Photo by João Jesus

Society’s definition of normal: ideal social life, career, body, knowledge, and personality.

The real definition of normal: typical, expected, or average.

Now in the definition of normal, conformity is a present theme, but tell me what is it we have to conform to? The real definition mentions nothing about an ideal person so why has it become society’s definition? Why has the word ‘normal’ become a label?

I have a bit of a theory. In a world with tragedy and confusion, I believe we are all trying to find our own way and figure out how to cope with our own “stuff”. Nobody really knows how to do this though, so we conform to each other, try to fit in, lean on each other in more ways than one. Instead of leaning on each other for support, we lean on each other for how to look, act, and react. We depend on other people so much and try to be just like them because we think the smile they are faking is real and we want to be just as pretend happy as they are.

So now we are back to normal. With so many people leaning on each other, they all start to emulate each other. Society then describes this group of people as ‘normal’, for they are the majority, and that is how it becomes a label. Normal never really existed, and it still doesn’t, unless you are one of the ‘normals’ seeking a way to describe yourself in an attempt to understand yourself. Leaning on other people for support can be cathartic, but don’t lean on others to change aspects of yourself.

Be abnormal. Look, act, and react differently. Own your ~weirdness~ and embrace your individuality. Normal is overrated anyway.