“Other people do not perform for you.”
I am very aware, as a content creator, streamer, TTRPG performer, and generally someone that has put themselves and their thoughts on the internet since before blogs were a thing, of the irony of this post title.
A few weeks back, I shared a post on Facebook, a screenshot of a tumblr post and thread. It was mainly about how people, older generations in this case, feel the need to make comment on things that generally perform according to societal and culture norms, and how they’re shocked when others, usually younger generations… dgaf.
One of the replies in the screenshot put it simply, “Mmmm, ‘Other people do not perform for you,’ is a lesson that needs to be learned massively these days.”
I can’t track it down, but a while back, I saw a TikTok video (good luck ever finding it again) of someone calling others out for the need to immediately label things as “lame” or “cringe” to the point where it stops people from sharing their little bits of joy and moments of their lives. Especially when much of the doom- or joy- scrolling is to see exactly those things.
What’s the point of all this? Well I’ve been moving from posting morning walk photos to morning walk videos. I share them on Twitter, Bluesky, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and YouTube because why shouldn’t I flood my accounts with content, especially low-effort content that makes me happy?
Generally, I don’t expect much comment, I am not farming for views, but I know that they’re generally short videos, which do moderately well on the services, so they’ll probably get a little bit outside of my usual audience. When I get comments, they’re usually nice, sometimes funny, but today was the first time someone tried to troll me, I think?
When I made the switch from photos to videos, I already told myself that I would not care a whit about what people might say, and I definitely wouldn’t make it my content because I am not a fan of negative engagement. (Oops.)
But seeing that comment reminded me of a moment from “Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie” in which Gwendoline Christie is being interviewed and the interviewer says, “You’re really tall!” and she responds, “Well spotted.” Like, ok, you clocked me. And?
Am I supposed to be reeling from your comment? Do I press my hand to my forehead, run to the divan and faint in an exaggerated manner? Which, OK, if I did that, I’m hardly beating the allegations, but still…
So after a little bit of hearty laughter at a paltry dig from a nobody, I decided to lean into the inspiration of one of my favorite memes and do something even more aggressively queer… my nails. 💅🏿
It’s Amethyst Smoke from Revlon, a “glossy holographic purple-gray” which feels appropriate for the coming Halloween season. I like nail colors with a bit of sparkle, shimmer, holographic, and glitter elements. My nails grow in really fast and strong so I like to have fun with them. I have been watching the latest Holo Taco Birthstone Collection (though I might be too late to get any).
Today was already determined as a self-care day, so hair, skin and nails were on the agenda. Thank you random phobic commenter for kicking me into high gear. The fondest thing I could ever desire for you is that you choke on my joy. TGIF! 💖
Really loved this! Also I love your morning walk videos