Lifestyle

Understanding the Struggle of Not Fitting into Society

2016-03-24 , 12:40 pm

Last Updated on 2023-05-26 , 4:19 pm

Why do some people struggle with fitting into society?

The reasons are manifold, often extending from alternate lifestyle choices to the simple fact of being a “unique” person. Sadly, these differences may engender exclusion from the mainstream.

Understanding the experience of someone who doesn’t fit in society can help foster compassion and empathy.

It demystifies the struggles they face and makes the world less daunting for them.

Let’s delve into what it’s like to navigate the societal currents when you feel like you don’t fit in socially.

Feelings of Exclusion in Society

When your personality or lifestyle sets you apart, it can result in differential treatment from others.

This variance, in turn, can generate feelings of alienation, perpetuating the notion of not being a fit into society.

The experience can be deeply unsettling, fostering a sense of outsiderness.

The Loneliness of Not Fitting In

For individuals who feel they aren’t cut out for society’s mould, loneliness can be a harsh reality.

Despite human beings’ inherent social nature, they may struggle to find like-minded companions.

They might not yearn for an extensive social circle, but the desire for genuine friendship is universal.

The Psychological Impact of Not Fitting Into Society

The discomfort of being unable to fit into societal norms can exacerbate social anxiety. This often results in people avoiding social interactions, thereby increasing their risk of depression.

The societal struggle becomes more than just a social issue – it begins to affect their mental health.

Perceived Hostility from Society

Feeling ‘different’ can sometimes feel like a curse, especially if the wider society enforces this view.

It can lead to a sense that the world is against them, making them withdraw and hide, amplifying the feelings of not being a fit into society.

Sense of Inadequacy

Not fitting in socially can spur feelings of inadequacy, particularly in a world where societal standards reign supreme.

It’s a frustrating state, intensified by the perceived inability to meet these set norms.

Misunderstandings and Judgments

Individuals who don’t fit into society may distance themselves due to misunderstandings around their unique perspectives.

However, embracing diverse ideas doesn’t necessitate agreeing with them; respecting them and understanding their origins are key.

Inner Conflict: Fitting into Society vs. Self-Acceptance

The societal struggle often includes a personal conflict: to conform or to celebrate individuality? It’s a mental tug of war between others’ perceptions and their self-assessment.

The Weight of Isolation

Experiencing difficulty fitting into society while concurrently handling life’s challenges can feel like bearing the world’s weight.

The isolation amplifies the stress, making the burden harder to bear.

The Feeling of Missing Out

When individuals feel they are not fit for society, they often grapple with a sense of incompleteness.

It may feel like they’re missing out on experiences that society at large takes for granted.

Society’s Role in Exacerbating Difficulties

Society, with its defined standards, norms, and expectations, often compounds the struggle for those who feel they can’t function in society. The societal constructs, often reflective of the “normal” majority, shape definitions of beauty, success, and likability.

As society evolves, it’s crucial to shift the understanding and acceptance of individuals who feel they are someone who doesn’t fit in society. Instead of labeling them as ‘weird’, we need to embrace and respect their individuality. After all, the new ‘normal’ may just be being ‘different’.