Thank you everyone for your different thoughts on this.
The reason I asked this question is because for the longest time, I always did what I was told to do, by my parents, my friends, society in general and everything seemed fine. Then, I realized one day, that I wasn't happy with this because it didn't feel like me. More like I was wearing a mask and playing the part of the "dutiful daughter", "the responsible one", etc always worried about what other people thought of me and if I said or did anything stupid or embarassing.
For some time now, I feel like I'm more like "me" without the mask, without playing a part, truly me. I don't worry as much about what other people think and I don't care if I said or did anything stupid because I don't care. I'm more positive minded, and compassionate but, I feel like people want me to be miserable along with them. Does that make any sense?
That is why I asked that question. I feel selfish because I want people to be more positive minded and compassionate with people and life. People say and do the most hurtful things and it makes it hard for me to re-connect or make new friends. I know people say, that without taking a risk you'll never know. I'm just afraid of sliding back to putting the mask on and playing the part and being miserable again.