Gather round kids, fall is upon us. Colder weather, leaves changing colors, sweaters and scarves wrapping us in warmth. But there’s one thing you may think i’m missing from that fall essentials list right…? Pumpkin. Yes, I left pumpkin off that list and with good reason. I am that person that hates pumpkin flavor. I know, hate is a strong word, so instead i'll write it in a language where it doesn't sound as cruel. Hata is hate in Icelandic. So I hata pumpkin. Better? You're probably still angry at me. Well, it doesn't matter because I'm still in the minority of NOT loving pumpkin everything. I've gotten a few “you’re absolutely crazy” some, "but it's so goooooood" and even, "You mean you don’t burst into tears when Starbucks releases PSL?". Alright, so that last question sounds crazy and didn't actually happen, but just imagine that's how crazy some pumpkin lovers are. And I mean some pumpkin lovers must be insane, because when you hear the amount of products that have been infused with this family member of the squash, you'll be mind blown. So I guess I’m the crazy one for not liking the vegetable, but I literally can not stand the taste of anything pumpkin and I’m here to tell you that if you agree…It’s okay, we’ll get through this season together.

There is no problem with people liking all things pumpkin. I have tons of friends that are obsessed with Dunkin' Pumpkin iced coffee, PSL (Pumpkin Spice Lattes), pumpkin pie, quite literally pumpkin everything. But I’m just super confused why EVERYTHING has to be pumpkin. Bath and Body works came out with 12 different pumpkin candles. How do you even come up with so many different pumpkin scents? Did you know they also make pumpkin spice cheerios, pumpkin kale, pumpkin vodka, pumpkin potato chips, pumpkin ice cream, pumpkin eggnog, pumpkin beer, pumpkin waffles, pumpkin cream cheese? CREAM CHEESE. IT HAS INFILTRATED OUR CREAM CHEESE. HOW MUCH PUMPKIN CAN THE PEOPLE TAKE? These are the pumpkin questions that keep me up at night!

As there are so many of my friends and people that I know who love pumpkin, I don’t want them to band together with pumpkin carving knives and pitchforks coming for my pumpkin-less soul. All I want is it to be okay to say “I don’t like pumpkin”. The fall is filled with so many other amazing flavors and scents that I feel get swept under the rug because Pumpkin is the almighty fall ruler!

I won’t completely cut off pumpkin for its' greatness though. I mean the season of fall is all about pumpkin picking, carving pumpkins and eating pumpkin shaped peeps. I want people to know I have nothing against the pumpkin itself. I mean I have even decorated my apartment with adorable pumpkins, fake of course. It's just that I won’t be enjoying the taste anytime in the near present or future. Also, when combined together with other scents in candles, soaps and such, like Marshmallow pumpkin latte, the pumpkin does not feel like it’s punching me in the face saying its there, which I enjoy very much!

Pumpkin really is a universal fall flavor and smell that would make fall very strange without it. I know it won’t ever disappear and I must accept it. And to everyone whom I know and love that enjoys pumpkin, I just want you to know that I still love you guys, just don't love your flavor decisions. So next time someone gives you a hard time for not liking pumpkin, just tell them you’re not fallen’ for it.

BONUS, Let's play a game: Count how many times I said pumpkin and then go see if you can find as many pumpkin products out in the world. Trust me, I didn't say it enough times.