"When you are doing your masters, you will have to bow your head and adjust to the world just like everyone else!"
I thought about that, and replied that many people have told me something similar throughout my life. Parents, teachers, even some mentors, friends, classmate, etc you name it.
Alex, one day you will have to change.

This part seriously resonated with me. The difference is that my reaction was far stronger than a NO! I've burned so many bridges and lost many financial, academic, socializing opportunities over this. I'm not complaining. here. I'm bragging. I'm proud to have kept myself from compromises. I have come close to breaking but managed to hold my ground.