In Robert Frost’s famous poem, The Road Not Taken, the poet encourages readers to not follow the crowd.

“Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.“

Reflecting Frost’s advice, parents encourage children to not be a “follower” and success gurus encourage acolytes to “stand out in the crowd.” Entire generations have bucked social norms just to be “different.”

To test this advice, one of our crack reporters tried taking the road less traveled in different situations. Here are the results of his experience.*

I tried standing in the sitting section of a Portland Thorns soccer game. The people behind me were a bunch of neanderthal trolls who did not appreciate individuality.

I ordered chocolate, olive oil, cheddar and jalapeno ice cream at Salt and Straw,** so I wouldn’t be just like everyone else. Next time I got chocolate chip.***

I took the path less followed and ended up having to turn around when I found out I was knee deep in poison ivy.

Went up the down escalator and knocked the packages out of the hands of a dozen people, then had a heart attack at the top.

Wore a MAGA hat to a No Kings Protest. Getting hit with a sign hurts.

Took video of the Portland ICE protest. My iphone 17 was stomped by someone in a frog costume.

I watched The Rise of Skywalker again. Still sucks.

Wore my Ohio State gear into a Michigan fan bar. Ouchie!****

Visited the south side of Chicago at night. (The reward for the return of my father’s watch is still active)

I parked my car in the meridian-street.com’s “Editor Only” parking spot. Got assigned to do this stupid post.

It turns out that there are good reasons people take the path most followed.

*Watch for my new book, The Road More Traveled.

**Still no corporate sponsorship; not even a free ice cream cone.

***Hat tip to former President Biden

****It’s The Ohio State University