Feedbacks are highly appreciated. Written in an hour.
Without others there is no me
Once we survey our lives, we immediately notice that the whole of our actions and desires are bound by the existence of other people. We commonly depend on others in order to gain a sense of belonging. It is this feeling that constantly reminds us of who we are throughout our course of life. Among other people, family and friends play an enormous role in establishing the structure of our identity. These are the first particular groups to which we belong. Therefore, they leave a permanent trace on us throughout our lives. Without them, it would be very hard to acknowledge and reason the surroundings. Elder generation is a role model for us by whom we learn who we are and not. Not only do we attain a strong sense of acceptance through those people, but also through important places and career ambitions. Our groups of peers and colleagues profoundly affect the direction of the development of our sense of acceptance.
A sense of acceptance is essential in order to fully belong. According to Abraham Maslow’s renowned theory in psychology, belonging is one of the vital requirements of mankind after primary needs are met . Surely, a strong sense of acceptance is attained through an intensive environment filled with kindness and care as well as traditional elements of our parents. These elements are so intense such that it is so likely that the next generations will be alike to the one before. On the other hand, in the absence of compliment desires, individuals preferably seek alternative way to make themselves satisfied with what they believe is appropriate for their identities. There is no doubt that these individuals were raised under an environment of flexibility but rather under that of tough obligations and high expectations. Thus the interference of parental expectations and individuals’ own dreams and external factors such as the effect of popular culture and media drive a wedge between these and their parents.
While we do not choose our families, we can still acquire a sense of belonging through interactions with other people including our peers and colleagues. Intimate connections to other people may reveal so many elements about us. Often we develop friendships with those alike to us in outlook, thus confirming the understanding where we belong. The career we choose can also approve our understanding of identity. It can carry us to a new network with like-minded people. All of above, family business provides us connectivity to our family. It may have sheltered countless amount of memories through which we were defined. On the other hand, the ideas and groups we reject can define a sense of who we are just as the ideas and groups we accept to identify ourselves with.
Individuals have to compromise who they are and what they believe in order to fully belong. Being an outsider is lonely and painful situation for many of us, especially when opposed by other’s refusal. The individuals may believe that the integrity and values which make up their essential self would be harmed by continuity to accept the social norms. This comes about because of a refusal to compromise. For others, it may be that they feel stifled by the narrow and unchanging confines of the society they were once part of. Choosing not to belong is sometimes so difficult. At the times through life, we may be asked to acquiesce in ways of thinking with the ideas we think to be fundamentally important. Standing apart from a group you were once part of sometimes a necessary step to discovering where it is you fully belonging. This sacrifice may increase confidence and self-esteem without the need of depending on others.
In essence, we gain a sense of self through other people. Families and friends provide us protection, acceptance and opportunities. However, not all families have such opportunities and nurture for personal growth. Eventually, individuals prefer some alternatives in order to truly discover who they are. The definition of individuality comes across conflict with the values of the society. While some may stay true to themselves by not betraying their families, some determinant ones end up with choosing their own paths.