Nonconformity is a hard place to be..

(Especially during holidays when you do not celebrate them the way other people do…)

When you do things differently and do not conform

To cultural practices around you, do not follow the norm

Sometimes it becomes quite difficult to participate

In casual conversation, it is difficult to communicate

You do not want to become a social outcast, of course

Therefore, unwillingly yourself you force

And pretend with a fake smile that you follow

The usual customs, you let the conversation flow..

*

You feel guilty, it’s not like you’re doing something wrong

It is expected but not mandatory to follow along

With the cultural norms, it’s not a crime to be different

But unfortunately the herd tends to be insistent

On following its mentality, or endless criticism you face

You want to be yourself, but retain your place

In the society, to be outcast is sad indeed

To be detached from your community is not what you need

Despite your guilt you disregard your conscience

And fib a little, to keep up the pretense