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In my opinion conforming has been given a bad reputation. Most people associate conformity with an inability to think for oneself, or a certain weakness of mind. But to me the very definition of the word, to create harmony and accord, suggests that something of this nature cannot be altogether a bad thing. Really conformity is neither good nor bad, black nor white, but a tool to be used in the right situation.

Take for instance your drive to work today. When you left the house, did you decide to drive at your own speed, regardless of speed limits or the speed of other traffic? Of course not, you obeyed the law (within reason) and conformed to the flow of traffic. This was not due to some inability to think for yourself, it was to keep harmony on the roadways. And the result was you made it too work safely. Now I'm sure this is not the kind of conformity that the author of this question was talking about, but I think that it is important to realize that people conform in subtle ways everyday, and most of the time don't even realize they are doing it.
As Donne said "no man is an island". Meaning that no human being can thrive when isolated from others. But to not be isolated, one must belong to a group, weather it is a family, a group of friends, or even a website where you can write about all kinds of random topics. As we grow, we tend to seek out groups with similar ideas and values; a place where we "fit". Certainly not everyone in the group will have the same opinion about everything, but look at it like the traffic metaphor. You don't necessarily have to give up your opinions, but sometimes it is better to not cause dissension in the group. The important thing is to use your judgment on when its best to conform, and when it is not.
It can be a great thing to be a part of a group, a place where you can let go of inhibitions, and enjoy the company of people of a like mind. And I say if you have to let go of your pride a little, and "conform", then so be it. and be careful of being the one who constantly takes "the road less traveled by", because you might end up losing yourself.

Learn more about this author, Mike Eash.
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