Always the Weirdo

I wonder why there is such a negative connotation surrounding those who are different from the rest. Possessing specific passions, standing out, and thinking differently automatically place people into this category of “weird.”

What is wrong with being a little weird? Do people secretly want to explore their weird side and choose not to for fear of social isolation? Do they project this inner frustration on those who decide it’s okay to not completely fit in?

I personally enjoy standing out a bit and appreciate those who have the courage to be themselves in spite of likely condemnation by those around them. I think weird people are interesting. They are always successful in making situations unforgettable.

Some of the weirdest people I’ve met in my life are my closest friends. They dress as they please, explore to the greatest depths what they’re passionate about, and speak their minds. If quietly going along with social norms, refusing to question any aspect that doesn’t fully make sense, and acting the same as everyone else is normal, then why would anyone want to be normal?

Still though, it sometimes gets under my skin when I hear people have been talking behind my back because I may be a bit quirky. While I see this as a reason to celebrate one’s individuality, others perceive it quite differently.

No “normal” person has ever changed the world because the act of questioning the state of how things are is weird in and of itself. Normality is merely blindly accepting social norms, while failing to recognize the fact that norms are fluid.

The rules that govern how we are “supposed” to act are completely arbitrary. There are no inherently normal traits or personalities. There only exists the average of how people choose to act given their specific cultures, time periods, and environments.

Being weird is wonderful. It has enriched my life despite the occasional feelings of isolation. It has allowed me to meet people who possess interesting qualities and talents, who then expanded my mind and allowed me to see other possibilities. No matter how hard I’ve tried to fit in over the course of my life, my efforts were fruitless. It honestly felt so unnatural that I was never able to understand how certain people can successfully fit in all the time.

I hope others who don’t quite fit in start to see it as a strength as opposed to a weakness that needs to be hidden away. We need more weird people in this world, and coming to terms with the fact that once you start being fully yourself, it will repel a lot of people who aren’t quite comfortable with themselves. But that’s okay. I don’t think our ultimate goal in life should be to be liked by everyone, it should be to be liked by ourselves for all that we are.