Browsing: individuality

There’s a suffocating pressure at our university, not always shouted out loud but whispered through glances, side-eyes and subtle exclusions. It tells you that if you’re not wearing the right outfit, worshipping at the right church or saying the right things, you don’t belong. The phrase “Love thy neighbor” gets thrown around, but only if that neighbor blends in.

If you choose to surround yourself with peers who don’t acknowledge self-growth or well-being, you most likely never will either. However, if you decide today that your peers are flattening the tires of your energy bus, new revelations will naturally come your way. Remember that good leaders are often surrounded by great people.

It’s the beginning of a potential blossoming relationship, and all you feel are butterflies. This could be it. This could be the one. He seems perfect on paper, and the chemistry is undeniable … but you two greatly differ when it comes to your interests, hobbies, future goals and, most importantly, individual value systems. It’s so common to force compatibility despite those contrasting elements and to pursue a relationship anyway, but don’t sacrifice key pieces of yourself just to be perceived as a suitable partner.