I just have a regular old flip phone and use it to call and be called. I do not want to be "connected" while I'm out grocery shopping or at the dog park etc.

I loath those hip hugging style of jeans/pants, they always feel like they are falling off and I have to constantly pull them up.

I love the old 80s and 90s models of cars the very best and hate the look of new cars that are all rounded and curvy.

I do not care at all for Pinterest or that whole Pinterest style, constantly loading and never reach the bottom, type of web pages. Very annoying.

People may need to pull their toes in because I may be stepping on some. ;-)

- I don't take pictures. I don't post pictures. I don't have the desire to show others every aspect of my life, especially the food I just ordered at a restaurant.

- My natural hair color and natural fingernails and toenails are just fine.

- Cash seems to work everywhere it's used. When it's a necessary option, I'll use a Debit Card. I don't need to rack-up frequent flyer miles on a credit card because as Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz said, "There's no place like home."

- Pajama bottoms are worn to bed and slippers are worn around the house when you are wearing pajamas, not shopping.

- I don't lug huge bundles of bottled water home - ever.

- No social media, and I've never texted. I find when people are talking to me and they include in the conversation "I texted so-and-so, thus-and such" as really having nothing intelligent to say - TWICE.

- I get up early enough to comb my hair rather than wadding it into a bomb-like style on the top of my head that seems prevalent everywhere - or resorting to a ball cap (this style is often associated with someone wearing pajama bottoms and slippers out shopping).

- Name brands fail to impress me as much as they seem to impress others.

- My wardrobe doesn't include "high-style", just good serviceable classic styling in limited numbers and colors. I don't switch to bellbottoms and then to skinny legs EVER. I've seen bellbottoms come and go in clothing styles at least 18-times in my life, and after the first time when I was 16, I realized it was a waste of money.

- People who decide a good fashion statement was embellished jeans pockets with all that "sparkles and glitters" never stopped to ask anyone - "does this make my butt look big?" So it's a style I left to others.

The pajama bottom trend flabbergasts me.

It used to be questionable to go out in sweats, then yoga pants (instead of pulling on jeans), but now it's ok to go out in jammie bottoms.

Don't judge the ball cap wearers to harshly. I can comb my hair until the cows come home but it wont help some mornings! How I wish I could just put it up, but alas, I've got short hair.

This thread needs to be saved. Would really help when we do gift swaps!

I don't like any country music. I live in MUSIC city, USA, so when people call it country music city, I am quick to correct them. There are many great musicians in the city who play live music at many venues, including the Schermerhorn, 3rd and Linsdley, etc. that aren't country music venues. Actually, I think I may hate the music. I like Garth Brooks but it's not for his music (if you really listen, he tends towards the blues side of things), have been where others frequent (Oak Ridge Boys, Mandrell Sisters, even been in an Alabama video), and I've seen Buddy Guy, BB King, Bonnie Raitt, Harry Connick, Jr., and many others here. I've rubbed elbows with the writers of songs, such as Delta Dawn. Every kind of music!!!

I do have a cellphone, but it's a noncontract disposable phone. Both my son and i think it's crazy to pay all that money, and even if we had the money, wouldn't buy one. It's a phone, access to the internet, our GPS, our watch (even though we both own a dozen each and wear for fashion), but not our lives.

Cars? The two I own (I have to have two so that one is running when the other isn't), are a 1996 and a 1990. I keep them running by working on them myself, my brother, or when it's ultra-complicated/messy, my mechanic.

I don't have to have name brands or the latest, coolest toys ever. My tablet is a hundred dollar tablet. It works just fine and I really don't want an expensive one since all I do is cruise the internet, play games on it, read magazines/books, and email on it.

I like spicy and non-spicy food. I like new and traditional food. I was exceedingly happy to have a lump crab cake with Israeli couscous the other night and I was just as happy having a Quarter Pounder with cheese on the run Saturday. Food is delicious and I discriminate against none of it. I love to see Ann T's, dcarch's, and many others' pictures of their meal... it's inspiring! Mine, not so much. I feel like I was there when I see others food? Along for the ride, I guess. I do wear a baseball cap on the weekend. I don't want to get all gussied up to go run errands. I do wear jeans and not pjs, but I'm not fixing my hair or putting on makeup to buy groceries and repair cars/houses. I will, however, refrain from wearing it on weekdays, and I know how to dress up at appropriate times. I will also text. Why have a lengthy conversation every time when I can tell you I left you the car key where you wanted in ten seconds. No reply necessary. And I also text my truly deaf mother. Having a phone conversation with her is excruciating for her and for me. She can't hear. She can read. I cannot tell you how it's improved her understanding and enjoyment now that she's learned to text. Not all things mainstream are bad.

