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Are you a follower or an independent thinker.

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By *iddlesticks OP   Man
51 weeks ago

My nan’s spare room.

Apologies for a serious moment of introspection but thought I’d share some thoughts.

I hold the perception that more and more people are influenced by social media and those around them to levels they have never been before.

Home Christmas decorations are going up earlier and earlier, Halloween is becoming a national holiday and people are morphing into clones of each other with the natural propensity to look down unless it’s for the taking of the 341st selfie of the day, when they look up to hide what they really look like.

On the flip side, there’s always somebody who has to lead the charge.

I also feel that you good people of fab by being on here and interested in a lifestyle that is certainly against the norm are obviously independent thinkers of a sort.

Personally I find myself become a bit curmudgeonly wishing people would care less about what others are doing and thinking and care more about there own thoughts and actions.

Ultimately I’m guessing I’m saying, be yourself don’t be what you think others are saying you should be.

Anyway sorry about that moment of seriousness, normal service will be resumed.

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By *iddlesticks OP   Man
51 weeks ago

My nan’s spare room.

I also can’t believe I’ve put there when I meant to use they’re.

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By *ddie1966Man
51 weeks ago

Paper Town Central, Essex.

I've always lead by example.

I think things through and I will never be bullied or coerced into something I feel is wrong or don't want to do.

I'm not a "Born Leader" but I'll always take on that mantle as and when required.

Sheep end up in a stew or served up to others.

I am not a sheep...

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By *m3232Man
51 weeks ago

maidenhead

Definitely not a follower

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By *iddlesticks OP   Man
51 weeks ago

My nan’s spare room.

[Removed by poster at 27/11/23 10:38:56]

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By *avinaTVTV/TS
51 weeks ago

Transsexual Transylvania

Fiddles: You're all different!

Fabbers (together): Yes! We are all different!

Wonko: I'm not!

(From "The Life of Fiddles")

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By *iddlesticks OP   Man
51 weeks ago

My nan’s spare room.

It’s interesting because do we feel that leadership is a better trait than followership.

Very few leaders accomplish much on their own.

As King Cnut put it when the tide came in,

‘Worthless is the power of kings without those to follow.’

I paraphrase.

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By *iddlesticks OP   Man
51 weeks ago

My nan’s spare room.


"Fiddles: You're all different!

Fabbers (together): Yes! We are all different!

Wonko: I'm not!

(From "The Life of Fiddles")

"

You just like that you see Brian’s willy.

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By (user no longer on site)
51 weeks ago

This is all a bit deep for Monday morning!

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By *layfullsamMan
51 weeks ago

Solihull

Always independent in thought and actions

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By *avinaTVTV/TS
51 weeks ago

Transsexual Transylvania


"Fiddles: You're all different!

Fabbers (together): Yes! We are all different!

Wonko: I'm not!

(From "The Life of Fiddles")

You just like that you see Brian’s willy. "

You read me like a cheap, trashy novel.

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By *ealitybitesMan
51 weeks ago

Belfast

I don't do any of the seasonal celebrations and especially not Christmas so I couldn't care less if decorations never went up.

I don't follow social media and an not influenced by the influencers.

I don't follow fashion trends and have always dressed how I like rather than how others think I should.

Even growing up when all my friends were drinking I never did and still haven't touched alcohol or smoked a single cigarette in my life.

On fab I often go against the grain by not agreeing with the majority view or pointing out that the emperor is naked while most others are admiring his new clothes.

I'm not a trendsetter or a leader as such.

I just do my own thing and find my own way and will continue to do so.

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By *ornLordMan
51 weeks ago

Wiltshire and London


"I also can’t believe I’ve put there when I meant to use they’re. "

Particularly when you should have used their.

There, there.

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By *ickyKlungespeareMan
51 weeks ago

St Leonards

Deffo a follower.

Timid sheep me.

Well-known for it .

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By *iddlesticks OP   Man
51 weeks ago

My nan’s spare room.


"I also can’t believe I’ve put there when I meant to use they’re.

Particularly when you should have used their.

There, there.

"

What a buffoon I am. Of course I could now claim that I don’t like to conform to the constraints of grammar and syntax, but actually I’d be telling fibs if I was to do so.

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By *hilloutMan
51 weeks ago

All over the place! Northwesr, , Southwest

From my experience, most people are followers and have little capacity for independent / free thinking. There's little cultivation of the latter in schools which doesn't help either.

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By *naswingdressWoman
51 weeks ago

Manchester (she/her)

The thing that I've noticed in my life is how interdependent we all are. Including for ideas. Those who have the greatest impact often aren't saying anything radically new, they just frame it in a slightly different way. Or get lucky with their timing.

