How to stop playing it safe and start breaking social norms full on?

[Anonymous]

I don't mean doing something inappropriate. Rather, if you're in an environment in which nobody expresses themselves, to start expressing yourself without thinking that you have no "social skills" and that you bother people and you not pick up their "cues"

[Oliverlogan263]

You gotta stop caring so much what other people think, my dude. Who cares if you bother some squares by coloring outside the lines now and then? That's how you discover your own style.

Sure, starting slow is smart so you don't alienate everyone. But don't be afraid to show people who you really are inside too. Own what you love without apologizing.

Maybe find your tribe - other kids who march to their own beat like you. Together you can all be pioneers exploring new territory instead of hiding in the crowd.

Don't get so hung up on "social skills" or norms either. You'll mess up sometimes trying new things, big deal. That's how you learn. As long as you aren't hurting anyone, express yourself proud.

The people who like you for you will stick around. Let the haters hate - they're just mad cause they're too scared to color their own pages too. You do you, man!