Why do people still follow a similar life pattern ?

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I sometimes feel bad because I didn't always do the things my ''normal'' peers did which I seem to think ''everybody'' does. For example:

1) Learning to drive and having a car straight away at 17 (I did manual lessons at 21 but found it hard until I started automatic lessons at 24 which seemed better. I also didn't start driving my own car until 28)

2) Getting your first job at 18, (I did voluntary work at 21 and didn't start paid work until 26)

3) Going to uni and graduating (I started uni at 22 and left after 3 months and never went back and graduated)

4) Finding a partner and being with them long-term (There were a few people I went out with but one didn't want a relationship with me just a friendship and another wanted a relationship with me but I didn't with her)

5) Getting married and having kids in your late 20s/early 30s (Still not married or have kids and don't feel like I want one)

I can't understand why people particularly when they are younger always seem to want to drive fast cars, have a lot of money, lots of sex and so on ? I seem to think see it in the media and all over some of the reality shows we see or tv programmes we see and so on. I seem to think my problem is that it feels as though it is a rule to life (when I know it isn't) that will bring fulfilment and contentment.

I also seem to think that if a man has self esteem issues and stuff like that it always feels as though the simple answer is to get down to the gym. I've never been to one and have a pair of weights at home and I don't use them all the time. Every time I see a guy who has slightly more muscle than me is because he had the same problems as me once and he doesn't anymore because he works out. For some strange reason I feel as though other men are doing it whether they like it or not and are still doing it more than me and I feel bad because I seem to think 10 years ago there were not many gyms around than there are now and not much advertisements then than there are now and that had I known about it then, then maybe I'd have a bit more muscle on me.

I don't know any teenagers who are like that. Most of them are still being shuttled around by their parents to sports activities, or they're home cramming for school exams to get into Uni. My kids are in their late 20's and they still don't act like that. I know dozens of their friends who don't act like that either. My kids have never wanted cars and they don't drive fast because they might kill someone (or themselves).

I think the media presents this view to you as "normal" and you believe it. Even if it was "normal" it's preferable to be one's own person and stand apart from the crowd. No one really likes a lemming.

I'll make some comparative points for numbers 1-5 which you did yourself.

My version:

1) I started off learning in an automatic car and failed the test several times as I have visual problems and that was an issue whilst driving. Neurological, visual issues, not the type that you can sort out at the opticians.

2) I had my first job at 16 but it was only for a few months. I properly started work at 18, but haven't worked every year since then, only some of the years (around 10 years in work, in all).

3) I dropped out of a few courses before finally settling on the subject that I would gain a bachelor's degree in.

4) I have never have a 'live-in'/nesting partner for more than just a short time.

5) I'm not married and I don't have children.

You are not alone, Chris.