You know that weird feeling when you’re doing something completely legal, socially acceptable, and morally harmless, but your brain is convinced you’re about to get arrested?
That’s how I’ve started feeling about reading in public lately. I recently came across a reel of a woman reading How to Kill a Man and Get Away with It on public transport, and a man posted it hating on the woman saying she is working on becoming a criminal, without even knowing what is inside the book.
Then Instagram started suggesting similar content to me… People saying how they think reading in public is performative and the people are just posing to get posted on instagram and feel different.
Which is a very stupid take, I don’t think anyone who reads in public is performing, how did we even come to that conclusion.
That got me thinking about all the completely normal things we do that somehow feel illegal.
The Main List
Some of these things include:
Everyday Life
Walking out of a shop without buying anything
Leaving a store after only looking around
Taking extra ketchup packets
Using a café bathroom, without ordering
Walking into a hotel lobby when you’re not staying there
Returning something after trying it on at home
Workplace
Leaving work exactly on time
Taking your full lunch break
Logging off without checking messages one last time
Taking a sick day when you’re genuinely sick
Ignoring work messages after office hours
Actually using your paid leaves
Public Places
Reading in public.
Walking into a building you’re unfamiliar with
Being the last customer in a store before closing
Sitting somewhere without buying anything
Crossing an empty road
Going into a restaurant just to look at the menu
Social Media and Social Situations
Replying to someone’s message hours later
Unfollowing someone without blocking them
Watching someone’s story immediately after they post it
Accidentally liking an old photo while stalking their profile
Leaving a group chat without making an announcement
Reading a message and forgetting to reply
Why Do These Things Feel Illegal?
I think we’re overly aware of people watching or judging us, and always assuming the worst of us. We’ve been conditioned to always be polite and avoid inconveniencing others.We’re often taught to be polite, fit in, and avoid inconveniencing others before we’re taught to simply take up space as ourselves. Sometimes we feel like we need permission to simply exist in public spaces, which is not true. The world is as much ours as it is anyone else’s.
Our brains love creating unnecessary worst-case scenarios in our heads. Like what if someone is saying something bad about us, what if they think we are mean, what if they don’t like how we are dressed, and so many more. Social anxiety can turn completely normal behaviour into a dramatic internal crime scene.
As an introvert myself, every time I go out I feel like people are watching me. I am a confident person, but that doesn’t mean I am not screaming internally every time a stranger looks at me a second longer than necessary. And you know what the worst part is, The stranger is probably going through the same scenarios in their own minds.
Conclusion
Maybe we’re not actually doing anything suspicious. Maybe society has simply convinced us that existing in public requires a valid reason, a receipt, permission from management, and possibly three witnesses.
I don’t know if we can do anything to stop it, all I know is, we can work on ourselves and our social anxiety. We can try and stop giving af about people around us and just keep living and winning in our own lives.
What’s something completely legal that makes you feel like you’re committing a crime?
Skincare is the practice of maintaining and improving the health and appearance of the skin, primarily on the face, but also on other parts of the body.
It involves cleansing, moisturizing, protecting, and addressing specific skin concerns like acne, aging, or dryness. Skincare routines can vary widely depending on individual skin types, concerns, and cultural influences.
This is the definition of skincare when you Google it.
But for me personally, it just is a means of taking care of myself. Everytime I do the whole skincare routine, it makes me feel good. It makes me feel like I’m taking care of myself.
With the recent surgence of Korean culture, we all were introduced to the Korean skincare and makeup. And people have been obsessed with the intensive skincare routine we all see online.
Have you ever been mesmerized by radiant, poreless skin on Instagram and wondered if it’s magic or a 10-step Korean skincare routine?
Wondering if it’s genetics, filters, or the magic of a 10-step Korean skincare routine?
In a world where ‘a dewy, smooth complexion that’s so flawless it looks almost like glass’ is dominating the beauty market, skincare has become more than just being about self-care. It’s a cultural phenomenon!!
But what is driving this obsession? And is it all as flawless as it seems?
I think the obsession with Korean skincare or skincare in general reflects a positive shift toward self-care and prioritizing health. Skincare routines can be empowering, giving people a sense of control over their appearance and well-being. Korean skincare, in particular, has become popular because of its innovative products. Focusing more on hydration and barrier care, and ritualistic approach that feels luxurious and effective.