I embrace many mainstream trends because they enrich my life (hello iPad, etc.!) but reject others. Here are my preferences -

- I have a landline, no cell phone.

- I love to walk wherever I can, leaving the car at home.

- Almost never watch TV, except for the news. Often I leave the TV on mute and read the "news crawl."

- DH and I share one car.

- I don't like stainless steel appliances or open concept plan homes.

- I like music in restaurants, etc. to be at a level where conversation is comfortable.

I love UGGs. I know people hate them but I love them high boots, low boots, slippers, shoes. I find them very comfortable and I will pay the money for a real pair. The fake ones are not the same.

I own my car outright it is 11 years old, I will not get another one until this one dies which I hope isn't for a very long time since it hasn't even hit 60,000 miles yet.

I do not like Starbucks anything, can't stand it. When I go out for coffee with friends and I say no starbucks they look at me like I have lost my mind, a 99 cent McDonalds coffee or Cumberland Farms coffee is better to me.

I do not like sushi

That's about all I can think of except people have an unpopular opinion when they find out I have 8 cats. I have a 4000 sqft home and they even have their own room with toys, trees, couch, TV. The looks I get when people find out, sigh. It is my choice to have them if I want more I may get more.

I have never had a permanent in my hair in my whole life, nor have I ever colored it. I have not even had it cut in a salon for 35 years after a botched. job. I have worn a bob many years before they became popular and cut it myself.

I have a landline as well as cell phones.

Never had a mani / pedi. Prefer natural nails.

Since my 180 year old house has no open concept plan, I like there are private rooms. Of the 47 windows in my house , not one has a curtain or drape. I have ordinary blinds to pull down when I sleep, but that's it. The beautiful old molding around the windows is way too pretty to cover. I DO have antique indoor shutters in the bathrooms and sun room but they are always open.

I do wear a baseball cap constantly when the sun is out to shield my eyes or when my hair is frizzy.

I wear classic clothes from GAP Eddie Bauer, mostly casual which never go out of style and get many at the Community store.

I with the exception of Adele and a few newer artists, I still live in the 60's and 70's and that music is programmed into Sirius so that's all I listen to with a little classical. Don't like MOST country music.

I'm also in the 'dislike open concept homes". I've been in too many where they echo. Where do you plug in lamps? I don't want to see the kids' play area in that corner, or the kitchen with the remnants of the meal. Plus there's no place for a private conversation. You have to go to the bedroom for any secrecy. I love the coziness of rooms and I hate anyone else in the kitchen when I'm preparing dinner. Shhhh hubby thinks he's helping, sometimes, but not really!

Pinterest, ugh!!! Hundreds of pictures of nails, hair styles, dresses with boots, etc etc. I tried looking for some recipes but it's like wading thru a bunch of crap to get to anything. And blogs, really. The only comments are 'oh that looks so good!" I have to try that!. No real comments on how it really tasted from someone who made it.

I got on FB a couple of years ago, but I unfollow people when they start getting so inane as "I'm sooo tired, going to bed." Well just go, you don't have to tell me, for heaven sakes. I post pictures of my food I make here sometimes, and on the Cooking Forum. I don't take pictures of restaurant food.

I hate boys wearing baseball caps in restaurant. One teenager wore his sideways the whole time and looked like an idiot. Another family came in and before they got to the table, the young boys took their caps off. Too bad the other kid didn't take the hint.

Boys AND grown men wearing baseball caps in restaurants are a complete turn off to me.

Let's see: I don't watch TV -- I don't even pay for TV service. (My TV is strictly for movie DVD's and some old VHS things I have around here.)

