15 January, 2026
Things We're Leaving Behind In 2025; hero
Things We're Leaving Behind In 2025; hero
Lifestyle

Things We’re Leaving Behind In 2025

15 January, 2026
Things We're Leaving Behind In 2025; hero

Wasted your time, energy or money on something in 2025 that you have no intention of repeating in 2026? Us too! These aren’t really New Year’s resolutions, these are things we have tried, tested and are never doing again (if we can help it).

Most of us cave to that societal expectation to create a list of resolutions for the new year – exercise more, drink less, “I’ll be (insert unrealistic goal here) by this time next year” – but how about things we’ve already done and decided just isn’t for us anymore? Whether it’s cutting out energy vampires, avoiding that restaurant that always makes us sick or setting firmer boundaries with ourselves and others, we’re making 2026 the year we learn from our past experiences – and mistakes. Read on for everything Team Sassy is leaving behind in 2025…

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Things We're Leaving Behind In 2025; celibacy

  • I’m not giving my number to people I meet on a night out anymore.
  • I’m leaving behind friendships based on convenience. Those formed out of circumstances instead of quality aren’t friendships at all, they’re just right place, right time. You end up tolerating a lot just to have a ‘gym friend’ or a ‘work friend’, but those are never the people you call when shit hits the fan. Quality over quantity this year.
  • Coffee raves – I’m so sick of seeing them. I feel like every business jumped on the trend. If I want to do a social activity that doesn’t involve drinking, I’ll go on a hike or brunch.
  • I’m done with celibacy (hopefully)! This is the year I start having sex again.
  • Doomscrolling. I need to stop.

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Things We're Leaving Behind In 2025; dragons back hike

  • There’s a Sichuan restaurant near me that I order from because their food is delicious, but every time I do, I spend hours in the bathroom after. I need to stop hurting my body like that just because I enjoy the taste for a few minutes.
  • I’m done with toxic friends and surface-level relationships. I’m not putting energy into friendships anymore where I give so much more than I get and don’t feel valued.
  • Popular hikes (like Dragon’s Back) on Sundays – it’s just not worth it.
  • Always saying ‘yes’ to plans I’m not actually interested in just for the sake of avoiding FOMO.

Read More: Things To Do In Hong Kong – Best Events & Weekend Activities This January


Things We're Leaving Behind In 2025; Pistachio

  • I’m done with situationships!
  • I want to leave behind anxiety-based wellness trends, the ones that are based on a series of NO – no caffeine, no alcohol, no meat, no MSG, no sugar etc. I would rather choose a wellness journey based on moderation this year.
  • Pistachio everything – look, I love a good Pistachio gelato or tart as much as the next person, but not every food needs to have a pistachio version!
  • Buying anything from IKEA/Fortress before checking Carousell.
  • I’m going to avoid being on my phone while watching something new. I refuse to be a part of the reason why ‘second screen viewing’ is becoming normalised in media.

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Things We're Leaving Behind In 2025; food trends for social media

  • Labubus. I am so over Labubus.
  • People pleasing. I want to be more assertive when drawing my boundaries, and I’m going to avoid constantly seeking reassurance and external validation. I need to build a stronger sense of self.
  • I’m setting a cap of $55 for coffee. I’ll go to a place once to try it, but from now on I’m not going back if it costs more than $55 (after my milk alternative add-ons) for my caffeine fix.
  • I’m leaving behind jumping on food trends that just exist for social media and the ‘wow’ factor. I’d like to just have a high quality (normal size) plate of pasta please!
  • Overpriced ‘happy hours’. Just because you’re cheaper than you normally are doesn’t mean you’re worth it.

Read More: New Restaurants In Hong Kong To Try This Month


Things We're Leaving Behind In 2025; Happy Valley

  • Waiting in line for hours to enter a bar – yes, Bar Leone, we’re looking at you.
  • Unhealthy habits like sleeping late past 1am.
  • I’m done with spending the whole weekend in bed. I used to think I enjoyed the freedom to be able to do that, but now I realise it just feeds my depression and laziness.
  • Going to Happy Valley races during peak summer weather – it’s so hot and sweaty and overcrowded. I genuinely tweak out and go home early anyway.

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All images courtesy of Sassy Media Group.

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