The Chris Project

Conformity was an integral part of my upbringing. My father was a military officer, both in his work and at home. 

Still, I was very different from my fellow students at primary school. I was complying with my father’s norms and not with those of my friends or school.  I was different in the sense that I always had a short haircut (remember: military coup) and was not allowed to wear jeans. This was hard, especially in the sixties. Also, I wanted to play football, but that was not allowed, I had to play (field) hockey. If I complied in every area of my life (school, gardening, etc.), he would not be angry, then it was sort of okay.

This means that from a very young age, I was conditioned to meet the expectations of others (parents, teachers, professors, or bosses). I was conditioned to live someone else’s life.

To fit in is the holy grail of our society. It is very likely that you also are expected to fit in.