A lot of people can relate to the concept of being a social “chameleon,” where one only shows parts of themselves that line up with what another person prefers, or would actually alter their personality to fit in. It is common for us to adapt ourselves to fit in, either by recognizing a better version of who we could be or by trying to survive [socially] from an evolutionary standpoint. It’s also one thing to find the common ground between family, friends, or lovers and bond ...

    Trying to fit in a chaotic, heavily cultured world can be messy. For an adolescent especially, acceptance is pretty high on Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. But what is a person to do when their true nature conflicts with societal expectations? Lie, of course. You can have your cake and eat it too, if you do it right. I’m uncomfortably writing this post and exposing a very ugly skeleton in my closet in hopes that, if anyone who reads this finds themselves relating to any of it, they c...

    Since June, every week is a new adventure for me. When I was attending college, there was a weekly routine; when I was working any job, despite the newish experiences in the environment, it was still close to a routine. This summer has been the opposite. Situations present themselves in such various shapes and sizes, even if they do resemble a past experience—it’s in a completely new environment, with unique characters. This week, I’ve been bashed with the choice between fear an...

As I approach the Eastern part of the country, I notice a change in the vibe. Of course, throughout Missouri, Indiana, and Ohio I was cruising through mostly farm regions. It lacked the comfort level I was used to in Minnesota and Wisconsin. I can’t tell whether I was just stepping out of my own personal comfort zone of the upper Midwest or if it was truly a different tone in the local personalities. I’ve now lost count the number of times people have met me on my travels and asked if I...