This forum post is based on the discussion held on September 9th, 2015 at 2PM EDT hosted by @Anushka1 in the Guided Discussion Room on the topic: Im Weird and I Know It!

Disclaimer: Although I (Alicattt) was not able to attend this discussion, I have reviewed the entire transcript and have made an outline on what was discussed to share with everyone!

Im Weird and I Know It! Discussion

Hosted by @Anushka1

Outlined by @Alicattt

IceBreaker

What is the weirdest food that you've ever eaten and why do you think it's weird?

Im a very picky eater, so I cant say Ive ever tried anything weird, but this question got some interesting answers!

Eggplant curry

Crocodile

Golgappa

Snakes heart

Mussels

Durian

Balut

Discussion Questions

What is everyones definition of the word weird?

Although this answer may vary, I think most would probably overlap a bit. Here were the responses from the discussion: quirky, different, eccentric, does not conform to the norm, abnormal, and unique.

It's all relative really. To some, it may seem weird, which to others can be quite normal.

What does it mean to be weird if you are looking at it from a personality trait point of view?

If someone has a weird personality, Id say thats someone who doesnt follow others. A black sheep as some would say. But just because its weird doesnt mean it isnt awesome!

The dictionary says unearthly, that is good right?

I think it can only be considered "bad" if it's a danger to themselves or other people different from majority, special.

Has anyone ever called you weird when you were growing up as a kid, maybe not just as a kid, but even as an adult now? If so, was it often?

It seemed like the majority vote on this was yes and fairly often. Its probably fair to say that everyone has been called weird at least a few times in their life!

But you cannot really define weird, because anything can be classified as weird to someone.

How did it make you feel, when people called you weird?

This response was very varied. While some saw it as a compliment, others felt ostracized for it. A large factor was who it came from, and the tone they used.

I actually felt uplifted when I was told that I like/enjoyed weird things. Because to me, I like to be different than everyone else.

Do you think it matters who tells you that you're weird?

Absolutely! Its one of a few factors. Even if it is someone in your family, the context and tone still affect it. On the other hand, it could be a complete stranger and be okay.

I mean who cares, as long as you like what you are doing then be weird, you should not have to change who you are as an individual just because someone finds you weird.

It's all relative, as I've said before. One's weird can be someone else's normal. So for me, it doesn't matter if people think I am or like things that are considered ‘weird.

If its said by a friend, it will not have the same impact than if it is said by an enemy.

I would say most people don't understand your weirdness, thats why, to them, what you're doing is weird.

If someone was to call you weird, at this very moment in time, would you take it as a compliment or as an insult, and why?

Of course Id take it as a compliment because theres never malice on 7 cups!

I think it also depends on how much diversity is around you. If everyone and everything around you is more or less the same, then people who are different can seem really weird.

If someone called me weird right now I would say thanks because it's a good thing to be weird, you are unique instead of being boring.

"They laugh at me because I'm different; I laugh at them because they're all the same.

Do you think if someone were to say it in a negative manner, that would affect your way of feeling about this?

Probably, even when we think things dont affect us, they usually do whether we realize it or not. And bad experiences especially.

Stop worrying about what others think about you and start worrying about yourself and where you are going.

Do you think that self acceptance plays an important role in how you feel when people call you weird?

Being confident with yourself affects everything. When youre happy with you, no one else can get you down.

We are all made so different. Not one person is the same. So, why conform to one ideal of what ‘normal should be?

I think nothing and nobody can hurt you unless you give them permission to.

Having talked about weird, I have often heard the words Weird and the word Freak being in the same sentence together, in your opinion, what is the difference between the word freak and the word weird?

Weird seems to be more acceptable, people can overlook weird as a positive thing. Whereas freak seems to always have a negative connotation.

Freak is a more direct statement of hate where as weird can be interpreted in many ways.

Freak as a verb, is still fine...but as a noun...has to used with caution.

Weird is seen to be an oddity, freak is like you're not meant to be here.

So does that mean the connotations or the subtle meanings that the words carry, could change the meaning of a sentiment?

Definitely! How you say it is just as important as what you are saying.

Do you guys ever try to hide yourselves because you don't want the other person to think you're weird or crazy?

Weve all done this, its hard to find someone you can be completely yourself around without fearing what the other will think.

If you were to meet a stranger.. would you be the person you are with your best friend? I don't think you hide your weirdness with a stranger though, I just think a best friend brings out your weirdness.

How do we deal with situations like these when people call us names?

Everyones response is going to be different as we all have different experiences and react to things differently. While some may be able to brush it off, some will think about it before letting it go, if at all.

Do you think there's a stigma against crying? That it makes you weak to feel sad?

Since were young I think there is the idea that crying is for the weak. Perhaps its just told to get us to stop crying when were little, but it has lasting effects.

I think crying is seen as a sign of weakness by society in general and we get told too much that we should avoid it and start to internalize it.

This quote by John Lennon, "It's weird not to be weird. How do you feel about this?

I totally agree! Everyone is weird in their own way, and thats what makes everyone unique. You will never meet the same person twice.

Everyone is a little bit weird in some way.

A HUGE thank you to @Anushka1 for hosting this great discussion, and a BIG thank you to everyone who participated!

Participant list: @Lee1996, @NatureAndAlgorithm, @TortueDesBois, @limegreenPond7405, @SJ1995, @OneLifeToLive, @ReverieLost, @Apricot91, @MrBrightside7, @communicativeKiwi8917, @Pizzaeria21, @sunshineNrainbows, @Lophornis, @Iamalittlerebel, @CourageousCupcake07, @SophonisbaXavier, @braveOak6100

​(Listeners - If this was the first discussion that you attended, please take the time to nominate yourself for the Aristotle badge, which you can do by going to the My Impact page, and then pressing 'Apply for special badges', below your list of badges)