Who Really wants to be back in High School?

In the last few months, I have struggled understanding certain situations.  One as a “full on” participant and one or two others more as an observer. 

I don't understand how cliques get formed. Is it because there is something in common, is it because there are leaders and followers, or is it because one needs to fight or struggle against something?  And can that something be a person?  I have tried hard to understand why people were motivated to do the things they do. (Myself included)  What makes someone make a choice, especially a choice that seems so “outside” the rest of the clique?

For example, it's hard to be somebody who cares deeply about something and not at some point become the person who stops the growth or potential for growth.  You do the same thing for many years in a row, you tend to think that your way is the best way and, in some cases, your way is the only way.  That's when you need to walk away, yet so many of us cannot.  In most of these cases, the clique is not working against you personally – it is trying to help you see that you're the obstacle to growth.

Conversely, when you're in the clique, you become part of a “Mob” mentality and that can be overwhelming for people outside the group.  Whispers, gossip, sitting under together are all part of the picture.  You think people don’t notice, but oh…they do. 

As an adult, it's almost like being back in high school again.  

And really, who the hell wants that?

In order to grow, you need to be more aware of the things you are doing that can be perceived as being part of a clique.  And perhaps stop.  You also need to be more aware of when to let go - when you're no longer the solution - when you need to step away.

There so much growth potential there and yet we all struggle so much against it.