How Do We Break The Cycle Of Letting Society Define Us?

Erkson's theory is one I think many struggle with. In todays society everyone is so focused on needing to be a certain way and defining ones self worth by having to be with someone by a certain age . I personally think this is crazy. Why should we let society define who we are with or let a lone a time frame in which to settle down. I feel that is why today we have so many people filing for divorce, shootings, and sucides. Why must we let sociey do this to us? My mom struggled for years trying to fight her sexuality. I never understood this as a child but now I do. Being gay then ment you were crazy and just posested by the devil. Your family would disown you and you were pretty much left to fend for yourself. Where's the isolation in that? My mom got married, bought a house, had kids and seemed to have the perfect life but, inside she was dying. She couldn't express who she really was. She went her intire life without being true to herself even though she had relationship with women. She had mutiple failed marrages and never had a relationship that she was truely happy in. It's sad how we let society rule our lives. I am glad that you bet the struggle and have found happiness within yourself and within your relationship. How do we break the cycle of letting society define us?

Erikson’s Stage of Intimacy versus Isolation caught my strongest attention. Having been raised in an overly religious, violent family, I was fearful and mistrusting of most people I encountered. In an overtly assertive fashion I forced myself into an unnaturally extroverted personality to deal with everyday life and to keep anyone from knowing I was fearful of anything. I was rarely home and when I was it was simply to catch up on sleep. I was one of the overachievers of the family. On the surface I was smart, quick-witted (read cutting) and successful. Inside, as the saying goes, no so much! We competed for