Skincare routines can act as a form of mindfulness because they require you to focus on the present moment. When you apply products like a cleanser or moisturizer, you’re engaging your senses and feeling the textures, inhaling subtle scents, and noticing how your skin responds to the products. This sensory awareness can ground you, pulling your attention away from the stress of the day.
For many, it’s not just about achieving better skin but creating a moment of calm amidst a busy schedule, like a daily act of self-love and care.
A good skincare regimen goes beyond just surface of your skin. A good skincare isn’t just about making your skin look good, it’s also about investing in its long-term health and resilience. By addressing immediate concerns and offering protection, you’re essentially creating a shield for your skin while supporting its natural function and renewal process.
When your skin looks healthy and glowing, it can have a direct impact on how you feel about yourself. Skin is often one of the first things others notice, and when it’s clear, smooth, and radiant, it can enhance your overall appearance. But beyond the surface, the way your skin looks can significantly influence your self-esteem and confidence.
Korean skincare has played a huge transformative role in shaping the global beauty industry, especially by introducing innovative ingredients and methods that were once unfamiliar to many outside of Korea. These groundbreaking elements have not only changed the way we approach skincare but have also broadened the market by appealing to a wide range of consumers with diverse needs and interests.
Focusing on hydration, sunscreen, and gentle ingredients in skincare can have a profound impact on preventing future skin issues, as these elements directly support the skin’s natural barrier, protect it from environmental stressors, and maintain its overall health.
In short, adopting a skincare routine that emphasizes hydration, protection from the sun, and gentle care can lay a strong foundation for long-term skin health, helping you maintain smooth, clear, and youthful skin for years to come. It boosts confidence and makes once feel better.
However, there are some cons about the skincare routine, that people religiously follow, like :
Overconsumption: The obsession with Korean skincare can lead to overconsumption—buying too many products, spending unnecessarily, or damaging your skin with overuse. While Korean skincare routines are often touted as being highly effective, with their multi-step processes and variety of products, this can sometimes lead to unnecessary spending and a cluttered skincare shelf.
Here’s how overconsumption can manifest in Korean skincare:
1. Excessive Product Collection 2. Overuse of Products 3. Misleading Marketing and Trends 4. Not Tailored to Individual Needs 5. Wasting Products
While Korean skincare offers a wide variety of innovative and effective products, overconsumption can lead to unnecessary spending, skin irritation, and wasted resources. A balanced, well-considered approach will allow you to enjoy the benefits of K-beauty without going overboard.
The 10-step skin care routine can be very complex. Some skincare routines are overwhelming (10+ steps!) and not practical for everyone. People do not have the energy or time to do a 10-step skin care routine every day.
And overuse of active ingredients or constantly trying new products can harm the skin instead of helping it.
There is an unrealistic expectations that is seen within people when it comes to skincare and beauty. Marketing and social media can create pressure to achieve “perfect” skin, which isn’t always attainable. It also creates insecurities among people who do not have the ‘korean glass kin’ or does not fit the mould.
The beauty industry, particularly with the rise of trends like single-use products and excessive packaging, has become a significant contributor to environmental waste. While these products are convenient and often marketed as part of a self-care or indulgence routine, they have long-term environmental implications. Here’s how they contribute to waste:
1. Single-Use Products (like Sheet Masks) 2. Excessive Packaging in Beauty Products 3. Formulation and Product Waste 4. Trends and Fast Beauty 5. Overpriced
While the beauty industry offers many conveniences and innovative products, it also generates a significant amount of waste. Single-use items like sheet masks and over-packaged products contribute to environmental pollution, and with the rise of fast beauty, consumers are often encouraged to purchase more than they need. Being mindful of our consumption habits and choosing products with minimal, recyclable, or reusable packaging can help mitigate the environmental impact and promote a more sustainable approach to beauty.
At the end of the day, skincare isn’t about following a perfect 10-step routine or using the latest trends. It’s about what makes you feel confident and cared for. Whether it’s a simple two-step process or a more elaborate regimen, the most important thing is finding what works for your skin and makes you feel good. Skincare is a tool for self-love, a moment to nurture yourself, and ultimately, confidence starts from within.
Remember, you don’t need to overcomplicate it—just do what feels right for you, and that’s enough.
What’s your take on this?
Do you follow a strict skincare routine or keep it simple? I’d love to hear how you approach skincare in the comments below!
If you enjoyed this post, please subscribe to my blog for more updates as I share my blogging journey. Or, leave a comment below to tell me what tips you have for a new blogger like me!
Ladyink with love 