The Desire To Fit In

Most people have an overwhelming desire to belong. The want to fit in at school, work, or in various organizations exists within us all. Some people struggle so hard that they find themselves willing to do virtually anything to feel like they belong. This can quickly become a slippery slope as individuals let go of their own personalities more and more in the hopes of blending in. The question is, why is there such a strong desire to be part of a group? Does it really need to be that important?

It is only human nature to want to fit in. No one wants to be teased and taunted, nor do they want to be ignored. Most people both need and want to feel needed, even if they won't admit it. Some people are more dependent on this feeling than others, but everyone has a need to feel valued.

This need can sometimes make it difficult when a person faces rejection. Regardless of the particular situation, rejection is something that can shake the confidence of even the most self-assured individual. For those who are already struggling with feelings of rejection, having yet another experience can be enough to push them over the edge.

Unfortunately, there will always be people who push others out. This happens for various reasons but the end result is almost always the same. Someone gets left out and then they have to find a way to deal with it. If that person is you or someone close to you, things can take on an entirely different meaning almost immediately.

The most crucial thing that you have to remember is that while it is nice to fit in, it doesn't matter nearly as much as being true to yourself. In reality, you will be much happier if you always remain true to your own convictions as opposed to becoming a chameleon just to meet someone else's expectations. It is also important to know that you will eventually find others who share your interests and concerns. It is much easier to fit in with a group when you have similar interests than it is when you're trying to be someone you're not.

The prospect of not belonging can be unsettling, to say the least. However, it is nothing when compared to the freedom that comes with letting go of concerns associated with fitting in and learning to be confident in who you are. The more comfortable you become in your own skin, the easier it will be stop caring so much about what others think.