Fitting in, growing up, communication
Ten years ago, I was a happy-go-lucky kid with not a care in the world - and without any sort of indication of friends. Truly, I think I just didn't need them back then, or maybe it was the way I was brought up. Or maybe the lack of kindergarten. Anyway, I don't know what caused it, maybe it's the norm. In fact, if it is the normal way of doing things, just another way of life, I wouldn't know it. Why? Because people broadcast that the normal way is social and outgoing, if you are outside of that definition, you're an outsider. You should be looked at and given labels.
Ten years later, I still don't know if I'm the norm, or at least a part of the lesser norm out there. I'm sure it'll take me a long survey to know for sure. I know though, that I don't have a great desire for communication among peers. Heck, I don't post in internet forums much either or visit chat rooms. And I'm comfortable. Well, as much as someone can be comfortable knowing they may be outside of the norm. Abnormal. Weirdos. Lots of people feel the need to fit in and I happen to be one of them, thought I try desperately to cut it out and just "be myself".
Oh, and as far as that phrase goes, it's a bunch of nonsense. You can be yourself for only as far as they let you to. In the beginning, "you" are shaped by your teachers and peers. You grow up in a sand box of selected preferences and watch out if you like the things outside of it. The phrase only becomes true once you let go of the idea that you're special and remember that nobody really cares about your quirks. That's when you really feel you wont get scolded for who you are, nobody will laugh (okay, if it's something silly, they will!) and you can feel comfortable. But until then, I think it's pretty much hardwired into your brain to feel insecure when you're a teenager.
Ten years later, I still don't know if I'm the norm, or at least a part of the lesser norm out there. I'm sure it'll take me a long survey to know for sure. I know though, that I don't have a great desire for communication among peers. Heck, I don't post in internet forums much either or visit chat rooms. And I'm comfortable. Well, as much as someone can be comfortable knowing they may be outside of the norm. Abnormal. Weirdos. Lots of people feel the need to fit in and I happen to be one of them, thought I try desperately to cut it out and just "be myself".
Oh, and as far as that phrase goes, it's a bunch of nonsense. You can be yourself for only as far as they let you to. In the beginning, "you" are shaped by your teachers and peers. You grow up in a sand box of selected preferences and watch out if you like the things outside of it. The phrase only becomes true once you let go of the idea that you're special and remember that nobody really cares about your quirks. That's when you really feel you wont get scolded for who you are, nobody will laugh (okay, if it's something silly, they will!) and you can feel comfortable. But until then, I think it's pretty much hardwired into your brain to feel insecure when you're a teenager.