With TV shows or movies, the typical progression of plot is driven by the “unique” skill that is inherent from that character, and with those undertones, it draws in romantic interests purely because of that. But this brings to light the common idea that each person's “unique” skill allows them to think highly of themselves or feel more important and deserving than anyone else.
People tend to define themselves based on that special trait that keeps them going. Whether it be their career or a particular talent, I find that it creates a facade where outside of that, the necessary vulnerability that comes with normalcy is lacking. And in a sense, so much of the things that make me sad and unsatisfied in my life is that I created boundaries for myself. I made all these decisions about who I am and what I'm capable of doing, and I never allowed myself to step outside of those boundaries. Society and the emphasis that social media has on people has driven us to a point where another human is just as replaceable as a handbag. We are a generation who wants instant messaging, instant noodles, and instant dopamine. When we're not given that, we feel that we deserve it. But why? What's makes people believe that they individually deserve to be treated better than others? When a breakup happens, why do friends tell the victim that they deserve better? The culture of individualism, from the perspective of uniqueness, ends up causing more self-dependence rather than the innate human nature of connections and sharing a lasting bond.
From a pragmatic point of view, I sometimes think that time means nothing but the slow decay of meaning. It's a clash of truths, where I also believe in the fondness constructed from cherished memories only enhances the meaning of a person's past and why they are who they are today. The common thread between those two ideas though is that through each person's own experiences, "I am the protagonist of my own life. I should deserve better if I work hard enough or if I try my best. If I have a unique skill that others don't, I think that highly of myself." The meaning behind each of those actions lies within why people think like that. Protagonist syndrome; a form of narcissism where their own story is of most importance, from their point of view. We each are chasing after something, and in the process, become more tunnel-visioned on our ideals, which is why I think that that is at the root of our own vanity.
I'm starting to come to the realization that my life, from the mundane choices I make in daily life, to the complex choices that will influence my future, is all an experience that billions of people are going through. Each has their own unique ambitions, their own reasoning behind their career aspirations; and yet, we are all so ignorant to everyone else's experiences. To become self-aware is to become more understanding of others, and how knowledgeable they are in certain aspects than I am, and vise versa. Why must we hide behind vanity as a means for self-love or social influence? We need to step away from that, and understand the beauty behind the bonds we build along our own journey, which comes with the simplicity of the plain, yet necessary vulnerability we all need. We don't owe one another anything more for the other's fondness and friendship except for their own fondness and friendship.
Time to celebrate human diversity, and the dreams we each individually chase, together.
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