What does it mean to be weird, strange, or “different”? Do these concepts exist in a way that is universal and concrete with clearly defined parameters, or does it all depend on the perception of the observer?

Or is there really no such thing as weird, strange, or “different”; just a collective of individuals who are all on different paths alongside having varying levels of awareness. If everyone held a deep understanding of this way, labeling people as weird would cease to exist. However, societal norms and expectations have a deep and profound hold on many of us; so much so that it is self-perpetuating. It is the reason we judge. It is the reason we label. It is the reason we bully.

Judging someone else entails viewing them from a place of unacceptance. We usually judge others based on their appearance or their personality; it is “different”, strange, or weird in one way or another. In doing so, we are – in essence – proclaiming that our beliefs and way of being is the curser for which things should be measured against in order to deem someone or something as unconventional or not. This mindset is not only limited as it is stunted.

There is a certain sad irony to it all because the people who judge others the most – people who label others as weird – tend to be the people who are most compliant with societal norms and expectations. As a result, their words and actions (and sometimes even their thoughts) are inconsistent with their authentic self. There is a part of them that they hide from others.

Ironically a lot of us do this because we are worried about what other people will think; we are worried that people will think we are weird or strange. This is the only reason that holds so many people back from being their authentic self and living their life to its full potential. They hold conversations and involve themselves in social settings and activities that are not aligned with their heart.

All the while, these same people are actively judging others for being weird, strange, or “different”.

In a way, both sides of themselves – their authentic self and their unauthentic self – cause them some level of internal turmoil. If they are true to their authentic self, although it would be liberating, they are more at risk of social judgment and unacceptance; but suppressing your authentic is stressful and depressing. However, their unauthentic self – the self they socially display – mirrors the very essence of what is holding them back from personal freedom.

So who is really losing here: people who judge others for being weird or people who get judged by others for being weird?

I think I rather be weird.

“To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.” ~Ralph Waldo Emerson.