Question: Hello, I am 18 years old. I live abroad. I grew up in a religious family and I am also a person who tries to live by faith. But I have a hard time with my friends. Sometimes I find myself in the wrong behaviour. Even though I feel bad, I continue to maintain certain behaviours. I think I’ll be alone if I don’t act like my friends. What do you think I should do?
Answer: Dear sister, first of all, having this insight and looking for a solution shows that you are aware of your values and that you are in a struggle, which means that you achieved solving an important part of the issue.
Man is a social being and is in a state of relationship and communication with his environment. The anxiety of exclusion you experience in your circle of friends is normal, but constantly compromising your values, beliefs and personality while trying to cope with this feeling will lead you to a more unhappy life full of internal conflicts.
The first step might be to try to realize your own truths. When you get to know yourself better, your social environment will also be shaped according to this wisdom. Just as no one has the right to marginalize anyone because of their skin color and thoughts, no one should exclude anyone because of their values and personality.
