Let me paint you a picture. Imagine a 12-year-old, barely developed, chubby female whose interests include watching shows on ABC Family and musical theater.
That spritely little cherub was me six years ago, and get this- I was (am) weird.
Since I was little, I knew I was a little different then other kids. For example, I had watched almost every episode of “Golden Girls” and “The Nanny” before I was seven. In sixth grade, I would wear a bright green trench coat almost every day, and one day, when I was a little tot, I tried to play tag with a group of squirrels. I left that game with a big scratch on my right cheek and a resounding fear of small, furry creatures.
So, overall I was pretty much the epitome of weird, and growing up as a weirdo you tend to hear a lot of the same expressions from people close to you. Eventually, you realize that these supposed “compliments” are only ways of tiptoeing around the fact that I was indeed a weird kid. Guess what relatives, adults and estranged family friends? I figured out your secret code and am here to finally uncover it to the world. Or you know to my Facebook Friends, who are mostly relatives, adults and estranged family friends…
1. “Unique”
I’ve heard this word many a time, and I’d like to believe most of the time it was purely complimentary but then there are other times it doesn’t feel as genuine.
2. “Creative”
If I ever did something odd like make up a dance to a song I really liked, or make some video on the internet, most family members flock to tell me how “creative” I am while trying to cover up the shame in their eyes.
3. “Outgoing”
I’ve always been one to speak my mind, and in most cases, to the point where I say something awkward trying to be funny and create a very uncomfortable situation. Being addressed as “outgoing” fits this demeanor perfectly.
4. “Something”
Has anyone ever come up to you and just let out a sigh and said, “Huh- well, you are something aren’t you?” because that has happened to me on several occasions and I like to think this word is used to when people either forget their trying to not insult the person they're talking to or forget about all the more pleasant words in the dictionary.
5. “Quirky”
They might as well just call you weird if they’re going to pull the “quirky” card on you.
All in all though I enjoy being thought of as “unique” or “creative” or just “weird," because- you know what? I am that girl who will choreograph dances in her bedroom or who will speak their mind on a YouTube video or order pajama overalls online because they look neat. I am such a weirdo, and you probably are too and we should be proud.
