I Struggle To Truly Know Myself

@BlueDiver: [c=#800055]Why is it not that simple? If people look down on you, do those people really matter that much to you?[/c]

Because I've lived the path that you're talking about for a long time, and I can tell you that you miss out on a lot when you go against the norm to the point that people look at you funny. We're all interconnected, and we all have needs that involve other people - if you only care what you think of you, then great, that sounds awesome in theory. But it's face-value wisdom that takes a complex problem and tries to make it simple.

[c=#800055]@BlueDiver: I have this quote under my "about me"...

“There comes a time when you have to stand up and shout:
This is me damn it! I look the way I look, think the way I think, feel the way I feel, love the way I love! I am a whole complex package. Take me... or leave me. Accept me - or walk away! Do not try to make me feel like less of a person, just because I don't fit your idea of who I should be and don't try to change me to fit your mold. If I need to change, I alone will make that decision.
When you are strong enough to love yourself 100%, good and bad - you will be amazed at the opportunities that life presents you.” ~Stacey Charter

So for me, if I do not fit someone else's mold or how someone thinks or assumes I should be, thats on them, not me. I am very happy with who and how I am. If I change in any way, it will be because I've decided that I need to. Not for anyone else.
Yes, we're all interconnected, I love communicating, having conversations with people. I choose not to judge or look down on anyone. I also know not all are like this. But, I can keep on being the way I am without conforming to how "they" may expect me to be. [/c]