How to Tell if You are a Poser

A poser, by dictionary definition, is one who poses or habitually pretends to be something they are not. In more recent years, poser has become a common term used by young people to describe someone that they believe genuinely fits that mold. Someone may be considered a poser based on the type of clothes they wear, the music they listen to and other traits. Here are some tips in determining whether or not you are a poser.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• An awareness

1. Let's start with something many of us have in common, sports. Did you start liking the New York Giants all of the sudden right after February? They did win the Superbowl this year. If you find yourself migrating towards successful sports teams because they are successful and popular, then you might be a poser. Many people do this. The year after the Steelers won the Superbowl there were many more Steeler fans. Pick a team to give your loyalty to and stick with them through thick and thin. If everyone just went over to the winning side we'd live in a pretty boring world.

2. Let's move on to music. Do you make an effort to discover music that appeals to your tastes, or do you simply wait for Top 40 radio to spoon-feed you your next iPod selection. Browse through your iPod and/or CD collection. If your music selection resembles the play list of any radio station with the words "rock" "x" "Jack" or "Bob," you're a poser.

3. Now, it's time to consult your wardrobe. Do you wear clothes that you feel reflect your personality and compliment your body shape, or do you merely surround yourself with the latest brand-name trends? Here's a clue: If your jeans fit you so good that they could be used as a camping tent, but you wear them anyway because of the big-as-life (Insert tacky brand name here) logo on them, you may be a poser. Remember, you're not a walking billboard, wear clothes because you want to wear them and they compliment you, not the other way around.

4. Think about your conversation. Do you say one thing in one circle and then another thing in a different circle? Do you alter your beliefs, political leanings or ideas when you're with one particular group or another? If you do this, to the extreme that is, then you're a poser. Knowing your audience is one thing, but changing your ideology is another.

5. If you find that more than half of what has been discussed in this article applies to you, then you are in fact a poser. Change your ways. It's not too late.