Next to Normal
I have discovered that college exposes you to many new experiences. You are trusted with more independence. You are exposed to a new environment filled with a diverse collection of people. Your mind is expanded in the classroom and in the real world.
In my time at college, I like to believe I've learned a thing or two. These include language acquisition in adolescents, the kinship system of the Yanomamo people, and how to help an intoxicated roommate stumble into her bed at 4 in the morning.
I have also made a few observations about my fellow university students. We struggle with waking up early. We will sacrifice our reputation in order to get free food or a free t-shirt. We will always procrastinate, no matter how far in advance we know about a project. Also, we are terrified of going against the norm.
Today's society encourages us to stand out, to make a name for ourselves. However, at the same time, it yells at us to conform. Conform to the same ideas, values, and beliefs. Change your personality, your hobbies, and your interests to be more palatable to those around you. Furthermore, we expect those around us to do the same. We are uncomfortable when people are so unashamedly themselves. We don't know how to handle it.
In a recent blog by SprinkleofGlitter (link below), she addresses the desire to be normal. She talks about how she always used to feel embarrassed when she let her "inner weird"out. I constantly find myself doing the same.
In new social situations, I am either far too talkative or much to quiet, making those around me highly uncomfortable. I am unashamedly vocal about my passion for Harry Potter, Disney movies, Friday Night Lights, and Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Surprisingly, these are not considered appropriate conversation topics amongst general audiences.
Why do we feel the need to be normal? Normal people aren't the ones that stand out. Yet we continually try to edit ourselves for the convenience of others. I'm only 100% comfortable with a very select group of people. Why is that? Do we feel more vulnerable when people see we are not just like them? Or, do we become uncomfortable when we realize everyone is different from ourselves?
My goal throughout this week will be to stop my editing process. I want to expose people to the rough draft part of my personality and not my final copy. By being more open and vulnerable to those around me, I hope to become more honest and accepting of my own awkward personality and the personalities of those around me. Who knows, I might even find someone new to share in my weirdness?
Louise's Blog
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