I also dislike open concept homes -- I LIKE walls. I mean, up against what do you put your book cases??? (If you are young enough that the only thing you ever had was a Nook or a Kindle, I can see an exception....) But at any rate, I do like rooms defined from other rooms.

Pinterest: I only joined to look at things that I also use Houzz for. Home function and home form/design ideas. I don't use Twitter, I don't use Instagram. I do use FB, but I don't follow it religiously (well, except when I break my leg and I'm trapped in my house... -- which is also why I'm here as much as I've been of late).

Landline plus cell line. Landline seldom goes out when the electric is off; and when the cells are overwhelmed with callers during said power outages. No drapes in my current house, although I my have them for the southern exposure windows in the place I'm building. We'll see.

I've also never had a permanent on my hair, and I only colored mine twice -- with rinses, just for fun. Oh, the one Halloween I used black dye that (mostly) came out with the next wash. Morticia Addams.

Dislike stainless steel -- seems cold and industrial to me. SS accents are fine. If the wood cabinetry or trim is quality, I can't see painting it. Oh, much as I like the "subway" tile look -- I lived my formative years in NYC on the subway system. I prefer subway tile if it isn't white or off-white. Otherwise, it reminds me of... well... subway stations. Where one had always better remember to be On Alert. (A couple of you have homes that are exceptions, mainly because there are other things one's eye can focus on.)

I don't have problems with homes that have garages opening in front. Never knew this was an Issue until I got here. No, most of the houses here aren't "tract housing" either, and a soft majority have the garage doors in front. Okay, the one neighborhood house with 3 oversized garage doors facing front in a line is rather ugly, but it's not just the garage!

I'm weird in my music tastes. I LIKE and LOVE bluegrass, but seriously dislike most of the rest of the country music genre. I LIKE and LOVE blues, but seriously dislike most of the rest of the jazz music genre (except Dixieland jazz). I think I've heard only one Frank Sinatra song that I like, and I've found nothing I wish ever to hear again from Bing Crosby, including all the seasonal things that have finally been put away until next year. No interest in Big Band. I'm 62 years old now, and did follow contemporary music (minus a lot of the "pop" and disco) up through about 2005 or so.

I grew up in the era of the Beatles, and remember watching Ed Sullivan introduce them to America back in the day (my parents apparently thought I needed this peer-culture exposure, for some reason -- it wasn't a typical thing for them to do). I remember thinking -- why are all these yahoos screaming in the background and we can't hear them play/sing clearly? I decided to hate the Beatles. (I grew to appreciate them later in my life.) I didn't really discover music until I was headed to college, and then I fell head over heels into music for the next 30 years...

I have five cats, and my brother sent me "The Crazy Cat Lady" some years back (only four at that time). If I remember where it is, I'll eventually post a photo.

I've never worn fashion boots. I found them impossible to get into -- and when I do wear boots for any extended period of time (fashion or otherwise), my feet sweat up a storm. So, I only wear boots for snow removal, or for tromping through mud. And then, they are OFF.

I hate texting. I'll e-mail, or I'll talk by phone. I can see that there could be some exceptions, but most of those don't apply here.

Bottled water? I can bottle my own from my very own tap, thank you. (I can see it if I lived in Flint, Michigan, or if this tap water here was heavy with chlorine. I'm on a well.) I got into trouble with a friend when I asked her (after she said to bring bottled water) if the water at that locale was bad or highly chlorinated -- she was peeved -- the polite term -- that I was apparently questioning HER choice to bring bottled water to the event -- when I was merely wanting to know if there was some real need for ME to do so, or consider to do so.

I still have 3 tube TV's I'm actively using. One BIG flat screen.

My newest car is a 1996.

No cable TV. (we had it and never watched it)

We don't drink coffee or booz. (I cook with booz)

Buuuuuuuuuut.......I "do" love everything new and modern and name brands! . I love grey walls, stainless steel and open concept rooms. Purchased DH pajama pants yesterday, don't think he'll wear them grocery shopping. lol

Nicole, I'm curious. If you don't have cable, how do you get the signals? I'm interested because I've been thinking of getting rid of cable since I only mainly watch the local stations most of the time. I would love to get rid of cable but not sure what you do instead.

