Fitting in...

I think it is ironic how somethings may change but they do not. In school we all tried to fit in and at some point in time, we stopped trying to fit in and were just "there". Does that make sense? We get out of school thankful to leave that part behind us only to join the work force and guess what? You have to try and fit in (again)....

Though the thought of it is sophomoric, I guess it is the reality of human nature. I am starting not one new job but TWO! This first one is in an office, mostly of men... which is fine but it's amazing how many feel the need to "fluff" their feathers to show how important they are (or think they are). It's amazing the power plays that go on...not just in this office but the one I am leaving as well. Being the new person, I am looking at the group dynamics with a different set of glasses.... I'm ever the peace maker but I think this is one pow wow I am going to sit out.

By profession, I am a teacher. Life there is "always good", which is the opposite of what I have been part of...so "adjusting" myself to fit in has been a challenge for me, since the world I had worked in (mostly male) have been direct and at times heated. Gear shifting has come as second nature but other people, do not "get" me. I have been told I am "brash" and "opinionated" which are "admirable" qualities in the "outside world".

So my question is this: In fitting in, how much of ourselves do we "change" to become "acceptable" to those around us? Why can't people just learn to be more acceptive of others around them? Funny thing is, as an educator, it is part of our "world" to be "acceptive" of others, as long as they are children... but to adults... it is a different story. Go figure.