Do you want to be unique, or do you want to belong?

Do you want to be unique, or do you want to belong? It is my observation that most people want both. We like to think that we are singular; special. However, we also seek out the companionship of others; particularly the ones with whom we share common traits and interests. People just naturally seem to gravitate toward like-minded people.

Unconventional types reek of radical open-mindedness; but you're not likely to find them dining with the bourgeoisie at an exclusive, upscale, suburban country club. And, most main-streamers turn up their noses at "weird" cuisines, preferring predictable fare over fusion tacos and quinoa burgers; so you probably won't catch them having lunch with friends at an inner city food truck park. No matter how vehemently we reject labels, you cannot deny that most of us fit into a category of some sort, whether it's mainstream, or abstruse.

I'm always amused by people who argue against the impact of pop culture, trends, the media, advertising, and other people on their lifestyle; as if every idea they have, and everything they think or do, just spontaneously occurs without any prompting from the outside world. It is my opinion that, we are all exposed to ideas, concepts, and trends, and we are either intrigued and/or inspired by them, or we reject them. Either way, we are affected by them.

So why are we so obstinate about admitting that we are influenced by others; and that, even though we desire to be unique individuals, we still have a need to be a part of something larger than ourselves? Beats me. It's a paradox; one of those mysteries of life that makes human beings so fascinating.

C