I'm tired of answering relatives who always ask me "Ashu, why don't you go and play soccer with the other boys? Why are you always clinging to girls?"

Usually I'd laugh politely, but not anymore. If one more fuddy-duddy comes up to me at the next gathering, I'm gonna come out of this glass closet.

Not gonna happen, but yeah...

Do any of you have similar stories?

My family really reinforces traditional gender roles. There are things boys do, and there are things girls do. I usually hang out with the guys anyway so it's not a problem (I don't mind hanging out with the girls either though). But it does aggravate me because my family seems to think that any guy will not be happy unless he is doing guys things with other guys, and vice versa for a girl. So, I see where you are coming from in that regard.

I don't really have experience with this myself, my parents were quite lenient with who I could play with when I was little.

But, I study Sociology and it's quite interesting to learn about Gender Socialisation and how parents can be so strict on what toys a boy/girl can play with and who they can play with.

We all know why gender roles are in play, and they probably will always apply to the majority of people. HOWEVER, this is a choice that individuals have to make for themselves, not dictated by others (not even close relatives).

You are who you are, and they should learn to accept and appreciate that and look at aspects of you that they find optimal. I know a lot of guys who cook a hell of a lot better than me. This is your life! Your happiness is your number one goal.

Dare to be different. If no one EVER ventured outside of the conventional norm then real progress would never be made. Variety is the spice of life, after all.