Something I'm Obsessed With: "In" and "Out" Lists
And the rest of the Internet seems to be obsessed, too.
If you’ve been on the Internet at all lately (and good for you if you haven’t), you may have noticed a specific trend popping up: in and out lists. Sure, we’ve seen plenty of posts like this in the past, especially around a new year, but for 2024, it feels like everyone has been weighing in with their own, from major publications to old friends from high school.
Some lists include stuff that feels fairly obvious — wearing comfortable clothes is “in” while mindless scrolling is “out.” But I’ve also spotted posts that have made me think, as well as ones that I don’t fully agree with. Here are a few of my favorites (and ones that have made me irrationally angry).
Spending the weekends with a book and complimenting strangers? Those are some very feel-good “ins” if you ask me.
This one was written in more of a poem format and doesn’t include any “outs,” but I especially love the part that says we need more of “I’m glad we did that.” One of the best feelings!
The Everygirl says there should be less “negativity for the sake of conversation or ‘relatability’” and I 100% agree — it’s something that I, too, tend to do. I’m also all for finding myself a “third place,” AKA a location where you can chill/hang out regularly that isn’t your home or office.
Mindy Kaling’s list could pretty much be my own. Revenge is such a waste of energy and I hate when people say “Let me pick your brain.” I’ve given out way too much advice for free in recent years — especially to strangers who would step right over me if I were struggling.
Blogs really are “in” for 2024 and so is a 10 pm bedtime (although my husband gets home from work at midnight, so I may never achieve that one if I want to see him during the week).
I’m considering unfollowing this astrology account for saying soup is “out.” Also if you think train rides are “in,” try spending $80 for an Amtrak ticket from NYC to Albany, where you’re then forced to pay $40 (!!!) for a pet ticket and everyone is super loud for three hours. Public transportation is never leisurely and fun, IMHO.
I kind of get what The Washington Post is trying to say about baby reveals (it could be interesting to keep things a secret and then surprise — baby is here!). However, I obviously have my own story involving pregnancy loss, so once I have one that sticks, I’ll likely do a cheesy post. Also, Jacob Elordi can’t be “out” — he’s barely even begun!
I feel like parents are weirdly upset about the word “bruh,” but I agree that it’s time to stop over-committing.
Of course, scrolling through all of these posts has inspired me to come up with my own “in” and “out” lists. Here’s what I’m thinking for 2024.
IN
Overdressing — I’m trying to have fun with fashion this year rather than constantly choosing the simple, comfy route.
Sober activities — Does everything have to involve alcohol? My stomach…
Printed photos — In the digital age, this feels rare, but they really do make a house feel like a home, ya know?
Doing more things alone — Having someone to talk to is nice, but you/I can walk to get coffee or see a movie solo!
Watching TV/movies without your phone — I love checking IMDB, Wikipedia, and social media apps mid-episode, but I want to start paying closer attention. I can just research all the actors later!
Minimal eyes — I prefer a few coats of mascara over anything too dramatic. I’m hoping the extensions trend is on its way out.
BookTok — This is where I find the best suggestions and I’m especially loving silent book reviews.
WAGs — AKA “wives and girlfriends” of athletes. Aside from the obvious (Taylor Swift, but also!!! Simone Biles), I enjoy following Allison Kuch and Tianna Robillard.
Being a morning person — I’ve discovered I feel more energized when I wake up earlier.
Mel Robbins — Her podcast is super motivating.
Crumbl Cookies — I love how they change flavors every week. It’s great marketing and I’m falling for it, plus, all of the cookies are usually pretty good!
30-minute naps — If you’re able to perfect these, you’ll find it’s all you need. I’m a pro, TBH.
Pushing through — Not always, but sometimes you need to keep going in order to get to the good part (books, jobs, etc.)
Newsletters — Can’t leave that one out!
Out
Taking advice from non-experts — I’m trying to find a nice way to say stop listening to people who have no idea what they’re talking about. If they don’t work in a similar industry, don’t follow their career advice. If they’re just some teen on the Internet, don’t let them convince you that your whole closet is ugly!
Comparing your journey — We all have different ones and there’s no “right” or “wrong” path when it comes to reaching your goals (especially career-wise).
Heavy lifting — Say no to struggling (I’m talking to myself here).
Trying to find a problem — Just enjoy the experience!
Curated lives — Pretending that your life is perfect is boring and unrelatable. If you’re posting about a trip to Paris, I’d much rather hear about how you almost missed your flight and that the shoes you wore gave you really bad blisters.
Theorizing about celebrities — I used to love DeuxMoi, but I’m so tired of over-analyzing every single photo and buying into gossip that was made up by a “super fan.”
Being too nervous to call — It’s usually an easier form of communication.
Feeling guilty about resting — Rotting for a bit is the only way my brain will work come Monday morning.
Spending unnecessary money — Eating out, Uber, etc. At one point, I think I was racking up $40 Seamless orders and now I really miss those dollars…
Clutter — I’m trying to fight my hoarder tendencies, ok?
Hating on a trend just because you wore it before — Listen, ballet flats and peplum tops are totally different and cuter this time around!
Saying “no offense, but…” — Clearly you meant offense.
Downplaying your wins — You might feel like you’re bragging but you’re just telling the truth.
Netflix canceling all my shows — I realize that The Society is never coming back, but why did they cancel Fate: The Winx Saga? Shadow & Bone? Lockwood & Co.? I just want to watch a kind of cheesy, supernatural YA show that has a little mystery, Netflix!
Also, I just want to say thank you again to all who reached out about my last newsletter. Your kind words and well wishes meant a lot, and if you shared a similar experience with me, I’m thinking of you. We’re in this together!
School Spirits
I somehow missed this show when it was on Paramount+, but the first season recently hit Netflix and I binge-watched it in two days. It’s about a teen ghost girl who is trying to find out how she died, and while it’s part maybe-murder mystery, it’s also very cute with a few funny moments. I’m not usually surprised, but there’s a twist at the end that I wasn’t expecting. Thankfully, season two is happening!
My Favorite Warm Coat
I’m biased when it comes to Camila Mendes (I interviewed her for InStyle a few years back), but one thing I love about her is that she’ll rewear the same items over and over. I recently saw a photo of her in one of my favorite coats — The Super Puff™ from Aritzia — and upon further inspection, I realized she’s been rocking the same style since at least 2021. I don’t blame her. It’s one of the warmest outerwear options I own and you can customize it to your liking, choosing different lengths and colors. I even got my mom one — that’s how much I love it!
A Screen-Free Activity
If one of your “ins” for 2024 is spending less time on your phone, why not join me in trying this crochet kit from The Woobles? I discovered the brand through TikTok (of course), but after receiving a beginner set for Christmas, I’m hoping it’ll keep me off the app. Fingers crossed I end up with a cute stuffed animal at the end instead of a bunch of knots.