Acceptance

I went for project meeting today, or rather, Saturday at the Cathay. Nice place, very conducive. Although the food's a tad expensive. But it was a relatively productive meeting. Thank God for friendly and reliable project mates. =)

When everyone left and I was alone, I started observing people and things around me. That was when I realized that almost all the girls I saw looked alike. Rebonded hair, slim frame, decked in the latest Korean fashion or those tight tights (which I totally avoid because I think I'll look like thunder thighs in them). And it seems that almost everyone has a tummy, so I felt a little better about my own...

But the highlight of my observation experience is the boy band. Cute little boys (ok not exactly little, maybe secondary school) with long spiky hair, earrings, and wearing long sleeve shirts, jeans, and sneakers. They look EXACTLY alike from afar, down to their swagger.

I know members in some cliques tend to dress alike, but this really takes the cake.

This made me think of how everyone needs to be accepted in a group. Everyone yearns companionship.

Then how about those who are so-called outcasts? Wouldn't they feel terrible that almost everyone dislike them (sometimes for no apparent reasons)? How would I feel if I were an outcast today?

I have never been an outcast, but I know the feeling of being left-out in certain things. It sucks. You feel as if you're not good enough or you don't matter.

But then I would think, is it that important to be involved in EVERYTHING? Is it that important to blend in with the crowd?

I know of some friends who would do anything to fit in. I can empathize and relate with them, but the extent to which they're willing to change their values to fit in with their friends is scary.

I want to be able to relate with people. I really do. But at the expense of my own beliefs and values? Most probably not, unless I'm convinced that they need to be changed.

Acceptance. I'm grateful to know that some people in my life accept me for who I am. They may not agree with me on some of the decisions I made and my attitude and behavior sometimes, and they are frank with me about them. But at the end of the day, they love me.

Guess that is what true acceptance is all about.