What seems to be independent thought is quite often changes by the tiniest iterations. We're all profoundly influenced by the stories around us - including the stories of social media.

One of the stories I notice gaining prominence is the idea of rugged individualism, which I'd previously associated as being something of an American beast. Which is why you can get straw polls like this where everyone says they're individuals, when compliance is noticeably on the rise. They're just complying with an idea that rings more truly to them - at least with lip service.

In fact I think the rugged individualism thing - although it certainly has its roots in colonial American mythologies - is very much beneficial to social media companies. The curation of perfect selves, the secret comparisons, the jealousy, the making oneself appear picture perfect - it all drives engagement. The warping of the notion of 'free speech' similarly. Just a different kind of self-importance.

I'll fully admit to being influenced by social media and things I've read online (and offline). In fact, I read something awhile ago and I can't for the life of me remember where - about the value of being a good follower. Not everyone can be a leader, and we all have to work together to create visions of communities, organisations, etc. If everyone's a leader, we just have chaos.

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By *iddlesticks OP   Man
51 weeks ago

My nan’s spare room.


"The thing that I've noticed in my life is how interdependent we all are. Including for ideas. Those who have the greatest impact often aren't saying anything radically new, they just frame it in a slightly different way. Or get lucky with their timing.

What seems to be independent thought is quite often changes by the tiniest iterations. We're all profoundly influenced by the stories around us - including the stories of social media.

One of the stories I notice gaining prominence is the idea of rugged individualism, which I'd previously associated as being something of an American beast. Which is why you can get straw polls like this where everyone says they're individuals, when compliance is noticeably on the rise. They're just complying with an idea that rings more truly to them - at least with lip service.

In fact I think the rugged individualism thing - although it certainly has its roots in colonial American mythologies - is very much beneficial to social media companies. The curation of perfect selves, the secret comparisons, the jealousy, the making oneself appear picture perfect - it all drives engagement. The warping of the notion of 'free speech' similarly. Just a different kind of self-importance.

I'll fully admit to being influenced by social media and things I've read online (and offline). In fact, I read something awhile ago and I can't for the life of me remember where - about the value of being a good follower. Not everyone can be a leader, and we all have to work together to create visions of communities, organisations, etc. If everyone's a leader, we just have chaos."

What she said.

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By *ldgeezermeMan
51 weeks ago

Newcastle


"From my experience, most people are followers and have little capacity for independent / free thinking. There's little cultivation of the latter in schools which doesn't help either. "

Does this include you?

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By *r_reusMan
51 weeks ago

Coventry

Confucious said

'True knowledge is to know the depths of one's own ignorance'

I question what I believe all the time, this is enough for me to call myself an independent thinker.

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By *affeine DuskMan
51 weeks ago

Caerphilly

I read almost 20% and went to look at your dong Fidds, don't try to change me babe.

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By *orny-DJMan
51 weeks ago

Leigh-on-Sea

Definitely independent. I've never followed trends

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By *naswingdressWoman
51 weeks ago

Manchester (she/her)


"Confucious said

'True knowledge is to know the depths of one's own ignorance'

I question what I believe all the time, this is enough for me to call myself an independent thinker."

Socrates said* "I know that I know nothing, and that makes me the smartest man in Athens". They still executed him, the smarmy git. Imagine being so ignorant of the court system you're in to not know that jurors have the absolute power to punish you in any way they want, so it's probably not a good idea to piss them off.

* Plato attributes it to Socrates, but no one lets facts get in the way of a pithy quote.

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By *ldgeezermeMan
51 weeks ago

Newcastle


"The thing that I've noticed in my life is how interdependent we all are. Including for ideas. Those who have the greatest impact often aren't saying anything radically new, they just frame it in a slightly different way. Or get lucky with their timing.

What seems to be independent thought is quite often changes by the tiniest iterations. We're all profoundly influenced by the stories around us - including the stories of social media.

One of the stories I notice gaining prominence is the idea of rugged individualism, which I'd previously associated as being something of an American beast. Which is why you can get straw polls like this where everyone says they're individuals, when compliance is noticeably on the rise. They're just complying with an idea that rings more truly to them - at least with lip service.

In fact I think the rugged individualism thing - although it certainly has its roots in colonial American mythologies - is very much beneficial to social media companies. The curation of perfect selves, the secret comparisons, the jealousy, the making oneself appear picture perfect - it all drives engagement. The warping of the notion of 'free speech' similarly. Just a different kind of self-importance.

