As long as you don't deal with anyone, you will find that life can be quite happy. Having food to eat and a place to sleep is enough. Many of life's troubles and unhappiness actually come from the people you interact with. When you reach middle age, whether or not you fit in doesn't matter; understanding life is the most important thing. How others see you is really not crucial; being clear in your own heart is the real skill. True maturity comes from learning to get along with yourself. After those lively dinner parties are over, the only one who will accompany you is yourself. Ineffective socializing is worse than solitude; pleasing others is not as good as nurturing yourself. The loneliness of a group of people is not as comfortable as being alone. Focus your energy on the right things; there's no need to squeeze into circles that don't suit you. Your value does not need to be reshaped by others. Being independent is not being reclusive; it means you know what you want. It’s better to quietly enjoy solitude than to force yourself to fit in.