My sister was describing a friend of hers to me, and she used me as a reference point.
“She’s just like you,” she said, “just not as unique.”
To which I replied, “you mean not as weird.”
She pulled a face and kept talking.
But I knew I was right. And I know I’ve been throwing around the “w” word a lot lately on this blog but I can’t help it. It strikes me and fascinates me so much that people see being weird as a bad thing. That they sort of unconsciously or consciously avoid it. I know people don’t like to be called weird to their face, and I know my sister was just trying to be as diplomatic (and honest) as possible, but what’s wrong with being weird?
Isn’t it a good thing to not be like anyone else? To be different?
But that’s not enough anymore, is it? You can be different but still fit in pretty well. Still be in the in crowd.
What we need is weird people. That make you see something in a new light because you’ve never thought of it that way before because it’s so out there. People who scare you (but don’t terrify you). People who are unafraid of themselves.
I love being unique and different and quirky. But I also claim my weirdness. I like having opinions and beliefs that are unlike anything that I’ve ever come across. (And I like coming across other opinions and beliefs too.) But I fully recognize that I’m weird. And that not everyone is going to enjoy that aspect of me.
So, whatever you are, just make sure you own it. Which, I think, will inevitably make you weird too.
Bailey Dailey 