I'll fully admit to being influenced by social media and things I've read online (and offline). In fact, I read something awhile ago and I can't for the life of me remember where - about the value of being a good follower. Not everyone can be a leader, and we all have to work together to create visions of communities, organisations, etc. If everyone's a leader, we just have chaos."

Agree entirely

It's just a variation of the Third Party Effect:

"I'm an independent thinker. You need to be careful. They're all sheep"

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By *icecouple561Couple
Forum Mod
51 weeks ago

East Sussex

A truly independent thinker is a rare thing.

There's security in being the same as the others in your tribe.

Look at the forum there's a very limited number of opinions expressed and almost always a thread will follow the tone of the first response.

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By (user no longer on site)
51 weeks ago


"A truly independent thinker is a rare thing.

There's security in being the same as the others in your tribe.

Look at the forum there's a very limited number of opinions expressed and almost always a thread will follow the tone of the first response. "

I also think this

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By *entlemanrogueMan
51 weeks ago

Motherwell


"Apologies for a serious moment of introspection but thought I’d share some thoughts.

I hold the perception that more and more people are influenced by social media and those around them to levels they have never been before.

Home Christmas decorations are going up earlier and earlier, Halloween is becoming a national holiday and people are morphing into clones of each other with the natural propensity to look down unless it’s for the taking of the 341st selfie of the day, when they look up to hide what they really look like.

On the flip side, there’s always somebody who has to lead the charge.

I also feel that you good people of fab by being on here and interested in a lifestyle that is certainly against the norm are obviously independent thinkers of a sort.

Personally I find myself become a bit curmudgeonly wishing people would care less about what others are doing and thinking and care more about there own thoughts and actions.

Ultimately I’m guessing I’m saying, be yourself don’t be what you think others are saying you should be.

Anyway sorry about that moment of seriousness, normal service will be resumed. "

90% independant thinker here.

i on occasion join in with the mob, usually before being repulsed by the "clone" issue you talk about.

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By *affeine DuskMan
51 weeks ago

Caerphilly


"A truly independent thinker is a rare thing.

There's security in being the same as the others in your tribe.

Look at the forum there's a very limited number of opinions expressed and almost always a thread will follow the tone of the first response.

I also think this "

Same

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By *ornLordMan
51 weeks ago

Wiltshire and London


"I also can’t believe I’ve put there when I meant to use they’re.

Particularly when you should have used their.

There, there.

What a buffoon I am. Of course I could now claim that I don’t like to conform to the constraints of grammar and syntax, but actually I’d be telling fibs if I was to do so. "

I don't believe you.

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By (user no longer on site)
51 weeks ago


"

I hold the perception that more and more people are influenced by social media and those around them to levels they have never been before.

Home Christmas decorations are going up earlier and earlier, Halloween is becoming a national holiday and people are morphing into clones of each other with the natural propensity to look down unless it’s for the taking of the 341st selfie of the day, when they look up to hide what they really look like.

"

Yeah I mean it makes sense in the example you've provided.. Most people want to 'buy' into the dream lifestyle that is presented - for some its proving they are happier, more affluent, more popular, ahead of the curve.... Or for others, merely conforming to societal standards and expectations etc

Independent / free thinking is difficult, not least due to the amount of agenda /propaganda and inaccurate 'factual' info around.. And then the subtle subconscious absorption of 'ideas'... If you are not aware of your own conscious bias and don't actively avoid 'group think' (look at your circle of friends - do their values, backgrounds, thoughts mirror yours - i would expect them to, as you are friends right) then i cannot see how you can every claim yourself to be a free thinker

It also often puts you at odds with society... and society is a pack animal that runs together and viscously defends itself

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By *ebauchedDeviantsPt2Couple
51 weeks ago

Cumbria

The chances of someone admitting they are a follower is slim, we all like to think we are forging our own path and immune to to external influences but we are all kidding ourselves. The more person says they aren't affected by the opinions of others, or advertising the more likely they are to be influenced and then say it's what they thought all along.

As others have said there are very few truly independent thinkers, if any. Everyone is influenced by someone or some thing.

I'm always amused by the special little soldiers who seem to make it their goal to be contrarian and rail against the 'elites' or the 'MSM', or indeed tell us that 'Big Pharma' are not in fact working for the betterment of humankind but actually want to make a profit, like it's some big revelation.

We know, and we take into account, more or less, we just understand that life is full of nuance and compromise. Guess what? That man on YouTube who tells you all about the evils in the world tells the same thing to hundreds of thousands of other people, all of whom feel just as unique as you do, well he's making a shitload of money too.

