Did you relocate to North Carolina and expect to hear more of the authentic southern accent? So many people from Wake Forest share a similar story of starting over in a new town, often leaving behind the comfort of lifelong family and friends. Being in a new place, learning new rules and meeting new people can be exciting for some and raise anxiety in others. Adults often compare this anxiety to their first day of school. Suddenly, you're putting yourself out there and finding where you fit in. It’s funny how the need to fit in does not always end with your playground days. Instinctually, most humans value acceptance and belonging. There is comfort and safety in surrounding yourself with people who have similar values and interests. Have you struggled to make a new social circle or find your niche? If you are struggling it may help to know that many people among you are going through the same thing -- maybe they just don’t talk about it?
It’s one thing to meet new people but it’s another to feel comfortable and be yourself. Are you willing to compromise some of yourself to fit in? I came across the quote, “Freedom is found when we let go of who we are supposed to be and embrace who we really are.” I have no idea who said this but find it to be spot on! In the quest to fit in, does your anxiety hold you back from presenting the real you to others? Do you go with the crowd to avoid judgement from standing out or believing in different things? If you have anxiety over fitting in and you are negatively compromising who you are to avoid judgement from others, you may need a confidence boost! Counseling can help you build your confidence and so much more. It’s also important to remember if people don’t accept you for who you are, they probably are not your friends anyway -- funny, many of us learned that in our playground days too!
