Does anyone not feel the need to be identified with a particular group ?

Well, yes, there's definitely times when I like to be identified with a group of people. Like as a musician, I like to be known as part of the group of people that plays music.

Fernie : I've always instinctively disliked the idea that I'm one of a flock. One has to avoid hurting other individuals and one can be influenced but I like to think outside the box and as much as possible live there!

Stephen : I probably ticked boxes like "I am right-handed" or "I am nuts" when I first encountered the site but it's not quite what I meant. You can agree with sentiments like "I don't eat meat" without welcoming labels.

alan20...I absolutely get that. I have never stayed with the herd..although there IS safety there on some level...and paid a high price for being an individual taking her own path. I happily pay that price every day. Still, I am human and can enjoy being in a group of people who also live that way. A person can maintain there individuality while being part of a community. Only the weak minded get so embedded that they drink the Kool-Aid....religious fanatics are a good example of that ...no free thinkers there

Fernie : Ah - to quote Shakespeare " That is the question ".
I've a feeling that for me it had to be but I hate navel-gazing.

BlueMetalChick : I'm actually a classical pianist myself and although I've always seen myself primarily as a soloist, I've quite enjoyed playing in a quartet for a few years. Maybe music is a special case. I don't feel any inclination to join an army, or a political party, or a religion, or a sporting team. I'm always much more comfortable being with one or maybe two people than with a larger group.

alan20 ...is that good or bad? :>

Special Snowflake

I know what you mean

I enjoy being part of a group...it's community, likeminded folks, a safe and familiar place...but, that does not mean I think we are better than anyone NOT part of the group. Humans are herd animals but individually, we can still be serious non-conformists

Some identity we get by default like I'm Male, Heterosexual, English, white etc

Others I choose to want a label, musician, guitarist, alcoholic as they help me. Identify with others

Fernie : Actually you're putting your finger on something when you write "participate in".

Stephen0896 that does not mean you have to participate in those groups

Stephen : I definitely wasn't! Perhaps they'd like to expel me !

alan20 ..That is funny

Stephen : In what way?