1) Smoking; it is so very common to see peers going on a smoke break, carrying packs openly. I remember the time where almost the whole world would judge you if you get caught with a pack of cigarettes. It's like an underage- extremist crime. Now, it has become a norm and just smoke la smoke your minutes away

2) Dudes with long hair; it's not a trend but it's also not a one in a million style. From my ears experience, there isn't much comment about dudes who can tie a ponytail. Unless, they have a girlfriend and he wants to meet the parents and that's where the problem arises. 

3) Aggressive sports; doesn't look so aggressive to me. Maybe in lower secondary I would be so fascinated by seniors who go for kayaking expeditions, high elements dispatchers and anything with fast wheels. Upon graduation, I've took up three sports (or atleast tried)- rock climbing, inline skating and kayaking. Not as scary looking down a 25 meter wall, hanging on one rope and relying on your unreliable friend to belay you properly. 

4) Gym; in secondary school, there's always that 2% of the population that works out and actually have noticeable muscles. From "WAHHHH you gym ahh?" to "ehh where you gym, go together?". I had no clue that it was okay to go alone. It was also okay to not know hhow to use every single equipment because there are too many damn. And, activesg and school gym means my money remains in my wallet. Thank you, thank you.

5) Tattoos; so meaningful. Couple of friends with tattoos and while some of it are meaningful and inspiring, others get it for their 18th birthday present from their mom wow, and some who has a tatt of their face. 

6) Clubbing; people go clubbing on Wednesdays too; which I had no idea about because what the hell don't you have an 8am class the next day? As I try to study peacefully, there'll be a group talking about going to which club, or gossips about his xiao clubber girl, and debates on guys intentions of going . In class, out of class; out of 10 people, 7 has at least gone once. ps; convenient if your school allows you to wear whatever you want and you can just survive the day in the outfit and dont have to bring an extra set to change.

7) Coloured hair; it is not a sin my friend. In sec 2 I told my friend I wanted to dye my hair dark brown and he was in shock and I was confused of his reaction. Now, you have bright pink, blonde, grey, blue, seaweed+white, ombrey, bright red, every colour you can think of. And its everywhere but this time, gossips dont revolve around unique hairs anymore. Heh.

8) Nightlife; does not necessarily revolve around alcohol. We may have a stroll in different parks, inline skate, pizza party over and over, playing games at the playground (I'm not kidding), lame ol card games, blanket party, there is more to alcohol and hangovers. Going home at 12am is okay, you dont have to fear getting kidnapped because cameras are everywhere. They see us all.

9) Vulgar; all the damn time. I can't remember a day where my ears did not experience any foul language. "Ehhh fuck, wheres my phone" "Nabei, I miss my bus" "Cheebye, so long never see". I used to get scolded for saying "babi"; it means pig in malay. Really? I got scolded for that from my parents and teachers, really????? i once accidentally said it infront of a sec 1 and their faces were priceless- it was like I just stabbed someone and walked away.

10) Limited clothing; and I mean bottom boob, side boob, cleavage. Basically all the boob without the nipple. It's the nipple that people are afraid of. Butts I have seen oh so often due to the trend of very short shorts revealing a little of butt. It's okay, no one really be like "omg this is so new".

I thought about these because my perception when I was 13 or more like the perception that people around me had or wanted me to have is way different from now. It is not as crazy and gangsterous to have 5 piercings on one year and other stereotypes. Why has my views changed? Is it because I see/ hear/experience it everyday that it has become acceptable? Is it true that if someone is put in an entirely different environment, they would adapt to it and think that the whole world is like that?