Yeah, 'kay brah, the idealism is really sweet, but I'm not talking about what "should" happen, what's "right", because that's to do with principle. I'm talking about what, on the ground, in the daily life of the individual, is going to have the most positive effect for them. And sometimes, that's just choosing your battles. I'm not saying change who you are, or suppress yourself. I don't think that goth kid not wearing a trenchcoat and 18 inches of makeup is going to change him inside - but it might make a big difference to his outside life and his happiness. Yes, people should be more accepting and less judgemental, and if we lived in that sort of utopia I'd completely agree with you. But that's not reality, that isn't going to happen, and honestly, sometimes I really do think the best principle to stand by above all others is just to do what benefits you (and others) most. Do what makes you and others happy - don't make people miserable for the sake of some idealistic principle.
Oh, and if you think friendship and companionship is nothing to do with personal growth and happiness, I don't really know what to say to you. Of course it does. Almost all of human existence is about desperately reaching out for connection with the outside world and with other people, in some way, shape, or form. Again, I'm not saying people should suppress everything about themselves and mould themselves into falling into the perfect average of every measure of human individuality just to get people to like them. I'm saying that sometimes, one should just "go with the flow". A good example: I never, ever wear proper school uniform, but I know I should, because it's very little effort to avoid a lot of hassle from both my teachers and friends. It might not be me "being me" or "true to myself", but that little bit of conformity would have made things easier for me... i.e. picking your battles is better than fighting every battle just on principle, and it may actually bring a brighter and better outcome for you.
