(1) Conformity (to some level). I tried really hard to fit in when I was younger, but I never did, and it didn't make me very happy. As I wasn't very good at it, I gave it up, and life has been easier since (though other people have tried to put me down about it).
(2) My teaching career. I am SO glad I gave up the "proper" career that made my family proud, because it ruined my mental health.
(3) I moved sufficiently far away from my family that I have a never-ending supply of privacy, independence and peace. There is also much less pressure to be their version of 'normal'! I like most of them very much, but it's easier when you're not all living on top of each other in a small area. Also, I am not expected to pretend that I like my sibling more than once or twice a year... (we are two extremely different people, and have nothing in common apart from our parents and our eye colour. Conversations are strained at best).
(3) TV. I was never really one for watching it, but I do not miss the background noise or the depressing tone of newsreaders!
(4) Living in a "busy" area. OK, I've never lived in a city, but I prefer rural countryside as it is less people-y out there!