People Are Calling Out Things That Were "Ruined" When They Became Too Popular, And It's Spot-On
We recently wrote a post where people shared things that were were "ruined" when they became too popular. In the comments, even more readers added more to the list. Here's what they had to say:
1."I'm sick of pumpkin spice everything!!! I used to like it, but it's gotten so out of hand. People have sucked the joy out of it."
2."Meetup. It used to be people trying to gather for shared interests, but now, it's become all sorts of people trying to sell experiences. I understand paying a couple of euros to help the organizer with their trimestral fee, but now it's downright money grabbing for a hike or anything that doesn't cost them."
3."When craft BBQ got popular, the price tripled (even before the current round of inflation), and sometimes, the wait can be more than three to four hours for the best BBQ joints."
4."I live in Northern Virginia, where one-bedroom apartments go for $3,000/month or more the closer you get to DC. You can't even live close to work and save on gas by walking because the amount saved wouldn't wash out with the rent increase. You live in the burbs, and you're still looking at $22.5k for a two-bedroom."
"Forget about buying a house. The flippers snatch up anything inexpensive, throw up fresh paint and stainless steel appliances, and tack on $200k to the asking price."
5."The outdoors! Whether it's hiking, surfing, snowboarding, you name it. If it's outdoors, it's becoming an overcrowded mess. And I do mean mess! Pick up the trash left by the city folk, even if it might not be yours."
—Anonymous, 44, Maine
6."I agree with the food trends. I like pumpkin spice, but I don't need every food and beverage to have a pumpkin flavor come fall. Also, some of these look plain gross — like those mega shakes topped with ice cream, donuts, etc. I feel nauseous just thinking about it."
7."Airbnb used to be much cheaper than a hotel, but the prices have gotten ridiculous. A $99/night rental now costs $200, with stupid cleaning and rental fees. That's wild!"
8."[Food at sporting events.] I went to a Cubs game this year. First time in probably 25+ years. I kid you not, one beer and a foot-long hot dog was $32, and, of course, they asked for a tip."
9."'Super foods' like quinoa, teff flour, avocados, etc., became trendy seemingly overnight. The folks who farm these products and others made a lot of money exporting their produce instead of selling it locally, but that meant that communities who rely on this food as staples were priced out and forced to switch to lower quality alternatives."
—Anonymous, 30, Massachusetts
10."Downhill skiing. A lift ticket at Steamboat is over $200. Even a 'mom and pop' place like Loveland is $120. It used to be cheap and fun. It's been turned into a once-a-winter activity for most people, and you have to enjoy being surrounded by jerks."
11."Vegas. Never again."
12."Thirty-minute trailers, and they're so expensive now! Going to the movies is not worth it anymore — might as well wait for it to stream."
13."Concerts. Nobody cares about the concert you were at on social media at all; take a pic or video to remember it. Enjoy it in person — it looks better."
14."Prefab homes. What used to be a pathway to homeownership for low-income people is now pretty much closed off due to the 'minimalist' richie-riches and their 'tiny homes.'"
15."Burning Man! It used to be a gathering of artsy weirdos, and now we have celebs coming in their fancy mega-tents and just UGH."
16."Formerly cheap meats: brisket, fajitas, ribs, oxtail, etc. These used to be 'poor people's food,' and people found a way to cook them to make them good. Now they're so expensive that poor people can't even afford them anymore."
—Anonymous, 45, USA
17."Luxury brands such as Louis Vuitton — every idiot influencer/Housewife/etc. has the bags, clothing, etc."
—Anonymous, 35, Australia
18."It may not be true narcissism, but narcissistic behavior has certainly increased. All the selfies, rude behavior on planes, etc., for Instagram/TikTok/Twitter likes is out of control."
And finally...
19."ALDI! Their great prices and good quality produce was such a draw to me. It was my little secret that barely anyone would go to. People would comment, 'Ugh Aldi! I hate it there.' And I'd be like, 'Oh okay, I think they're fine' (but secretly screaming it's the best, and I have it all to myself) NOW, so many people shop there at all times that I feel crowded."
"Go to the other stores instead, people! Stay out of my Aldi and stop buying all the blueberries."
—Anonymous, 48, New Jersey
What are some other things that used to be good until they became too popular? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below, or if you prefer to remain anonymous, feel free to use this Google form.
Note: Some responses have been edited for length and/or clarity.
