People who try too hard to fit in usually display these 8 subtle behaviors (without even realizing it)

Fitting in — it’s something we all strive to do, sometimes without even realizing it.

We alter our behaviors, make compromises, and even suppress our true selves just to feel accepted.

But sometimes, this need to fit in can push us to try a little too hard, and this can manifest in subtle behaviors that others might pick up on.

In this article, I’m going to shed light on the 8 subtle behaviors that people unknowingly exhibit when they’re pushing too hard to blend with the crowd.

Trust me, some of these might surprise you.

1) They’re constantly seeking approval

Fitting in is one thing, but when you’re trying too hard to do it, you might find yourself in a constant quest for approval.

You see, the need to blend in often stems from a desire to be liked and accepted by others. It’s a natural human instinct.

But when this desire crosses over into the territory of obsession, it’s a sign that someone is trying too hard to fit in.

They may frequently seek validation for their thoughts, ideas, or even their existence in a group.

This could manifest in different ways — from always asking for opinions before making decisions, to fishing for compliments or constantly checking how others react to their actions.

The key here is frequency. We all seek approval at times, but if it’s a constant pattern, it might indicate a struggle to fit in.

Remember, the need for acceptance should not overshadow the importance of being true to oneself.

That’s where the balance lies.

2) They mimic others more than usual

Ever heard of the term “mirroring“?

This is a psychological concept where one person subconsciously imitates the gesture, speech pattern, or attitude of another.

Interestingly, we all do it to some extent. It’s a social glue that helps us bond with others and build rapport.

But here’s the thing…

People who are trying too hard to fit in tend to do it more than usual.

They might mirror the way others talk, dress, or even think.

This often stems from a belief that imitating the group will help them blend in better.

So, if you notice someone around you mimicking others frequently and intensely, it might be a sign they’re trying to fit in a little too hard.

But remember, it’s crucial not to jump to conclusions based on this alone.

After all, context matters.

3) They often suppress their unique traits

Linking back to the concept of mirroring, there’s a flip side to it that’s worth mentioning.

While people striving to fit in may adopt traits from others, they might also suppress their own unique qualities.

It seems counter-intuitive, doesn’t it?

After all, we’re often told to embrace our uniqueness and let it shine.

But the fear of standing out or being different can push someone to hide these unique traits.

They might shy away from sharing their distinct opinions or downplay their unique skills.

Anything that sets them apart could be seen as a risk to their acceptance in the group.

This suppression of individuality is another subtle sign of someone trying too hard to blend in.

It’s a silent battle between wanting to be accepted and the fear of being seen as different.

4) They’re overly concerned with fitting in

Have you ever met someone who seemed to be constantly worried about whether they fit in or not?

It’s natural to have these concerns occasionally, especially in new social settings.

But if this worry is persistent and consuming, it could be a sign of trying too hard to blend in.

These individuals might constantly question their place in the group.

They may be overly concerned about how they’re perceived, whether they’re liked, and if they’re truly accepted.

This constant worry can lead to a lot of unnecessary stress and anxiety.

And sadly, in their quest to fit in, they might lose sight of who they really are.

So, if you notice someone constantly fretting over fitting in, it could be a sign they’re pushing themselves too hard to be accepted.

5) They’re quick to agree, even when they don’t

Now, this is a tricky one. We’ve all found ourselves nodding along to something we didn’t quite agree with, just to avoid conflict or awkwardness.

But those who are trying too hard to fit in might do this more often than not.

They might agree with things they fundamentally disagree with, all in the name of blending in.

Here are a few things they might do:

• Nodding along to opinions they don’t share
• Laughing at jokes they don’t find funny
• Participating in activities they don’t enjoy

These actions are often driven by the fear of standing out or causing a rift.

But in the process, they might end up compromising their authenticity.

6) They change their interests frequently

We all have our own unique set of interests and hobbies, right? They’re a part of who we are and what makes us, well… us!

But when someone is trying too hard to fit in, they might frequently change their interests based on the group they’re trying to blend with.

I’ve seen this happen often. One day they’re into art because their friend group is artsy, the next day they’re all about sports because that’s what the new crowd prefers.

While it’s great to be open to new experiences and interests, it’s another thing to continually flip-flop between them, just to fit in with different groups.

If we notice this pattern in someone (or perhaps even ourselves), it could be a sign that we’re trying too hard to fit in.

It’s important for us to remember that our unique interests and hobbies are what make us special, and we should embrace them.

7) They’re overly apologetic

From my personal experience, I’ve noticed that people who try too hard to fit in tend to apologize more than necessary.

I remember a friend of mine who would often apologize for things that weren’t her fault, or even for merely expressing her thoughts and feelings.

She was so worried about upsetting the group dynamics and not fitting in that she would say sorry for the smallest things.

Over time, I realized that this constant apologizing was her way of trying to maintain harmony and avoid conflict.

This tendency to be overly apologetic can stem from a fear of doing something wrong or out of line that might jeopardize their place in the group.

It’s another telltale sign of someone pushing themselves too hard to blend in.

It’s essential to remember that while being considerate is a virtue, unnecessary apologies can undermine one’s self-esteem and authenticity.

It’s okay to stand your ground and express your thoughts without feeling guilty or needing to apologize for them.

8) They’re overly self-conscious

Finally, and perhaps the most telling sign of all, is being overly self-conscious.

Individuals who are trying too hard to fit in often have an amplified awareness of themselves in a social context.

They’re constantly worrying about how they come across, whether they’re saying the right things, or if their actions align with the group’s norms.

They might overthink their every move, analyze every conversation, and worry excessively about making a ‘social faux pas’.

This heightened self-consciousness can be quite exhausting and take a toll on their mental health.

It’s a clear sign of someone pushing themselves too hard to fit in.

Remember, it’s natural to be aware of oneself in a social setting, but being overly self-conscious can hinder our ability to be authentic and enjoy social interactions.

It’s important to strike a balance and not let our fear of fitting in dictate our actions and behaviors.

So, what can we do about it?

Recognizing these signs is the first step. But what next?

How can we navigate this tricky situation, especially if we see these signs in ourselves?

Here are a few helpful strategies:

• Practice self-acceptance: Embrace your unique traits and interests. Remember, it’s our differences that make us interesting.
• Be patient with yourself: Change takes time. It’s okay to be a work in progress.
• Seek support: If you’re feeling overwhelmed, consider seeking help from a trusted friend, family member, or professional.

It’s important to remember that fitting in doesn’t mean losing ourselves in the process.

Our individuality is what makes us unique and valuable. So let’s celebrate it.

As we wrap up, I encourage you to reflect on this: Are you trying too hard to fit in at the cost of your authenticity?

Remember, it’s okay to stand out. In fact, it’s more than okay — it’s absolutely necessary.

After all, the world needs more of who you truly are.