I completely relate to the idea of being an insider of said box and peering outward, though when I was a little younger than I am now, I felt like an outsider. I mainly wrote this post so generically because I was afraid to be more specific about what I meant, and I guess everyone commenting here took what I meant as the “problem” a little differently. I think it’s cool, and I realize I’m not alone.

I’m realizing that everything I’ve judged other people in the past for as an “outsider looking in” were things I did/do as well, like contributing to global warming by just existing, being an asshole in traffic, being picky about who I talk to in social situations bc I’m afraid of getting hurt, politically I haven’t protested as much as I should be and I’m letting things happen even though I don’t agree with what’s going on. I agree with the “you do you” element to an extent, in that I’m involved in a lot of volunteerism and ecological restoration, so I have things I’m working toward making better. But everyone “you do you-ing” doesn’t leave a lot of room for common understanding and shared morals, imo.

Being “part of the problem” is me feeling like I’m another asshole I guess, by judging others for things I do myself. I feel like narcissism is on the rise in the US, and it feels rapid, and I feel part of that problem. I would say I’m an optimistic person, but the self-importance of most people these days doesn’t do much good for anyone. I really just wish we could all kumbaya or whatever.

Also sadly, I’m not in your age range, nor straight, but I appreciate the bravery in putting it out there :)