On a large college campus, we students are exposed to a wide variety of people. With the warm weather on the horizon, more people will lounge and frolic in the Mall and everyone knows what that means. Oh yeah, I'm talking about the art of people watching.

You're lying if you say you have never partaken in this odd yet fun activity. People watching allows us to take a quick break from the hustle and bustle of school and embrace our weird fascination in watching other people. That being said, it gave me quite the epiphany: I am a very weird person.

Now I'm not saying that's a bad thing. I'm saying quite the opposite actually. Weird people make life more fun. Everyone is weird, but the amount of weirdness per individual is what varies. Here are a few reasons why being weird is a good thing:

1. Weird people have more freedom

If you embrace your own personal weirdness and not care about what people think, you begin to see that there is an entire world waiting to be explored. Trying to be “cool" or “hip" will trap you within imaginary walls sapping the freedom out of your life.

2. Weird people are more memorable

The other week, I was standing at the corner of Oak and Washington, waiting for the Light Rail to pass, and I noticed this older gentleman picking up and playing with snow. I thought to myself, "Well thats a little weird but whatever. If he wants to play in the snow, then good for him." Well, as the Light Rail was passing us, a snowball comes whizzing past my head and hits one of the windows on the Light Rail. I spin around to see the older gentleman looking very satisfied. He then nodded in approval and turned to walk away.

I will probably remember that guy until the day I die. Who knows? I might even paint masterpieces about him. My point is, people who try too hard to fit in end up getting drowned out by the endless ocean of people. If you simply try to be yourself, then people will see you for you. And guess what? There is only a single YOU. Your natural uniqueness will leave an impression on people and you will be quite a memorable individual.

3. Weird people are more likable

Many people think like-ability is about being funny, being attractive, or just being all in all awesome. It certainly helps to be a combination of those things, but what truly makes a person become attached to another person is when they get to know them on a whole different level. Knowing their deepest secrets, their most vulnerable thoughts, and seeing the world through their eyes is what makes a person truly care.

Weird people have the confidence to reveal more of themselves to the people in their lives because they are not afraid of being judged. This type of temperament carries with it a certain type of charm that can be quite irresistible when you meet the right person.

4. Weird people ward off superficial friends

One interesting thing lottery winners have experienced is the fact that the number of their friends and family suddenly sky-rocket the moment they hit the jackpot. And once all of their money is gone, so do those extra acquaintances. In life, there are people who make friends with you just to look good or just to have someone to be with. Many people have their own desires and insecurities in life. Often times, they use other people, either knowingly or accidentally, to hide from their fears or supplement something missing in their life.

It's a sad fact about life, but the good thing is that there are equally as many amazing people who are looking for genuine friendship and relationship. Being your own weird self wards off judgmental individuals who mostly seek social status from friends. The people who will get to know you are the ones who are genuinely curious on knowing the vast intricacies of the skittle universe known as your personality.

5. Weird people have more fun

Want to cluck like a chicken while doing a handstand on top of your IKEA bookshelf wearing a horse mask? Knock yourself out. Even though in actual day-to-day situations we are often confronted with less extreme urges, many of us are reluctant to do things that we want because we fear people will think we are weird. That is not how you live life. Being your own weird self lets you rise above the fear of being judged and allows yourself to have the time of your life every day of your life.

For all you weirdos out there, embrace your weirdness! If more people stop caring so much about what other people think, then more people would be out-going. And who knows? Maybe this world might become a little bit nicer.