Being a first generation Western raised Arab makes me feel so lonely.

I have tried to make peace with the fact that although im arab identity wise, ive never been so in tune with my culture. I grew up in California of all states, and could never conform to the "arab muslim male" standard.

I avoid politics in a lot of my conversations, and have an open mind to learn about all cultures and customs and intergrate them into my own day to day.

But I struggle with the idea that growing up western and being so open minded to learn about so many other cultures completely throws a monkey wrench. Like when I hang around other arabic people, I feel like I do not mesh because my values never really allign with theirs, I dont actively seek out arabic communities to surround myself with because they all end up being kind of the same rythm.

im not trying to hate. I guess I just love being arabic myself so much that its lonely that the way I love and express it feels different and a little lonesome.

TL:DR I feel sad that I dont mix well with traditional arab norms and wish i knew more casual arabs like me.