RELATIONSHIPS WITH OURSELVES

Identity is how an individual is perceived and shows his or her individuality; in simple words, it is what makes us unique and it creates who we are. But, what can help us find our identity? Is there anything that influences us when finding it?

I think that identity is a very important part of ourselves, and as simple as the concept may seem, finding ourselves can be quite difficult. People all around the world struggle with finding themselves, which can often lead to an identity crisis. I think it is very common, and everyone, at least once in their lives, has gone through one. As an example of my experience, I remember having one of these crises a little before entering high school.

I think that teenagers are the ones that often have more of an identity crisis because they are at a phase of change (physical as much as emotional); they stop being kids and start being less dependent on their parents. They start having their own opinions and making their own decisions. Most of them start realizing their sexuality which can be confusing at the start, and all of these changes can lead to losing your identity.

I think that relationships are a very essential part of who we are as they help us get through hard times and make us have good times too. But in my opinion, these are important to know ourselves, what we like and dislike, and they help us develop in different environments.

In my experience, my friendships and relationships have helped my character development. I think that thanks to the people I met last year and with whom I may still have a relationship or not made me the person I am today. I don’t think I knew myself at all before entering high school and meeting these new people and friendships that helped me to have fun and discover the things I like and dislike nowadays. Although right now I don’t talk to all the people I used to hang out with last semester, I am still fond of most of them because they helped me find myself.

A fictional example of how relationships are important to find our identity is the movie "The Perks of Being a Wallflower". It shows how the protagonist's friends help him to find his identity and be more like himself. Friendships influence in every way, be it bad or good, depending on the people we are relating with. That is why it is important to choose wisely the people that understand, care and accept us just the way we are.