Truth is we are all followers to a certain extent, and we are all capable of independent thought, and there's nothing wrong with that.

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By *parkle1974Woman
51 weeks ago

Leeds

I'm a wolf, not a sheep x

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By *naswingdressWoman
51 weeks ago

Manchester (she/her)


"The chances of someone admitting they are a follower is slim, we all like to think we are forging our own path and immune to to external influences but we are all kidding ourselves. The more person says they aren't affected by the opinions of others, or advertising the more likely they are to be influenced and then say it's what they thought all along.

As others have said there are very few truly independent thinkers, if any. Everyone is influenced by someone or some thing.

I'm always amused by the special little soldiers who seem to make it their goal to be contrarian and rail against the 'elites' or the 'MSM', or indeed tell us that 'Big Pharma' are not in fact working for the betterment of humankind but actually want to make a profit, like it's some big revelation.

We know, and we take into account, more or less, we just understand that life is full of nuance and compromise. Guess what? That man on YouTube who tells you all about the evils in the world tells the same thing to hundreds of thousands of other people, all of whom feel just as unique as you do, well he's making a shitload of money too.

Truth is we are all followers to a certain extent, and we are all capable of independent thought, and there's nothing wrong with that."

Yes. "Critical thinking" and "free thinking" have just become another tribal label. "I'm a critical thinker, I buy my critical thinking merch from Critical Thinking Central" sort of shite.

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By *iddlesticks OP   Man
51 weeks ago

My nan’s spare room.


"I read almost 20% and went to look at your dong Fidds, don't try to change me babe.

"

Ding dong. Now that’s leadership just need everybody to follow you.

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By *ris GrayMan
51 weeks ago

Dorchester

Agreed i don't watch or read the media its depressing, i have my own thought process, I'm not led in any way, i try and avoid conventional, i don't have a beard or tatts because thats the trend, I'm friendly and always have a smile on my face, i like sex but don't think about sex every waking moment

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By *inaTitzTV/TS
51 weeks ago

Titz Towers, North Notts

I had enough arguing with independent thinkers a few years ago.

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By *naswingdressWoman
51 weeks ago

Manchester (she/her)


"I had enough arguing with independent thinkers a few years ago.

"

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By *ickyKlungespeareMan
51 weeks ago

St Leonards


"I had enough arguing with independent thinkers a few years ago.

"

Oh no you didn't!!

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By *2000ManMan
51 weeks ago

Worthing

I like listening to other peoples thoughts and ideas. Then add what I think could be a good addition. I don't really get influenced by them though.

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By *ools and the brainCouple
51 weeks ago

couple, us we him her.

I'm a deep thinker, neither a follower or a leader.

However I'm also thick as pigshit so don't ever follow my example.

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By *alandNitaCouple
51 weeks ago

Scunthorpe

I've never felt the need to follow trends, or follow the crowd and have always been comfortable being me.

I take no notice of advertising and don't know of any influencers.

I like to think that I'm open to new ideas and will admit whem I'm wrong. My views and beliefs have changed over time, that's influenced by many things, including personal experiences and available information.

Nita

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By *alandNitaCouple
51 weeks ago

Scunthorpe


"I've never felt the need to follow trends, or follow the crowd and have always been comfortable being me.

I take no notice of advertising and don't know of any influencers.

I like to think that I'm open to new ideas and will admit whem I'm wrong. My views and beliefs have changed over time, that's influenced by many things, including personal experiences and available information.

Nita

"

I don't know what that makes me...

Nita

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By *nightsoftheCoffeeTableCouple
51 weeks ago

Leeds

I'm not a leader I'm also not a follower.

I walk around in my own little world doing as I like, I don't care less what people around me do, I've never felt the need to follow trends or what everyone else does.

I'm quite happy being a plane Jane in my own little world.

Mrs

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By (user no longer on site)
51 weeks ago


"Apologies for a serious moment of introspection but thought I’d share some thoughts.

I hold the perception that more and more people are influenced by social media and those around them to levels they have never been before.

Home Christmas decorations are going up earlier and earlier, Halloween is becoming a national holiday and people are morphing into clones of each other with the natural propensity to look down unless it’s for the taking of the 341st selfie of the day, when they look up to hide what they really look like.

On the flip side, there’s always somebody who has to lead the charge.

I also feel that you good people of fab by being on here and interested in a lifestyle that is certainly against the norm are obviously independent thinkers of a sort.

…."

Are we thought, or are we joining in or following a current rise of trend to liberal thinking and the changing of peoples attitudes to modern relationships?

