When I was younger, being accepted was very important. In addition, at a younger age, I was also able to shuffle off as no big deal. It may have bothered me if not accepted, but I wouldn't let anyone see it or even know.
Getting older, now I don't care as much, certainly don't dwell on it.
I guess it was during the school years but after that? It never even occurred to me again. The Military kind of takes those things away from your mind.
Zack ~ You took the words right out of my mouth!! You are very old and wise by simply knowing this. Many people don't realize this thought, no matter how old they are. Happy Dance!
When you are younger being accepted should be more important to you. At that point in life you are most vulnerable and need the protection of tribe and family. You also need to make connections that will last a lifetime such as finding a mate. When you get older you become more independent so less need for acceptance and greater ability to tell folks to go to Hades when need be.
I agree with what most people are saying here. Acceptance was everything when I was young. Not so much being older. Of course I want to be accepted by the people I care about though.
Yeah, It was. I had a teacher in high school who did a whole unit on society and conformity. Very interesting stuff. In certain times in life it's important to conform. As I've aged its changed. I don't seek others approval, but certain peoples opinions are worth looking into and weighing. Another thought: Some never outgrow the need to have parental approval.
Hi Zack, Yes I remember acceptance as the biggest trauma of my little life when young... In the second grade (which would have been 1952), I still recall talking to my mother about this terrifying situation, I mean, the other little girls wouldn't let me into their jump rope games!
Truthfully, as I get older the inability to fit in and be accepted has turned into a great asset...hearing the "different drummer."
This post was edited by Benedict Arnold at February 23, 2017 2:50 PM MST
You've heard this before, but I'll say it again. You're good at guiding people when they want to let go of every little thing that society says is wrong or unnatural. Well, maybe I didn't tell you just like that. Anywho, let us see where this takes us.
I did care but after all the sh!it i've been threw over the past 15 years. i just don't give a crap anymore about what people think of me.. i've already lived 3 life times in my short 26 years on this planet.. now im gonna live life and enjoy it. As long as im happy and enjoying life i don't care if people accept me or not..
Not really. I can't say that I've ever felt like I wasn't accepted in general terms, but I didn't make any effort to be accepted. I was ignored in school more than I was unaccepted. For some people that's worse, but for a hardcore introvert like me, I didn't mind.
Benedict Arnold 
