In episode 43 of How To Matter, I talk about an unpleasant experience with a surgeon and expanded from there to discuss the value and risks associated with accommodating to other people and special circumstances. The article below is the handout for the mini workshop.

Don't compromise yourself. You are all you've got. -- Janis Joplin

Adjust to people and circumstances without compromising your values, beliefs, personal style, position, or self-perceived status. You don't expect others to adjust to or accommodate to you, unnecessarily, inappropriately, or unilaterally. You remain who you are regardless of who is present or the specific situation but intentionally adjust your behavior and demeanor so that others can perceive and relate to you in positive and useful ways. In this way, you avoid any extraneous emotional or social clutter, thus maximizing the opportunity available with each person and in each situation.