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By *attMonroMan
51 weeks ago

NE and Central Belt

Great post. Same thought but I tend to categorise as consumers (passive recipients of knowledge, entertainment, structures etc) and producers (creators of content, ideas, structures)

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By *uri00620Woman
51 weeks ago

Croydon

I'm more of a follower now and I hate it. I've never celebrated commercial holidays such as Christmas, other holidays, birthdays etc. I always went overseas for Christmas in particular (somewhere hot) and loved it. Spent most of my life traveling and being nomadic.

Now I'm a parent I'm getting drawn into these things - I don't love it. Not doing Christmas decorations at mine though... not this year anyway.

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By *naswingdressWoman
51 weeks ago

Manchester (she/her)


"I've never felt the need to follow trends, or follow the crowd and have always been comfortable being me.

I take no notice of advertising and don't know of any influencers.

I like to think that I'm open to new ideas and will admit whem I'm wrong. My views and beliefs have changed over time, that's influenced by many things, including personal experiences and available information.

Nita

I don't know what that makes me...

Nita"

Someone who's more self-aware than most. (Better than merely being "awake" )

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By *naswingdressWoman
51 weeks ago

Manchester (she/her)


"Great post. Same thought but I tend to categorise as consumers (passive recipients of knowledge, entertainment, structures etc) and producers (creators of content, ideas, structures)"

Jon Alexander's book (there's a 2020 blogpost on Medium that preceded it, can't link due to forum rules) talks about subjects, consumers, and citizens.

I think most people are stuck in the consumer model, which took over in the post-war era.

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By *rHotNottsMan
51 weeks ago

Dubai & Nottingham

I’d say I’m very much a free thinker, and a leader, but do have positive role models, male & female.

People often moan about leaders, but followers create leaders, if the last few years of UK politics has taught you anything, it’s that the UK population are pretty awful followers

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By *icecouple561Couple
Forum Mod
51 weeks ago

East Sussex


"I’d say I’m very much a free thinker, and a leader, but do have positive role models, male & female.

People often moan about leaders, but followers create leaders, if the last few years of UK politics has taught you anything, it’s that the UK population are pretty awful followers

"

very true

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By *obilebottomMan
51 weeks ago

All over

There will always be leaders and followers and the two are not really mutually exclusive. It is about context. Work wise, I am a natural leader but also a team player depending on the situation. In personal life, I can happily let someone to lead though I am capable of challenhing or rebelling. In the bedroom, well let's just leave that one out of this discussion

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By *inda May SimmonsTV/TS
51 weeks ago

hexham

Am I a follower or an independent thinker?

Hmmm,

I don’t know, I mean you tell me!

I would say I am possibly an independent thinker, wouldn’t you agree?

What do you think?

I would say I can think for myself, hang on I will message Rachaelmay and ask her what she thinks !

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By (user no longer on site)
51 weeks ago

My mind thinks on its own and needs influence.

Only in bed

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By *atnip make me purrWoman
51 weeks ago

Reading

I'm both . Depends what suits my life the most. I don't do Halloween ever not even when i lived in the states. I don't deviates for Christmas as we are going to my sisters. But i will also go with the flow if to do otherwise would cause friction. I like an easy life in which I'm free to do all of the lifestyle things i want.

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By (user no longer on site)
51 weeks ago


"Apologies for a serious moment of introspection but thought I’d share some thoughts.

I hold the perception that more and more people are influenced by social media and those around them to levels they have never been before.

Home Christmas decorations are going up earlier and earlier, Halloween is becoming a national holiday and people are morphing into clones of each other with the natural propensity to look down unless it’s for the taking of the 341st selfie of the day, when they look up to hide what they really look like.

On the flip side, there’s always somebody who has to lead the charge.

I also feel that you good people of fab by being on here and interested in a lifestyle that is certainly against the norm are obviously independent thinkers of a sort.

Personally I find myself become a bit curmudgeonly wishing people would care less about what others are doing and thinking and care more about there own thoughts and actions.

Ultimately I’m guessing I’m saying, be yourself don’t be what you think others are saying you should be.

Anyway sorry about that moment of seriousness, normal service will be resumed. "

Sadly it is what is. I like to believe I can hold my own, be my own self, no one controls me and I am not a filter of my imagination to attract someone I will never will be.

Now on that note my 6 fat sausages are waiting on my decision to eat them.

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By *ora the explorerWoman
51 weeks ago

Paradise, Herts

Totally independent. Never ever been a sheep, even as a child.