Years ago a friend told me (nicely) that I looked too 'preppy'. She looked interesting in her gypsy/whatever's 'in' (and inexpensive) clothes. I like variety less than classic quality. I wear minimal makeup and jewelry. I don't know where that comes from, as my DM was fond of colorful clothing with patterns and big earrings. I like to look feminine, but my style is more tailored than 'flirty'.

I seldom listen to music, and I see many people glued to theirs indoors, outdoors, *wherever*. I don't hear many good voices or 'singers' with a range beyond five notes. I like most older classical music and opera -- also operettas -- although I have no musical education. Singers *affecting* operatic styling drive me nuts -- off key; no breath control; a lot of electronic 'mixing. ("Oooh, doesn't he have a wonderful voice?" No, not really. He does have a stronger voice than the pop singers you are used to hearing -- who are primarily loud and always 'mixed'.) OTOH, I don't care to hear a star of the opera sing outside that genre. Picky, picky. I'll cry at the drop of a melancholy ballad like "The Last Rose of Summer", and I think we all like music from our youth; DH and I bopped around while watching "Love & Mercy" about Brian Wilson and The Beach Boys. (I'm still a good dancer. DH still is not.)

I may dress 'down', but I don't pretend to be other than I am, and I'm not another ethnicity; not at a ballgame; not dressed for bed; not advertising for the fellow 'looking for a good time'. LOL Never was.

I've had several dogs, one at a time; never cats. I think pets are weirdly over-hyped in society now. I wonder what has caused so many people to 'need' pets -- and invest so heavily in them -- while people are in need. I read "Black Beauty" just like every kid, but this is *strange* -- even if you don't 'dress' them. (Our former vet was once featured on the cover of Money Magazine.)

SS reads 'grey' to me, and I don't want to emulate a restaurant kitchen.

I seldom do mani-pedi -- go years without either.

We built a house with a two-car garage...for our one car. I once owned a hatch-back, but mostly sedans or sports cars -- usually Jaguars after we could afford to.

I'm seeing some improvement, but DH and I are still in the minority of Americans who are not overweight. (We could be more *fit*!) Neither of us takes a slew of medications, and we never "Ask our doctor" about the latest pharmaceutical concoction being hawked. (Our MD is the one with the medical degree and years of experience.)

I was a late parent (30), and our two grandkids got *old* grandparents -- not our fault!

Our cable bill is half of that advertised 'average' of $114/mo. We have minimal cell phone use/expense. We still have a land line -- pure laziness not to dump it.

Oh, that's quite enough!

I have never driven a car, have driven lots of horses. I do not nor ever have smoked or drank, never have dated anyone but my husband. Have been married 62 years. I don't listen to music but like it. I love having a dog, would love a horse but that can not be now. I like cats but not in the house. Lots of ways I am different in my likes and dislikes. I went to the same school for 12 years. No kindergarten back then. I keep in touch with some of my long ago classmates. I do not have a smart phone, do not have cable or satellite, do not watch television in the day time. I could go on and on, but think that is enough!

Sue

Our cars were bought by my husband at auction..2007 HHR is the newest, also have a 2001 Buick Century that needs work and a 1998 Cadillac Seville....he has bought and sold several other cars that we used for awhile. Hate car payments.

Murray's Mom....you asked Nicole, but in case she doesn't come back and see this....if you have a digital tv....as in a fairly new tv, you don't have to have a converter box to pick up "regular tv". You can just get a pair of rabbit ears. Walmart sells them. I don't have cable....never have. Where I live, we get probably 30 channels (maybe more) for free. The usual ABC, NBC, CBS, PBS, Fox, and a whole slew of others that are Spanish, Viet Namese and there are movie channels....old movies, and old re runs of tv from a long time ago, and all kinds of stuff. I don't watch tv, per se, but my husband watches it all the time. You don't get the shows like on cable....but you can watch some of them on youtube and Hulu.

Murraysmom...sent you a message. Like Marilyn said. :0) We have an antenna in our attic. Amazing all the channels we get!

Where I live, getting several channels OTA with an antenna doesn't happen. However, we use an indoor one anyway, and get just 4 channels. Everything else we watch online, with an HDMI cable running to the tv. The HD quality via the antenna is fantastic.

Horrors! I don't have a smart phone, just a regular cell phone.

