DO YOU PUSH YOURSELF TO CONFORM TO STEREOTYPES ?

1. Traditional stereotypes get deeply ingrained in young minds and are then perpetuated through internal self-talk, especially when expectations of social approval get so deeply conditioned in some of us that we feel a neurotic urge to conform to stereotypes in order to get that approval.
2. We can seek to counter-balance such conditioned attitudes by reminding ourselves that we don't need to become dependent on the approval of others all the time, because when you look at it rationally, it is too much to expect that one should be liked and approved of every minute.
3. Therefore, it is good to remin yourself that you do not have to be a strong male or a caring female just because that is the stereotype expected of you, and the moment you decide to let go of such expectations, you will drop that internal pressure to seek approval and feel good just being true to yourself.
4. You have a right to live your life your way, so long as you don't violate the right of others to do their own thing.
5. When you uphold your right to your individuality, you will find it easier to respect that of others and thus arrive at a mature balance between the need for affinity and the yearning for individuality.