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By (user no longer on site)
51 weeks ago

I like what I like, but sometimes fall for the hype, say a film, series or band for example, check them out and realise I rarely enjoy what the majority enjoy.

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By (user no longer on site)
51 weeks ago


"There will always be leaders and followers and the two are not really mutually exclusive. It is about context. Work wise, I am a natural leader but also a team player depending on the situation. In personal life, I can happily let someone to lead though I am capable of challenhing or rebelling. In the bedroom, well let's just leave that one out of this discussion "

But just because you are a leader, it doesn't make you an independent thinker! Most leaders do what they are expected or ordered to do! You may have freedom to decide the 'how'

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By (user no longer on site)
51 weeks ago

Follower. I’m open to things so I’ll try something out but I dont like I won’t do it but ill give it ago.

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By *avinaTVTV/TS
51 weeks ago

Transsexual Transylvania

Baaaaaa!

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By *ora the explorerWoman
51 weeks ago

Paradise, Herts


"Baaaaaa!"

Follow me everything is alright. I’ll be the one to tuck you in at night…….

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By *alandNitaCouple
51 weeks ago

Scunthorpe


"I've never felt the need to follow trends, or follow the crowd and have always been comfortable being me.

I take no notice of advertising and don't know of any influencers.

I like to think that I'm open to new ideas and will admit whem I'm wrong. My views and beliefs have changed over time, that's influenced by many things, including personal experiences and available information.

Nita

I don't know what that makes me...

Nita

Someone who's more self-aware than most. (Better than merely being "awake" )"

Thanks Swing

I'll take that ??

Nita

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By *naswingdressWoman
51 weeks ago

Manchester (she/her)


"I've never felt the need to follow trends, or follow the crowd and have always been comfortable being me.

I take no notice of advertising and don't know of any influencers.

I like to think that I'm open to new ideas and will admit whem I'm wrong. My views and beliefs have changed over time, that's influenced by many things, including personal experiences and available information.

Nita

I don't know what that makes me...

Nita

Someone who's more self-aware than most. (Better than merely being "awake" )

Thanks Swing

I'll take that ??

Nita"

It was meant as a compliment

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By *ophieslutTV/TS
51 weeks ago

Central

I'm mixed, a bit of each and pretty independent. I'm neurodivergent, which gives somewhat of a fresher outlook.

We're social animals and have evolved to be so. And thus have cohesion and influence each other. It's natural

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By *nightsoftheCoffeeTableCouple
51 weeks ago

Leeds

I’m definitely a follower I’ve a ponytail and a bread and I promise I’m a Viking NOT JESUS!! I also wear a flat cap and waistcoat because I watched one episode of peaky blinders. I also drive an Audi because it looks good on my drive but now everyone is driving tesla’s so baaa baaa I’m going to get one.

The mr

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By *reyToTheFairiesWoman
51 weeks ago

Carlisle usually

I like to think I'm a fairly independent thinker. But I don't see any need to go against the grain for every trivial thing. I'll join in with the things that make people I care about happy, I'll adhere to the basic protocols even if I think they're dumb.

I try to take the time to examine my reasoning for choices fairly often.

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By *929Man
51 weeks ago

newcastle

not a follower I have literally zero desire to “belong” or fit in as such. I like to remain completely ignorant to the latest trends, the news ect and exist in own bubble fuck what everyone else is doing

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By *ellhungvweMan
51 weeks ago

Cheltenham

Everyone thinks that they are a leader and that the rest are sheep.

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By *andyfloss2000Woman
51 weeks ago

ashford

An independent thinker here! I never go with the "norm" often regarded as controversial! But that's just me x

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By *ostindreamsMan
51 weeks ago

London

I don't think anyone is always an independent thinker, neither is anyone always a sheep. People have desires like family, career, sex, pleasure, travel, hobbies, owning properties, power, etc. Different people have different desires and they go about their lives trying to achieve these desires.

Being a sheep is low effort. That's the default behaviour. People become independent thinkers when their desires are at risk when they are being a sheep.

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By *iddlesticks OP   Man
51 weeks ago

My nan’s spare room.


"I’m definitely a follower I’ve a ponytail and a bread and I promise I’m a Viking NOT JESUS!! I also wear a flat cap and waistcoat because I watched one episode of peaky blinders. I also drive an Audi because it looks good on my drive but now everyone is driving tesla’s so baaa baaa I’m going to get one.

The mr "

You’ve missed out the Range Rover evoque.

