As we are all social beings, social belonging is a critical part of our need to live harmoniously, not just with others but with ourselves as well. As illustrated in Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, social belonging is on the third level where Abram Harold Maslow explains that humans are social creatures that crave interaction with others.
As a result, we lead our lives forming different relationships with the people we meet with whether in our places of the profession, places where we stay, in schools, in religious spaces, and all other places where people can interact.
The formation of these relationships is guided by our natural need for social belonging.
However, we often make the mistake of trying to force ourselves into social circles we don't belong. Essentially trying to 'fit' in with a certain group.
This can be caused by various reasons.
Some want to fit into a specific group because it seem to have money.
To others because a group seems cool.
To others because they aim to benefit a favour.
It all boils down to what the individual wants or admires from that social group.
And that creates a peril for such individuals.
In many such circumstances, many will 'buy' their way into these circles. They can use whatever they have at their disposal to solicit approval from their admired social circle.
They will try to fit in, even when they do not.
The downside of this is that many lose themselves, and lose their identity and authenticity of who they are. They false pretend to be people whom they are not, and that can only last for so long.
Moreover, trying to fit it by buying your way is drastically short-lived. For example, one may try to use money, others may use their cars, some use their relationships, and others their own bodies. We have seen this happen with a lot of 'celebrities' trying to fit in with other 'celebrities'.
But the social circle that accepted you because of what you bought them with into accepting you, once those resources run out or off. They will surely chuck you out with no second of hesitation.
And when that happens, many go preaching how fake their friends are. Now that they are down, they are not seen or acknowledged. Such happens when one tries to fit in where they do not belong.
If you never fit in a specific kind of social belonging from the onset when you had nothing to even offer, there is no need to try to fit in when you now have something. Nature has already shown you where you do not fit.
There is always a social belonging for everybody, one needs to know his or hers.
Yes, as you develop in life, your social circle will develop and change too, but that should never be forced or bought. Organically and authentically, you will attract those to whom you belong, and vice versa.
Trying to buy or force your way into fitting in when you never fit in anyway will leave you with a permanent scar of heartache, and at times; destitute.
Stay in your lane, and do you. Your authentic social belonging will automatically get built, and therefore genuine and authentic long-lasting relationships will develop.
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