u/ChrisPeacock-

I (28M) work a pretty standard office job, but over the last year I’ve somehow fallen into what my mates are calling “tradie culture.”

It started small. I got into early morning servo coffees, started listening to the same radio shows, and picked up some of the slang from guys I know. Then I bought some workwear because it’s actually comfortable, and now that’s basically all I wear on weekends.

Lately it’s escalated. I find myself at Bunnings most Saturdays even when I don’t need anything, I’ve started doing random DIY projects, and I’ve even caught myself saying things like “knock off”, “smoko” and “arvo” in the office.

A couple of my friends think it’s hilarious, but one of them said it’s a bit try-hard and that I’m “cosplaying a tradie.”

I’m not pretending to be something I’m not, I just like the lifestyle and vibe. But now I’m wondering if it comes off as forced or a bit cringe.

Is this normal, or should I rein it in?

Throwaway because this feels a bit dumb to ask.

I (28M) didn’t grow up with much culture or tradition. About a year ago I started dating my girlfriend (27F), whose family is very proud of theirs, especially when it comes to food.

At a family gathering I tried one of their staple dishes. It has working-class roots, there’s a “right” way to eat it, and it always comes with a specific condiment.

I got hooked.

Now I go out of my way to find good ones, I’ve tried making them myself, and I even bring them to work for lunch.

Last weekend her dad joked, “Careful mate, you’re stealing our secrets.” He was kidding, but it got in my head.

Am I being a bit much getting this into something tied to her culture, or am I just overthinking the fact I eat meat pies with tomato sauce all the time?