Lifestyle

7 Things You Shouldn't Change About Yourself, Even If Your Family Disagrees

by Sai Sailaja Seshadri
Warner Bros. Television

Ah, family.

They're the people we (usually) care about the most, the ones who are there for us all the time.

However, the people whom we love the most sometimes tend to also be the ones we disagree with the most.

When it comes to family, there are always differing opinions on how we should lead our lifestyles.

This usually has to do with the fact that not only do we all have different mindsets, but we also have age differences. Often times, we disagree with our elders because of the generation gap that exists.

However, these are some things you should never change about yourself, regardless of whether your family agrees or not.

1. Career goals

Whether you want to be a doctor, a musician or a journalist, your career goals is up to you and only you.

Often times, this is the thing that family (especially your parents) try to influence most, telling you what is a good career path and what isn't.

Consider the advice they give you, but never completely change your career for family. Go with what you are passionate about and what you are good at, and do not stick with a job just to please someone else.

2. Sexuality

Who you love or who you want to marry can often be a controversial topic with family, but it is one that is very important.

Each of us has our own sexual preferences, and you should never feel like you have to force yourself to change that just because family members do not agree with it.

Even if your family does not approve of your sexuality, that is all right. It's your life, and you are the only person who gets to decide when it comes to your sexuality.

3. Marriage

Whether you want to get married or not is up to you (and potentially your significant other).

You are the only person who can truly be the judge of if you want a marriage or not, and you are the only one who can determine when you are ready for it.

4. Political views

There are often times when your political views do not necessarily align with those of your family members, and that is completely all right.

As individuals, we all have our own opinions when it comes to politics, especially in today's society.

Try not to let political differences create a feud between you and your family members, but at the same time, do not change your stance simply because it doesn't match your brother's or your mother's.

5. Children

There are some people who really want kids, there are others who never want to have an offspring and there are those who are still unsure.

Regardless, deciding whether you want kids or not is a huge decision to make, and it is one that should be discussed with your significant other, not anyone else.

At the end of the day, it really doesn't affect anyone else.

6. Faith and beliefs

Most of the time, almost everyone in a family has the same faith or religious beliefs, but not always.

If you have beliefs that differ from other family members, that is perfectly fine.

Religion and faith are very personal and sensitive things, and as long as you attempt to find a balance between your beliefs and those of others in your family members, it is alright to have diverse views.

7. Personality

This might sound like a vague one, but altogether, never change yourself for your family.

Your outlook on life, your morals, your values and just your core self are never things that should be altered for anyone else, regardless of if it's a significant other, a sibling or a parent.

Do not let anyone try to turn you into someone you're not because you are a unique individual, and a family with diverse personalities will always be infinitely better than every person being the exact same.