I don't buy trendy clothing.

I shovel my sidewalk myself.

If you wave at me, I might wave back.

I use a bill-fold until it is worn out.

I'm still working off my supply of handkerchiefs given to me by my kids when they were still in the house.

Well....I certainly don't have, never had, and do not worry about getting a THIGH GAP lolololol!

Dances.

LOL Had to think for a moment about Thigh Gap!

Oh, I don't "train" my waist.

Mostly because I want to organs to keep functioning ;-)

Donald Trump and Ted Cruz seem to be very popular right now and I hate both of them.

fran1523 - LOL

I don't do or buy for "show" and as a result

I don't have gratuitous debt.

murraysmom, around here you can get internet-only through our cable provider. Actually, you can now choose any combination of cable TV, internet, and phone through them.

Amen re: Trump and Cruz. DH says Cruz is *dangerous*. (Is he the one with a ton of debt? The one Wall Street and the armament folks love?)

I have never 'financed' (paid interest on) anything -- beyond the mortgage on our first home. We let that run to its termination because the interest rate was so low in comparison with what the money could safely earn at the time. I don't count using the 'float' from the time of purchase until paying off the CC statement in full at the end of each billing period. I don't 'get' the debit card thing.

I read a lot of books (usually fiction) and only one magazine. I don't watch commercial TV beyond the news. (I learn better through my eyes than through my ears -- don't know if that's usual or unusual.) I like peace and quiet and am fine with just my own company most of the time.

I vote.

In answer to the original question I point out things that are false or a bad idea in situations where there may be a group of other people that have bought into these things - just look at my posts on this site for evidence of that - and I don't keep my property as spotless and conventional looking as people around me apparently would like, judging by episodes I have had of neighbors coming on my place and spraying herbicide without my permission and so forth.

And no, I don't have thickets of poison ivy or Japanese honeysuckle that are spilling over onto their lots.

I don't have a smart phone OR a cell phone. I find this to be very counter-cultural! But I have NO desire for them.

I also completely ignore organized sports--football, basketball, etc.

My family and I love the Lord, Jesus, and study His word.

My family and I are homeschoolers.

My husband and I exhort our children to live chastely until marriage.

I adore my husband, and have no interest in bad-mouthing him...ever!

I adore my children, and reject the premises that teenage rebellion is an inevitability, that the Twos are terrible, and that "being a parent is the hardest job in the world." My teens are a joy, and every facet of the journey of motherhood has been and is a privilege.

My husband and I live below our means, opting for peace of mind over the trappings of economic status.

I am a stay-at-home mom, and am blessed with many friends who are, too.

My family and I love the Lord, Jesus. (Seems worth mentioning again.) Without Him, all our earthly riches are for naught.

BB Galore - It's so refreshing to hear a parent reject the premise that the teen years are inevitably sardonic and snarky.

Teen years are perilous, regardless.

I've never been divorced. (How few people can say that these days! LOL)
I've never been married. (Came close a couple times and turned down a proposal!)
No cable/satellite and don't want it.
I think a vehicle is for transportation, not a status symbol. My current vehicle is 10+ years old.
I haven't had a car payment in nearly 40 years. (I had a 9 month loan on the first new vehicle I bought and haven't had a vehicle loan since.) I pay cash for my vehicles.
Since some are so cheap these days, I believe everyone should have a cell phone for emergencies. There's nearly no pay phones so if an emergency should arise you should be able to call for help. I think it's strange someone would be so luddite on their safety. But it's their choice.
Basic prepaid cell phone for me
Seriously dislike what's called "country" music. I do like what I refer to as "mountain music"
I listen to news stations in the vehicle. Seldom listen to music in a vehicle.
I stay home when weather is bad and people shouldn't be on the roads.
I don't get into holidays, the hoopla and the fake love and fake generosity out there.
Don't like most "reality" shows. Don't like talk shows. Don't like shows with hosts that are part-time doctors in just certain areas. I won't name names.
Can't stand Judge Judy. Her schtick got old a long, long time ago.
I buy clothes to serve a function, not for looks. T-shirts should have a pocket in them!
I don't take an annual vacation. I happen to enjoy my home. Don't need to get away from it.
I proudly use credit cards and more proudly pay them off every month. And very happily deposit the cashback and say thank you.
Pets I've had have all been ones who needed a home. I detest puppy mills and fashion pet shops.

