But even if we have the inner strength to maintain our individuality, there are times when (2)a little conformity is required. If we wish to enjoy the company of others,  ̄ ̄ ̄ ̄ ̄ ̄ ̄ ̄ ̄ ̄ ̄ ̄ ̄ as most of us do, it is impossible to avoid a certain amount of imitative behavior because similarity is the behavioral oil which enables our social wheels to run smoothly. It is important, though, that we learn to distinguish between conforming in order to get along with others and conforming because we are concerned about others' disapproval. None of us is exactly alike. Despite surface similarities, each of us has a special viewpoint and an (3)unmatched blend of traits and qualities that occur in no one else. We are a one-of-a-kind combination of heredity, education, and life experience, an assortment of characteristics that those who know us well identify as uniquely us. We have each been given our own song to sing, our own life-script to act out, and our own dreams to pursue. And if we wish to enjoy peace of mind, self-respect, and self- acceptance, it will not be by thinking and behaving like everyone else, but nourishing and developing our sense of ( b ).