Have you ever felt weirdly attached to a group?

Question

Have you ever found a group of people you could relate to, whether it be a support group or some other category - and got attached? You sort of use the label as your identity? Then do you feel kind of dependent on a feeling of acceptance from that group?

Answer 1

Nope. But then again, I've been an outcast all my life. I have friends and all that, I just don't do well in cliques and groups. I find them oppressive and full of drama. I tend to hang out with people one-on-one, and have a couple of close friends, rather than a larger circle of not-as-close friends. I'm not even introverted, really. I make acquaintances very easily. I'm just picky about who I spend actual time with.

But I have observed what you speak of in most other people. It's just how most people bond to an identity, I suppose. It's normal, as long as you don't choose the group's opinion over your own. Humans are social creatures that rely on each other for support and acceptance.

But I am a writer. I am, by my nature, solitary.

Answer 2

yep its normal. that y we are here. to relate to others. not "as an island". as long as you could function well without them, then your fine. if you cross the line btwn dependence and attachment then, somethings up.  

Answer 3

Of course, that's normal.  We are social animals.  We attach importance to the friends we make and to some degree these people define us and become part of our lives.  To some degree we come to require their acceptance to feel good about our selves. This is all normal as long as you don't become too dependant on these people.