Chapter 1: The Weight of 'Have To'

Is it possible to do everything expected of us?

There are numerous obligations that society imposes on us. For instance, attending weddings often comes with the expectation of wearing high heels—something I've always avoided. Weddings in general aren’t my favorite, yet I find myself obliged to attend certain ones.

We are told we need a minimum of eight hours of sleep each night. I sometimes indulge in twelve hours, while other nights I manage only four. Aiming for eight hours seems reasonable, and I might actually give that a try.

Breakfast is deemed essential, yet I find it rather mundane. Quitting smoking is considered crucial, but that's a challenging task. Family pressures often suggest that having children is necessary for acceptance, which is disheartening.

Listening to music at a low volume is recommended to protect our hearing, but the joy of music is undeniable. There's an expectation to enjoy sex, as asexuality represents only a small fraction of the population, making it feel like an outlier.

We must work to earn a living, yet that often comes at the expense of our time. Maintaining sanity is essential, but perhaps a little chaos is perfectly normal in a disordered world.

Communication skills are valued, but being a good listener is arguably even more crucial. Confidence is often praised, but excessive self-assuredness can veer into narcissism.

Staying away from drugs is a common directive; while I understand the reasoning, the choice ultimately belongs to us—even if it can be harmful.

We were expected to behave in school, despite our dislike for certain teachers. Ironically, the most memorable moments often stem from our mischief.

Christmas also comes with its own pressures—we are conditioned to be well-behaved to receive gifts, a practice I find amusingly manipulative.

Attending church is often framed as a way to avoid sin, but that doesn’t seem logical. Religion can feel like a collective illusion, widely accepted despite its oddities; personal faith tends to be more profound and resilient.

We are led to believe that we must exercise regularly, maintain an attractive physique, find a partner, marry, and of course, wear high heels on our wedding day.

Respecting elders is another expectation, yet what happens when that respect isn’t reciprocated?

The notion of 'have to' pervades our lives—have to do this, have to do that, have to, HAVE TO.

But the real question is: Do we truly have to?

Section 1.1: The Expectations We Face

The pressures of societal norms can weigh heavily on individuals.

Every day, we encounter a myriad of expectations that shape our lives.

Subsection 1.1.1: The Pressure of Conformity

Chapter 2: Questioning Norms

Exploring the theme of societal obligations and personal freedom, this video delves into how we can navigate the complexities of our choices.

This video discusses the idea that we don’t have to conform to societal pressures, encouraging viewers to embrace their individuality.