Is it really ok to be different or do people just say that to make you feel better about yourself?

It's not just okay, it's essential. You are different, so be true to yourself. Remember that sometimes that may intimidate people, but the people who really matter will love you for exactly the things that make you unique.

What is normal? There is no normal. There aren't people who are exactly textbook. We're all odd. Who cares what others say? Be yourself, love yourself. YOU are who matters, not the other people who are in your life.

It is really okay to be different. Different is unique! Being unique is excellent as it shows you have your own set of mind and ways in life. Being unique also shows you are not just a follower, but you are the master of your own life. Be proud of yourself!

It really is ok. After all, it is the people who are different who keep making positive changes to the world time and time again. For example, look at Harvey Milk who made a huge difference to public attitude towards gay people; Donna Williams who brought attention towards and raised awareness about autism; Stephen Fry who raises awareness about bipolar; I could list a whole host of other people.... If people didn't have differences, how would they make their mark in the world if they didn't have differences? If everyone was the same, life would be boring! It's a cliché because it's true.

I personally think that the only illusion here is the existence of normality. Difference is what makes us human.

Of course it is okay to be different! Everyone is unique in their very own way and that is what makes them so special and valuable to this world.

One of the most dangerous things that can happen to a community is having all of the members agree with each other. This is a really good way to have everyone in the community agree to do things that are terrible ideas. Having people around to disagree helps everyone question their perceptions and lead to better decisions being made. Also it would be be really boring to have everyone in a community be the same.

People say this, but it's in the human nature to judge. Yes, it is okay to be different. When a person is around another who isn't like them, they get uncomfortable and look down on this "different person," but only until they put into consideration that it IS okay to be different.

It is more then okay to be different. What's the point of being like everyone else? Think of it like-- if Thomas Edison tried to be like everyone else, and never invented the light bulb. People probably didn't think that he was doing anything of importance, and they might of put him down, but he did something great. He was himself and accomplished things in life. What will you accomplish if you are too busy trying to be like everyone else? If people don't agree with you, they probably don't understand. Honestly, just do whatever makes you happy, as long as you aren't hurting yourself or others.

Being different is totally okay! In fact its more than okay! IT'S NEEDED! Imagine if everyone looked like taylor swift, or sang like beyonce? Life would be boring! Singing wouldnt be considered a talent and everyone would always look the same and thats no fun! Think of it this way, you being different is what makes the world less boring. ANd who wants a boring world and a boring life?? No one. :) Stay strong

In most cultures, or countries, places, etc. where you are free to express yourself, it is encouraged from a young age that you should do just that: be diverse. However, culture fails to recognize the flaw in this idea; not everyone can express themselves freely, as some forms of self expression are frowned upon. One of these is indeed sexuality. Although it is encouraged that one should be themselves, society still copes with this problem of letting self expression be 100% because our culture has a misunderstanding with some of the forms of self-expression. The uneducation of mental disorders or sexuality indeed causes stigma in society and hinders self expression. In contrast, I personally believe that the general public will slowly be educated and diversity of all kinds will be accepted in many more places.

Being you is what counts. We are all similar to someone in some aspects and different in others. It's irrelevant. As long as you're you.

It is okay to be different however some differences can create conflict so others may see that as wrong

People are different from each other in many different ways, and in many cases we don't even notice. We all have different favourite colors, to say one. Why should there be aspects of life where difference is more relevant than others? Sexual orientation or gender identity, for instance, do not make anyone better or worse than other people, in any way. We are all just people, with our personalities, our flaws and qualities. The problem is not difference in itself, the problem is people who believe difference is wrong, because they have been taught to think that people do not have equal value.

Having different people in the world is vital in developing our society, so that means it is more than ok to be different. As long as people respect others ways of life, variation will always be ok.

Oh but being different is like WOW. I mean, not everybody is special. "Different" is something that people put on when they see you're not as them for some reasons. But different means special. I can see a lot of people that act the same stuff and I'm like: my gosh it's boring. Find someone who is different is amazing so it's more than okay to be different. It's more than okay to be YOURSELF ^^

It is 100% fine to be different! Everyone is unique in their own way, some people just may be more or less different from society's definition of 'normal'

It really okay! It does make it harder to fix in with the groups that are different from you, but that is a little bit of the point. It's about finding people that you fit in with and not those who want to change you.

It is one hundred percent okay to be different, in fact people should be at lest slightly different form each other because our differences make us beautiful and unique

I think its awesome to be different. If everyone were the same imagine how boring this world will be.

It really is okay to be different. It's more than okay, it's awesome. That's what makes us who we are. You don't need to hear it from anyone except your inner voice that knows the truth: each person is unique and special and different and has so much to offer in their own way. So yes, it's more than okay to be different, imagine if we weren't. We'd all be carbon copies of each other, indistinguishable by our thoughts speech and actions. Our differences are our identity and we deserve to embrace them for our own inner self, not because of anyone else

Yes it is definitely ok to be different. I never fit in with my family or at school. I tried fitting in but I did more harm to myself than if I had had no social life. I have two children that are very individual and different. I encourage and support them in how they are comfortable presenting themselves. I always expected them to be kind and respectful regardless of how they chose to dress, or activities they took part in. I have had more compliments about my boy who had long hair, blue bangs, hot pink skinny jeans and a guitar slung over his back. My neighbors loved him, he was polite and respectful, he always took the time to stop and chat on his way to and from school and offer his help if they needed. They were retired seniors and said they had never met such a good kid. He was comfortable with himself because I encouraged his difference and supported him completely. I realize that not everyone has parents like this therefore name calling, being kicked out of the house, disrespected, etc happen. I wish this wasn't so but if you are comfortable with who you are and differences in you, that is really what matters.

Everyone is different. No one is the same. If you feel people are telling you something to make you feel good about yourself then maybe you need to think about why you've come to that conclusion.

No, it is honestly okay. Everyone is different in there own way, and it's up you you to make the best of it, what would be the fun if everyone was the same?

Of course it's okay, it's more than okay! Being different is essential and what makes you who you are. Sometimes people are intimidated by that, and the power you have if you are confident in who you are, but the people who really matter will love you no matter what :) So if anyone ever tells you that you are strange or weird or different, don't take it as as an insult, take it and own it sweetie, because you are amazing!

It is seriously okay to be different. Without different people, life would be so boring, always the same.

Being different is okey heck some of the world most famous people had some kind of diseases or while issues . and if they say that to make you feel better about yourself , its most likely that they care about you :)

It's totally okay to be different. If everyone was the same, the world wouln't be so awesome. And it's the different people that make it awesome.

I think being different is a really unique thing. I am a Myers-Briggs nerd so I will explain this way; some types of personalities are more common than others while some of them can be %1 of the population. Everyone has a different type and being rare doesn't mean being bad, it is just being...a little rare? You know? I think people should enjoy and celebrate it instead of making others feel bad about it. Of course, it is just personality I am talking about above. When it comes to things like being a minority in any way, things can get tougher. But as a bisexual person, I enjoy being different. We have a unique culture and history that belongs to us and I love our community. I think it is always good to look at the bright side.

It is okay to be different, the world would be kind of off if everyone were the same. You are who you are and you like what you like. If you want to change go for it, but only change for you, nobody else.