The story of Sheikh Sadi comes to mind, where he attended a feast in ordinary clothes and received little respect, yet in fine attire, he was suddenly honored. The underlying message is that society often values external appearances over inner character. 

Similarly, in today’s world, society imposes a framework that subtly dictates our friendships, family responsibilities, and core values. While these values are important, it often feels as though personal choices, preferences, and happiness are buried under the weight of societal expectations.

These societal pressures have become so influential that many of us feel compelled to ignore our personal desires—whether in choices about clothing, lifestyle, or even selecting a life partner—to avoid judgment or criticism. The relentless question, “What will people think?” fuels anxiety and internal conflict, gradually eroding our confidence and individuality. 

This raises a pertinent question: in trying to conform to societal expectations, are we sacrificing our true selves, our dreams, and our freedom? Despite the desire to pursue something new or unconventional, the fear of social disapproval often forces us to suppress our own will, leading to a silent inner struggle. Ultimately, in the quest to please society, we risk losing our own path, as if our lives are no longer ours but belong to society.

A reflection on how societal pressures affect personal choices, individuality, and the struggle to retain identity amidst the need for social acceptance.