Yes i can really relate to what you said about it being a war within, it is hard not to resist the change as out identity is built into out old conditioned selves.

Mhm...deeply pervades our sense of 'who we are'.
These days I have a simple philosophy about living life; Do every last thing you feel like doing. But before you do, think about each thing carefully and be sure you can sleep easy at night with it on your conscience. Ultimately if you are at peace with what you do, then no matter what any one else does to you, they can't break or bend you. You are at peace.

The example that you used about your friend is a perfect example of seeing through a conditioned societal belief and as you know it can be very eye opening to become aware and see through their deluded nature in us.

Word, brother. Word.
And yeah, thanks :)
But yeah, social conditioning must always be questioned for inconsistencies and personal anomalies. Its all way more hollow and flimsy than most people realize.