The Fun of Liking What Lots of People Like

You guys, did you know Taylor Swift is releasing a new album? For once, the clowns were right. Whether or not you’re a Swiftie, there’s a lot of fun in liking what a lot of other people like. Call me basic, hand me a pumpkin spice latte, and let’s talk about enjoying what’s popular. When you like what lots of people like, there’s lots of fun to be had.

Harry Potter

This queue was better than the ride

Let me tell you about teenage Lauren. She was going to get an English degree and read Important Literature. Harry Potter, who was five books in to the seven-book run at the time, was clearly beneath her. It was for children. Then she met a cute, smart boy who told her she had to read Harry Potter. So since the boy was both cute and smart, she gave it a try. And read the first book in a day. And devoured the next four. And eagerly awaited the release of the next two.

I don’t know what happened to that boy, but Harry has been part of my life for 20 years now. I got to see the movies with friends whose taste I had previously disparaged. I visited Harry Potter World at Universal. While some of the rides weren’t for me, the visuals were amazing. It really was fun to be immersed in this world I’ve enjoyed for so long.

I can’t wait to share the stories with my kids via the stunning illustrated editions. I have Harry Potter LEGO sets. I got to dress my toddler in what he called “HahPo” pajamas. My middle kid made an adorable “Heh-my-oh-neeeee” for Halloween when she was 18 months.

Let me tell you what doesn’t have a theme park, illustrated editions, or kid costumes: the obscure British literature I studied while getting my degree. Sure, I enjoyed reading Bleak House and Daniel Deronda. But there aren’t LEGO sets to go with those. No one is dressing up as Shakespeare for Halloween. By embracing books with a big fandom, I got to experience a lot of fun surrounding the world of stories I loved. Turns out, even a Ravenclaw can enjoy books for children.

Taylor Swift

Little Golden Book for little Swifties

Speaking of big fandoms: Swifties might cry a lot, but they are so productive. Have you seen the theories they can come up with? Have you seen the retroactive Easter eggs they’re spotting all over the place now that we have an announcement date, a cover, and a release date? You can roll your eyes if you want to. Call it what you want. I think it’s fun.

I was first introduced to Taylor Swift in the Debut era. I was struggling with some difficult roommates, but we were able to bond over this album. My then-boyfriend-now-husband bought me the CD, probably for my 20^th birthday. (He might regret that purchase at this point.) She lost me for a bit with her next three albums. But 1989 was inescapable and fun. And by the time we got to the Eras tour, there was something for just about everyone.

Even if her music isn’t for you, you have to respect her work ethic. That tour had to have been exhausting. But watching her show up night after night with unfailing poise, stamina, and respect for her fans was inspiring. And the thought she puts into every aspect of her work is unparalleled. Fans spend hours speculating about various theories and Easter eggs because some of them are right. She told us she’s a mastermind.

I like my share of artists-you’ve-probably-never-heard of. But I don’t get to be part of the collective gasp in response to “I’m having his baby/No I’m not/But you should see your faces” when they release new music. There isn’t Disney/obscure band crossover merch. But this princess nod to 1989 is adorable. (Although I take umbrage with the “Meet Me at Midnight”/Cinderella stuff, as that clearly would not be a good time for Cinderella.) Now if we could just get those Reputation vault tracks.

Pumpkin Spice Lattes

Oldest kid’s first PSL

Ok, I admit it. I haven’t actually had a PSL in a couple years—not because I don’t love them, but because that much sugar in one drink just doesn’t work for me anymore. But I still love the idea of a pumpkin spice latte. They are one of the first signs of hope that cooler weather will come.

Even if I won’t actually partake of a PSL, I can still celebrate their return on August 26. It means we only have a month or so to go before temperatures might drop. I’ll start to pull out the pumpkin and apple recipes, cue up the fall playlist, and dream about needing a sweater. Maybe I’ll even forgo my beloved ice cream in exchange for a tall, just to mark the change of the season. After all, liking PSLs can be fun.

Gilmore Girls

My favorite Little Golden Book

If PSLs herald the advent of fall, then the advent of fall heralds peak Gilmore Girls season. I’ve written before about my love of Gilmore Girls. One of the main reasons it still holds a special place in my heart is how much it bonded me with my college roommates. (Not the ones that only Taylor Swift could salvage.) Our shared love for the show gave us a shared activity and a shared language. Also, my Gilmore Girls love inspired my aunt to get me Cameo from Kirk himself for my birthday one year. What could be more fun that that?

When I was growing up, most of my favorite shows were on PBS. My parents didn’t shell out for cable or the Disney channel. So I wasn’t always in tune with what my peers were watching. In general, that was fine. I LOVED Magic School Bus and didn’t particularly care if others didn’t share my interest. But by the time I reached high school and college, having a show that I could discuss with my peers mattered more. I found it in Gilmore Girls, and it’s still a source of fun for me. (The Life of a Showgirl memes featuring Kirk are *chef’s kiss*.)

With streaming, these shared cultural moments come less frequently. Maybe millennials hold on too tightly to nostalgia these days. Or maybe we know that watching a new episode once a week and discussing it with friends is more fun than everyone watching their own thing on their own streaming service on their own time.

Like What You Like—But Give Things a Try

It’s true that you can’t always choose what you like. After all, I’ve been vocal that there are things lots of people like that just aren’t for me. (Roller coasters, but also ACOTAR. Sorry. I tried.) But just because something is popular doesn’t mean you should write it off. In fact, its popularity might actually make it more fun.

In this age of loneliness and isolation, finding things we can enjoy together is more important than ever. I text friends more often when I have a ridiculous Taylor Swift theory. I traveled with my cousin to Harry Potter World. I could (theoretically) meet a friend for PSLs to celebrate their release. I can have a Gilmore watch party (actually, I should definitely do that). Since lots of people like these things, it’s easy to find people to enjoy them with.

I’m really glad I gave Harry Potter a try 20 years ago. What’s the next book series that lots of people like that I should try now? Let me know in the comments—I love hearing from you!

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