When I encounter someone with a broom handle up their ass, I try to use humor to dislodge it. A lot of adults are grim and sardonic, convinced that their lives are over (because of some responsibility).
Its absurd.
You become what you fear on that path. I prefer to be stubborn and not giving two shits what anyone thinks. Because its my life, not theirs. If they choose to be humorless prigs, they can.
I just choose not to be in their company.
You know the best thing about being newly self empoyed is that I can literally choose my company, always! I don’t have to deal with coworkers I dislike and difficult humourless asshole customers. Best decision of my life.