Some people believe that being an individual is decided by others, and by protocols and rules, laws even. They may treat you as such, or not. Being an individual doesn’t mean you being an independent entity though. That simply is not the essence of being a human. One depends on its surroundings, whether it be animate or inanimate. A definition on being an individual is mainly what’s needed to keep what makes you balanced. Like homeostasis for bodily function. Things that help you keeping this balance can be found in what you hold dear. 

Personally I am quite zen about things. So loss of external attachments are easy to let go of, if necessary.