I read this and while I view some of the points as good advice, like others have pointed out -- being counter cultural for the sake of it is a path to misery. Articles like this miss one crucial overarching point and that is, what ever you do in life, do it intentionally. Go with the flow, don't go with the flow -- whatever as long as every once in a while you have a think and ask yourself "is this really what I want out of life" if it is great keep on keeping on but if it's not then think about what you have to do to change your life to get to where you want to be, doing what you want to do. Don't be merely an observer in your own life.
The problem with most of the advice is that hindsight is 20/20 and some decisions or circumstances are extra hard to invert or redirect.
People change, we do not have infinite time and over time actually making lasting acquaintances takes ever more energy. And if you change, so may your circles of friends, or even family.
Few people make themselves available later on, everyone is busy or sapped, either by work or other obligations. A decision to change and go against the flow can easily become a lonely one.
I've always been told life is lonely anyway, by the time you're in your mid thirties I think the average American for instance has like two close friends and dwindling family.
In my case every time I've tried to go with the flow I wind up resenting myself more than I like the people I'm keeping company with and always go back to marching to my own drum and shedding whatever social circle I've cobbled together.
I find that I enjoy my own time doing what I want and doing what I find stimulating more than I dislike the loneliness.
Very much to each their own though, it's obviously very personal and my way is definitely not the best for everyone, heck some of the time I'm not even sure it has been the best for me.
