The more life experiences I encounter, the less inclined I am to conform. I do not conform to feel included. But at the same time, I have become more willing to conform if it is in the best interests of my or my family's safety or well being. When I do conform, I usually struggle internally with my decision. Life is a constant negotiation. This is an excellent question.

I conform when it helps me to build good will and better friendships. When I believe it is the right thing to do. When it is not my place to do otherwise and I have to respect customs and traditions of a host society. When it is the tried and tested thing to do and it saves me energy I could spend on something else. When it is beneficial to the people around me. When it puts me on the path to fulfilling my potential.

For me conforming has always had a lot to do with that failure to listen to my inner moral voice, and is therefore associated with a great deal of guilt. One area where I unfortunately conform from time to time is when I buy clothes. I try desperately to purchase clothes that are made in America, traded fairly with appropriate worker standards or clothes that were previously owned, but every once in a while, it just isn't possible. On the occasion when I do buy "unethical" clothes, I feel a lot of shame.