I only just saw this topic now, but interesting because I've been thinking about this of late.
I don't know whether I really went through any phases, but in my mid 20's now, I'm finding myself tired of trying to satisfy others and just focusing on whatever is important to me, even though that leaves me kind of as a loner.
I don't dress in any trendy styles or as a rock fan or anything, I just dress whatever feels comfortable to me, even if it makes me look 10 years older than I am. Even my parents make fun of me, the way I fix my hair (keeping it neat rather than trying to make it attractive) and how I dress, but as I said I want to be comfortable not wearing tight jeans.
I hate going to clubs because it is boring, makes me tired, gives me a headache being in such a small space with smoke, and worst of all, dealing with groups of drunks, especially drunk girls throwing themselves at you (which I do NOT see as a positive thing, much to the amusement/concern of other guys)
Rather than focusing on a successful career, being rich etc, I prefer putting my interest to film & writing music and philosophy and whatever little things interest me. I certainly do hold a stable full time job in retail I.T, but, particularly for family, its still not good enough or impressive.
I like to watch alot of old films, especially old American gangster/crime films (e.g. from Robert Mitchum to Gene Hackman) as well as alot of old Japanese Yakuza films (e.g. Ken Takakura, Koji Tsuruta, Toshiro Mifune), people wonder why I'm so obsessed about these things especially my collection of Japanese films and how excited I get when, for instance, I'm watching "Midway" and Mifune comes on the screen and I start reeling off his filmography.
I don't talk much, I don't like making jokes (especially immature jokes about someone being gay etc at work). Yes I take things seriously but I do have a personality, I just prefer to listen to other people, I don't like the sound of my own voice.
Alot of these come together also.. e.g. Not going out alongside having an interest in philosophy - Alot of my family members joke that I'm going to be a priest. Not that it's a bad thing if one wanted to be, but they insult me in front of others especially alot of my younger cousins who all have relationships - I am just not willing to go out of my way to amuse a girl or 'entertain' her, I'd rather live a lonely life than 'force' myself to stay with a girl who is not genuine.
Maybe my problem is I can't be stereotyped haha. People can be so difficult and insincere that I just have anxiety meeting new people now. People take it for arrogance or depression but I just find it awkward making small talk and trying to relate to others when I have nothing in common with them and probably don't even have a reason to be talking to them (e.g. some people at work).
Anyway it was nice to read what everyone else had to say, thanks for sharing. Sorry for my long post.