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'Normal'

JT

Ive read a lot on this forum and over the years have noticed we often sight 'normal' in our problems.

Just wanted to reassure anyone who isn't feeling like they fit in, or feels they aren't 'normal', or isn't feeling like they are able to become 'normal'....

Normal is exactly what we all are, we are most certainly normal and I accept all of you whoever you are.

If you are 'querky', 'weird', 'diffetent' or 'unique' in your social circle, or even if you feel you aren't in a circle, you are 'normal'.

Normality is a social construct and as such doesn't really exist. What I think we should be looking for is connection, inclusivity and belonging, and for me those things can come from people, interest, animals, stories, genres, art, music, nature, feeling, etc etc.

If you aren't feeling connected, you may be looking for it in a place less tailored to your needs, so perhaps widen your gaze a little? I get mine through the artworld, nature, storytelling and humour.

Congrats to us all for being normal, and perhaps less typical than the next person, you are valued and worthy and important to any community you may be part of or even just close to

Parents

  • How interesting! I would go in the opposite descriptive direction and say that everyone is special and interesting. What differentiates ND and NT humans is the manner in which we process information (both giving and receiving), nothing more.

    We all have the things in life that have been given to us and the things we have to fight for/against. It's about how we deal with things as _individuals_. In my experience, NT people are no more likely to be happy or successful in life then ND people. Modern life certainly seems easier to navigate for those who are NT, but they have different battles to fight - a willingness to accept life how it is and never question why or say no must lead to much unhappiness.

    *I appreciate that I have a tendency to state my opinion as fact, and that I'm lecturing a bit here. This is definitely just my opinion based on my experiences in life. I know that others have experienced different things that have led to different opinions and I don't wish anyone to feel alienated by my tone. I get excited when people have differing opinions, I see it as a chance to learn

  • in reply to Alice

    I completely agree with this. Just because someone is NT, doesn't mean they won't difficulties with e.g. mental health, disability, bullying, abuse, bereavement etc.

Reply Children
  • in reply to Luftmentsch

    Definitely, so easy to think the struggles we have are worse, when actually they might require support in many areas but even NTs have all sorts of challenges that shouldn't be forgotten.

    I just felt we should remember that 'normal' is whatever our lived experience is and we should consider that when looking at how we may 'fit' or not as the case may be.

    But I mean in the sense of self-confidence and inclusivity, I'm not really concerned with the ontological mechanisms that underline the term