So much more but that's enough for now.

I don't make any effort to keep up with the Joneses. I am me.

I have always been a bit "off", wearing what I liked vs what was popular. I wouldn't wear a pair of skinny jeans for anything! Even bean poles look nasty in them, IMO. I am a bit of a hippy & love bell bottoms, platforms, flowing floral tops & braids. I would be very happy to give up my job & live off the land. I don't like much TV, mostly only watch the morning news & HGTV. I love adult coloring books & gel pens, my favorite past time since I broke my ankle/leg last June.

I really hate talking on the phone, it just feels like such a waste of my time. Email me, text me, send snail mail, idc, just please, don't call me (I prob wont answer).

We still have a landline, but need it because of DH business. I never wear sneakers, I own one pair but really don't like the way they look on me.

I despise stainless steel, my appliances are black. I also regret building our home 8 years ago with an open floor plan. I seem drawn to older homes with more character and distinct rooms.

I hate the heat & humidity (good thing I live in ME), give me a cool fall, blue sky day!

I just returned from my first ever "real" vacation to FL a couple months ago, again, I'll take ME & all it's variety of weather any day. I love walking the paths around my home when it's snowing softly (not a blizzard, lol).

And I still smoke (very un-popular these days), but I have a quit plan.

OK, I guess I am as strange as many say, it's ok, I like me :)

I was unpopular in the way I raised my children (free spirits) and DD is following in my footsteps. We never had baby bottles or pacifiers in the house and our kids shared our bed when they asked for ever so long. Ditto DD and her DH. Our babies and grands are/were dressed aged appropriately not like little "mini mes" that seems to be the trend these days. Tutus are for dancers and pretend play. They are not "fashion". I abhor the tutu/giant flower growing out of the babies head look. I don't find a toddler dressed in sagging pants and gangsta wear "cute".

I love my grands to pieces but their parents and we don't bubble wrap them. They get to climb and jump and run and fall sometimes. They get hurt, they get a hug and a kiss and they go back to playing. We tell them scary stories and we joke and tease a lot. The 3 year old is already learning the nuances of sarcasm. LOL They play monster and like to "kill" and revive each other (and us).

I don't think you were the only baby boomer/Flower Child who thought their approach to child rearing was more enlightened and thoughtful than what the "masses" did.

You can raise children to be free spirits without being a "flower child" Snidely. That wasn't the point at all. Believe it or not conservative values can go hand in hand with allowing children to be who they are and not be expected to live up to some "societal" standard of child raising. I don't think you get a lot of things posted here because you seem to see thing in black or white or only in relation to your own experiences. You come across as pretty "buttoned up" despite having a wide range of "knowledge".

Maybe my wording miscommunicated my thought. Many people of my generation (I'm a mid-range boomer) moved on from their experiences and the happenings of the Sixties-early Seventies thinking that they had special insights and understandings that their parents didn't have. And that they would conduct their lives mindful of their enlightenment. I thought so, many others I knew thought so.

In time, I realized none of us is a special little snowflake nor do any of us have any special insight to do things "a better way". We're all more the same than not. Raising kids like many other things in life is a trial and error task and everyone finds what works for them. What you suggested as being unique or different I find to be pretty similar to what I and others did.

That's what I was saying.

I raised my daughter about the same way you raised yours, watchmelol. I was married for 15 years before my daughter was born and got so much criticism for being "selfish" and not having kids immediately, like they did. I wanted to be sure I was going to stay married, for one thing.....it wasn't easy in those early years. And before I got home from the hospital, I was being asked when I was going to have another because raising one by herself was "so wrong". I also breastfed her for an extended time...and got flack for that. Fortunately, I was older and secure in myself enough to do what I thought was best. I got the most stupid remarks....like "Six months?! and you are still breastfeeding?" Or "when she gets teeth, you will stop." Or the best one...."Aren't you afraid she will grow up to be a lesbian because you nursed her so long?" But the other one that I thought was really stupid was, "It never occurred to me to breast feed." My answer..."Oh, really? What did you think titties were for?"