We say this to our son ALL the time! "Don't be a follower, always be your own person."<br /> <br /> I was never one to follow the latest fads/trends. There were some that I did like and participate in, but not for most. I was probably more of a follower of people or the wrong type rather, than a follower of fads. Back in the day, I do remember Paris Jeans, Rubik's cubes and my favorite-friendship pins. Maybe I didn't really follow fads much because I couldn't afford to, and that's OK as I believe I have a greater appreciation of material things because of that.<br /> <br /> One shouldn't have to follow the latest styles or possess certain items to 'fit in'. I don't want my son to feel left out but I don't want him to feel like he's entitled at the same time either. I want him to appreciate the things he has, like I do, and had no other choice but to. Unfortunately the peer pressure to 'have' things is so pertinent for our youth today. They want the best phones, the most stylish clothes, and definitely the best shoes (and ones for each and every activity)! I had one pair of shoes for each and every activity in my day...<br /> <br /> Five or so years ago, everyone (and their mothers-literally) were getting their noses pierced-my sister, sisters in laws at the time, and a quite a few friends in my circle. They said to me that I should get it done too, I had absolutely no desire to get it done. I did have the upper part of my ear pierced at one time but that proved to be a nuisance so I could only imagine what a pierced nostril would be like-no thanks!<br /> <br /> I don't follow the latest fashion, but sometimes, something someone is wearing will catch my eye. I don't buy a lot of clothes, but if I see a piece that catches my eye-I will buy it. It could be the color, the cut or the material but it won't be something that I will buy because a magazine told me so. You could say I'm out of date but I'm OK with that as I definitely consider myself 'old school.'<br /> <br /> I don't have the greatest style or much of one, but I like to think that what little style I do have, is my own.<br /> <br /> Take care (&amp; don't be a follower) and all the best~Celeste<br /> <br /> www.talesfromaway.com   Submitted By: Alicia "Celeste" Loughrey