I really sometimes wish I had a bit more space to figure myself out and develop a strong identity like that. I was raised in a pretty strict but loving situation where I was constantly trying to gain my parents' approval.

Maybe to prove I didn't need so much correction and lecturing all the time.

Many of my friends developed better skills and aptitudes maybe because they didn't constantly feel the conflict of needing that approval. I wish I could've been single-mindedly obsessed with making art and games back then instead of ruminating on cognitive dissonance.

ADHD didn't help: along with all the learning struggles, you get real sensitive to rejection and try to avoid it at all costs.