When I was younger, I randomly decided that penguins were my favorite animal. As I have grown older, I discovered how perfect penguins really are at relating to me and why they make me so happy. I love penguins! Here are five reasons why:

5. Penguins are cute

Penguins are just so adorable to me; their faces make me smile.

4. Penguins are family birds

My family is very important to me and I like that these birds have values that are aligned with my own.

3. Penguins have the cutest walk (or waddle)!!

You just cannot keep yourself from laughing when you see these creatures walk; especially when they fall down. They have knees but they don't use them, so it all just looks like a cute little waddle.

2. Penguins cuddle

I love cuddling! Ask all my friends. I force them to cuddle me. If I met a penguin, I'd probably cuddle with the penguin too!

1. Penguins are birds that can't fly

You think of a bird, and you automatically think of an animal that can fly. But Penguins don't fit the bill. In a way, they fly through water. Just because they are in the category of "bird", does not mean they have to follow the "social standard" for birds. Flying may be good for other birds, but not for them. This might just be my favorite feature about them!

You see, I am a human that does not always function the way "social standards" tell me to. I love to be different. I do not mind if I don't fit in or if I stand out. Humans are all unique. We weren't made to be the same as everybody else. So I say be like a penguin; don't follow the social norms.