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By *ebauchedDeviantsPt2Couple
51 weeks ago

Cumbria

Labelling people as ‘sheep’ because they happen to go along with societal norms the majority of the time is deeply unhelpful. Society is based on compromise and compassion. Unwritten social codes have developed over centuries and they are what allow societies to function. Laws are what stop societies spiralling out of control but the unwritten rules are what allow them to function.

People who make a point of going against the norm just because it’s the norm are after deeply tedious individuals who lack empathy. They are the type who ‘call a spade a spade’ and seem to want an award for it. Guess what, it’s ok not to say what’s in your head at all times, it’s best to moderate it and consider others.

I have a deep admiration for people who have strongly held principles and stand up for them, but contrarians who substitute being against whatever ‘MSM’ or conventional thinking says, for having a personality are so fucking boring.

Mr DD

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By *atex and KinkCouple
51 weeks ago

Edinburgh

Definitely independent here. We fit into nobodies sheep pen!!

Fringes of many different groups, goth, alt, rock, swing, bdsm, Wiccan.

Our tastes are varied and the masses tend to be scared of us.

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By *naswingdressWoman
51 weeks ago

Manchester (she/her)


"Labelling people as ‘sheep’ because they happen to go along with societal norms the majority of the time is deeply unhelpful. Society is based on compromise and compassion. Unwritten social codes have developed over centuries and they are what allow societies to function. Laws are what stop societies spiralling out of control but the unwritten rules are what allow them to function.

People who make a point of going against the norm just because it’s the norm are after deeply tedious individuals who lack empathy. They are the type who ‘call a spade a spade’ and seem to want an award for it. Guess what, it’s ok not to say what’s in your head at all times, it’s best to moderate it and consider others.

I have a deep admiration for people who have strongly held principles and stand up for them, but contrarians who substitute being against whatever ‘MSM’ or conventional thinking says, for having a personality are so fucking boring.

Mr DD"

Yes. It's also amazing how often these "wolves" tend to parrot exactly the same lines, like some sort of uniform they've donned.

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By *esafinadOHolyNightMan
51 weeks ago

Belfast

I refuse to be a sheep unless it suits my needs, in which case I'm happy to baaa lol On the other hand, I don't go against the grain just for the sake of being different either. I like what I like and I do what makes me happy and my mind is as free as a bird

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By *ellhungvweMan
51 weeks ago

Cheltenham


"

People who make a point of going against the norm just because it’s the norm are after deeply tedious individuals who lack empathy. They are the type who ‘call a spade a spade’ and seem to want an award for it. Guess what, it’s ok not to say what’s in your head at all times, it’s best to moderate it and consider others.

Mr DD"

I think this applies to both extremes. Totally agree that those who just take a contrarian position because they can are tedious. I also think that those who keep quiet when they could have spoken and then pipe up later on with “I wouldn’t have done it like that” are just as bad.

If I am honest I see far more of the latter than the former. Keeping quiet when you should have spoken is a pervasive trait.

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By *ldgeezermeMan
51 weeks ago

Newcastle


"Definitely independent here. We fit into nobodies sheep pen!!

Fringes of many different groups, goth, alt, rock, swing, bdsm, Wiccan.

Our tastes are varied and the masses tend to be scared of us.

"

Except all the sheep pens you've named

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By *icecouple561Couple
Forum Mod
51 weeks ago

East Sussex

I can't imagine anyone has no influences on their thinking at all.

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By (user no longer on site)
51 weeks ago


"I can't imagine anyone has no influences on their thinking at all. "
except the people of the fab forums that hate millennials and gen z for using social media obvs

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By (user no longer on site)
51 weeks ago


"Apologies for a serious moment of introspection but thought I’d share some thoughts.

I hold the perception that more and more people are influenced by social media and those around them to levels they have never been before.

Home Christmas decorations are going up earlier and earlier, Halloween is becoming a national holiday and people are morphing into clones of each other with the natural propensity to look down unless it’s for the taking of the 341st selfie of the day, when they look up to hide what they really look like.

On the flip side, there’s always somebody who has to lead the charge.

I also feel that you good people of fab by being on here and interested in a lifestyle that is certainly against the norm are obviously independent thinkers of a sort.

Personally I find myself become a bit curmudgeonly wishing people would care less about what others are doing and thinking and care more about there own thoughts and actions.

Ultimately I’m guessing I’m saying, be yourself don’t be what you think others are saying you should be.

Anyway sorry about that moment of seriousness, normal service will be resumed. "

Personally I find myself become a bit curmudgeonly wishing people would care less about what others are doing and thinking and care more about there own thoughts and actions.

Given your post we find this incredibly ironic.

