If one of your goals for 2026 is stressing less, you’re not alone–especially here in Lubbock. Between busy workweeks, traffic on the Loop, rising costs, and everything else life throws at us, a lot of West Texans are quietly deciding to let some things go.
Recently, people online were asked to name things they’ve “quietly stopped caring about,” and many of the responses probably sound familiar to folks right here in the Hub City. Think of this as a permission slip to breathe a little easier this year.
Texting Back Immediately
More people in Lubbock are ditching the pressure to reply to texts the second their phone buzzes. One person said they intentionally wait now because they don’t want to set an expectation. If you’re busy at work, driving down Slide, or just enjoying some peace and quiet, it turns out the world can wait a few minutes.
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Staying in touch with people you grew up with–or grew apart from–can start to feel like work. A lot of people are realizing it’s okay to let those connections fade if there’s nothing left in common. Life changes, especially in a town where many of us have known each other forever.
Letting Sports Control Your Mood
Plenty of Lubbock folks still love their teams, but they’re trying not to let wins and losses ruin their day. Watch the game, enjoy it, and move on. In the end, it’s just a game–no matter how invested you’ve been in the past.
Chasing Clothing Trends
Trendy clothes are falling way down the priority list. The general rule now? As long as your clothes are clean and comfortable, you’re good. In Lubbock, that mindset fits just fine.
What Other People Think
This one seems to come naturally with age. Random opinions–especially online–are starting to matter less. Most people are realizing they don’t need approval from someone they don’t even know.
Rushing Everywhere
Speeding to save a minute or two just isn’t worth it anymore. Whether it’s a quick run to United Supermarkets or a drive across town, more people are choosing calm over chaos behind the wheel.
Going Out Just Because of FOMO
Getting peer-pressured into going out is losing its power. Staying home, throwing something on Netflix, and calling it a night sounds pretty great to a lot of people now.
Going Overboard for the Holidays
Some folks are dialing back the holidays–especially Christmas–because they’re tired of the consumerism. That said, we’ll see how everyone feels once December 2026 rolls around, especially families with kids.
Stressing About Buying a House
Home prices and interest rates have made buying a house feel out of reach for many. Instead of stressing, some people are choosing to be content where they are for now.
Worrying About What You Can’t Control
This might be the hardest one. Letting go of things you can’t control sounds simple, but it takes practice. Still, more people are trying–and that alone is progress.
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If 2026 is the year Lubbock learns to care a little less about the things that don’t matter, that’s probably not a bad thing at all.
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Gallery Credit: Landon King
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Gallery Credit: Landon King