Smh if you're "fitting in" when you don't want to, then you're part of the problem by maintaining the "normal" status quo.
Stand out if it makes you happy, you might convince others to do so as well
I decided to get weird with my 40s, am I happier? No. But am I more comfortable in my own skin? Yes.
Same. I got sick of normal boring makeup and decided it's go colorful or go home. Blue and purple gradient eyeshadow with ridiculous falsies? Yes please!
Imagine going outside where the public is.
Futaba would say "fuck what society thinks"
Is that this character? What show is she from?
Yep! Persona 5 / 5 Royal.
One of the best RPGs
Sanic
What if grey man tacticool gear is my thing?
Secret third option where you do both. Wear sonic the hedgehog underwear.
If you're interacting with something every day, talking about things like your phone case, your wallet, maybe a pocket knife or keyring, any of those objects should make you happy, or at least not cause you any anxiety. Think of how many hundreds or thousands of little interactions you'll have with that thing, and multiply the feeling during that moment, and consider the net emotional total during the lifetime of the object.
I had a number pad that I was using almost every day, but it was a bit crummy, so I splurged and got a better one. If I have to use this thing all the time, then by God I'm going to enjoy using it!
Be happy, you will spread your happiness to others that want to do the same, making them more likely to do the same choice. Suddenly, a lot more people are happy while still fitting into society perfectly well.
If the stuffed animal backpacks I want actually had all the compartments and stuff my trail bag had, I would definitely have a stuffed animal backpack.
I only really see 2 options: a backpack that looks cute or a backpack that is actually functional. (With the cute bags I want not the sonic one in the meme)
That's where you split difference. Get a functional bag with all the pockets and then accessories with the fun stuff. Put some wacky patches, pins, or stickers on there. Attach some keychains on the zipper pulls. Extra points if they're the mini stuffed animal kind.* You could even decorate the handle and straps. A little or a lot it's all up to you :) Bonus: it let's you show off multiple interests.
*points in my book at least. Becuase I'm a sucker for plushies.
I'd be miserable both fitting in or trying to be myself, either way. Life is just misery