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By *naswingdressWoman
51 weeks ago

Manchester (she/her)


"I can't imagine anyone has no influences on their thinking at all. except the people of the fab forums that hate millennials and gen z for using social media obvs "

get off my lawn u kidz blah blah blah.

The Nigerian prince who emailed me and me alone tells me I'm souper klever

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By *hagTonightMan
51 weeks ago

From the land of haribos.

[Removed by poster at 28/11/23 11:46:57]

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By *hagTonightMan
51 weeks ago

From the land of haribos.

I am not so influenced by the news or social media. I am more an independent thinker and what I like to do is to look at both sides and then make my mind up, usually the truth lies in the middle, a good example is the climate change hysteria of how that is being reported

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By *hePerkyPumpkinTV/TS
51 weeks ago

Bristol

I'm a dedicated follower of fashion

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By *aitonelMan
51 weeks ago

Travelling

The majority of people are followers, even those that love to call themselves and claim to be independent and critical thinkers - they just follow others already on that path. But just like a vegan, they will remind you "what they are" and boast how much better they are because of it.

Same shit, different sheet of toilet paper.

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By (user no longer on site)
51 weeks ago

There's no such thing as an independent thought. We're all influenced by everything we're exposed to and consume every day, our ancestral DNA and family history, upbringing, the media, advertising - direct and subliminal, the books we read, our diet, mood and hormones, the people around us, our work... you can be selective in what you give your energy to, to an extent, but you can't escape influence and bias. Humans are designed to want to fit in. We're social animals. We have mirror neurons that make us mimic each other.

The push for independence and individualism is so divergent from our nature and only benefits consumerist capitalism.

Ironically what we're seeing with the rise of the internet and globalisation of big brands, is less variety in products and services, more homogenisation. A high street in Europe can look very similar to a high street in China - same McDonald's, same Starbucks, same Nike store... the young girls have the same lip fillers and contour make up, boys the same trainers... more people trying to be individual whilst all wanting to be the same, to fit in, to be loved.

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By *ostindreamsMan
51 weeks ago

London


"There's no such thing as an independent thought. We're all influenced by everything we're exposed to and consume every day, our ancestral DNA and family history, upbringing, the media, advertising - direct and subliminal, the books we read, our diet, mood and hormones, the people around us, our work... you can be selective in what you give your energy to, to an extent, but you can't escape influence and bias. Humans are designed to want to fit in. We're social animals. We have mirror neurons that make us mimic each other.

The push for independence and individualism is so divergent from our nature and only benefits consumerist capitalism.

Ironically what we're seeing with the rise of the internet and globalisation of big brands, is less variety in products and services, more homogenisation. A high street in Europe can look very similar to a high street in China - same McDonald's, same Starbucks, same Nike store... the young girls have the same lip fillers and contour make up, boys the same trainers... more people trying to be individual whilst all wanting to be the same, to fit in, to be loved. "

Nailed it

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By (user no longer on site)
51 weeks ago


"I can't imagine anyone has no influences on their thinking at all. except the people of the fab forums that hate millennials and gen z for using social media obvs

get off my lawn u kidz blah blah blah.

The Nigerian prince who emailed me and me alone tells me I'm souper klever"

You should marry him

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By *naswingdressWoman
51 weeks ago

Manchester (she/her)


"I can't imagine anyone has no influences on their thinking at all. except the people of the fab forums that hate millennials and gen z for using social media obvs

get off my lawn u kidz blah blah blah.

The Nigerian prince who emailed me and me alone tells me I'm souper klever

You should marry him "

Don't look at me, I'm a millennial I use social media ffs!

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By *hrista BellendWoman
51 weeks ago

surrounded by twinkly lights

Definitely independent, I do what I want to do

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By *arah_89Woman
51 weeks ago

Sheffield

An independent thinker in many ways but a chronic people pleaser, so a little of both I suppose?

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By *orbidden eastMan
51 weeks ago

london dodging electric scooters

I would say a little bit of both, but can come across as nuts sometimes

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By *alandNitaCouple
51 weeks ago

Scunthorpe


"I've never felt the need to follow trends, or follow the crowd and have always been comfortable being me.

I take no notice of advertising and don't know of any influencers.

I like to think that I'm open to new ideas and will admit whem I'm wrong. My views and beliefs have changed over time, that's influenced by many things, including personal experiences and available information.

Nita

I don't know what that makes me...

Nita

Someone who's more self-aware than most. (Better than merely being "awake" )

Thanks Swing

I'll take that ??

Nita

It was meant as a compliment "

I realised but accidentally used my phone emoji

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