“People think I’m weird and I’m not sure why.”

“People think I’m weird,” you wonder, “why am I weird?” Being called ‘weird’ can be uncomfortable, and many people experience this. Others might see being ‘weird’ as bad, but it’s really what makes you special. This idea can make you feel bad about yourself, but remember, what’s normal changes in different places and cultures.

When someone calls you ‘weird’, they’re noticing what’s different about you, like your style or how you speak. These unique things make life more interesting. It’s okay to be a bit different – it’s what makes each person unique.

Let’s look into why you might seem ‘weird’ to others and learn how to be proud of these things or change what you want to. We’ll be open and consider the main reasons you think “people think I’m weird!”

Defining the Question ‘Why Am I So Weird’

Feeling “weird” is a common human experience and often means that you feel different from those around you. This sense of being different can stem from various factors, including unique interests, ways of thinking, or behaviors that don’t seem to align with the norm.

It’s essential to recognize that everyone has their own quirks and peculiarities; what makes you “weird” also contributes to your individuality.

Weirdness is subjective—what is considered weird in one culture or group may be the norm in another. It’s also a sign of authenticity, showing that you’re not afraid to be yourself, even if that means standing out from the crowd.

In many ways, being weird is a strength, not a weakness. It can be a source of creativity, innovation, and humor.

1. “I’m weird”… No…You’re just different

Sometimes, people think you’re weird because you’re simply different. This means you have different ideas, different clothes, a unique personality or your interests don’t match someone else’s. They may see you as an oddball because the interests you have don’t align with theirs. However, this is their problem, not yours.

Use your quirkiness to your advantage

Being a little weird can actually be appealing to others. If you know how to use your quirkiness to your advantage, it can make you more attractive to others. Maybe you’ve even noticed a lot of weird behaviors people have.

For example, people may speak in a unique accent or say things that are “taboo” or “off-limits” in your normal day-to-day. Or, they speak a language from a country you’ve never seen on a map.

Finally, it’s all okay. You don’t need to feel bad unless you’re crossing personal boundaries. Don’t let anyone pick on you for being “weird.” And remember, don’t be mean to others about it either.

2. “People think I’m weird”…but they don’t know you

One of the best things about being social is getting to know people around you. You may have a few close friends, but allow yourself to have new experiences and interesting conversations with others. If someone thinks you’re weird, there’s a good chance it’s because they don’t know anything about you or they’re not compatible with you.

Let people experience your personality and ideas

Now, one way to accomplish a better social life is to set a few goals and establish a routine of some sort. For example, make time for weekly or bi-weekly one-on-one meetings at work or with friends you want to get to know more. This will give you the opportunity to talk about yourself, discuss topics you enjoy, and form real relationships.

Lastly, to increase your chances of feeling less weird or awkward, you’ll also need to be open to trying new experiences. Leave your comfort zone, especially when it comes to social growth. Lastly, if you’re nervous about your social skills and talking to people check out our free tools.

3. You haven’t met people with similar interests

“Why do people think I’m weird?” If you have this thought today, keep in mind how important it is to look for people who share similar interests. You’ll have more meaningful conversations and build friendships. 

Join a social meetup group you’re interested in

Groups and clubs often have fun events where you can meet new friends. You might worry, “What if people think I’m weird because I like different things?” But guess what? There are so many people out there who like the same stuff you do. You can definitely find friends who get you!

Want to get better at chatting with people? Check out our post, “Why am I so bad at conversation?” Joining various groups is a great way to meet folks who share your values and it’s a perfect chance to practice your social skills too.

Here are some activities you should consider trying:

Explore local happenings with Eventbrite events
Enroll in a class – Go to lessons.com to find a class near you.
Check out meetup.com – find all types of social activities or create a group for your special interest.

Meet people your compatible with 

4. You need to practice and prep for socializing

Social skills can give you the ability to interact with other people. But, it can be very difficult to develop social skills, especially if you hate it, but the skill is super important. They’re often referred to as interpersonal skills or soft skills, and they’re significant in every job and in almost every situation.

Start with brainstorming questions to start conversation

Having a variety of conversation starters in your back pocket can transform your conversation. Once you do, you’ll see how easy it is to form connections with co-workers, customers, partners, or anyone you meet in a social situation.

Check out a few posts that can help:

• Here are some ways to start a conversation
• Get free social skills tips here

5. Anxiety can make you weird

When anxiety hits, it can cause people to feel all sorts of things that might make them weird. Anxiety is a very real condition and it affects everyone differently. Getting help for it is the best way to deal with these weird feelings and weird behaviors.

Recognize anxiety doesn’t have to make you feel weird

Want to know if you have any symptoms of anxiety? Take a test here to find out more.

6. Depression can make you weird too

Depression is a serious condition that changes how you feel, think, and handle daily activities. It happens when brain chemicals aren’t balanced and can be set off by things like tough life events, sickness, or sometimes, it just happens.

Things like not feeling great about yourself, a family history of depression, or going through stressful times can make you more likely to experience it. To understand more about depression, learn more about depression here.

Emotional symptoms of depression can make you feel different

Think you’re depressed? Take a test to learn more about the symptoms.

Emotional signs of depression include feeling down, losing interest in fun activities, having trouble deciding things, getting easily annoyed, worrying a lot, and forgetting stuff. Physically, you might feel really tired, see changes in your weight, have aches or headaches, feel your heart racing, or feel really guilty or worthless.

These feelings might make you think, “why am I so weird.” But remember, you can get help and learn ways to handle these feelings.

7. “You’re weird”…but they don’t understand

Often, when people think you’re weird, it can come from a negative place. Maybe they don’t understand it’s been hard for you to make friends, or you’re having social challenges, or something unique is happening in your life. Also, maybe you’re taking a new medication, having a rough time with a relationship, moving, or losing a job. Be around people who are empathetic!

You may even be feeling odd because of past traumas

This is why it’s important to be able to identify and cut ties with people who call you “weird” or use it to make fun of you. If anyone calls you weird in a negative way, they’re not your friend and you should probably find other people to be around. 

8. You’re just “odd”… and that’s OK

The word “weird” has both positive and negative connotations. Being a little strange can be a good thing because it allows you to be unique and different from all the other regular people. It can also be a bad thing since it can make others feel uncomfortable if your behaviors cross anyone’s boundaries.

Accept your weirdness and improve behaviors

However, you should never feel like you’re not good enough because of the way people perceive you. Rather, it is important to learn to accept your weirdness and improve if your behaviors are crossing any social boundaries. The right people will find it interesting and will enjoy your uniqueness. In fact, they may even be interested in learning more about you. But always keep in mind other people’s boundaries.

9. Spend time socializing to feel less “different”

Socializing is an important part of life and helps ward off loneliness, raises your spirits, and boosts confidence. It also has a number of health benefits, including improved cognitive function and lower blood pressure. If you find it hard to spend time socializing, it’s a good idea to talk to a mental health professional about it. A therapist of some sort can help you figure out what you need and offer strategies to improve your social interactions. 

Make friends by using conversation starters

Start making a list of open-ended questions to ask people in social situations. These will help you to get past the awkwardness because you’re prepared. If you still feel overwhelmed by social situations, again, you might want to consider getting therapy or a support group to help you deal with social anxiety.

Or, get some free social tips here. 

See the research here about friendships!

10. You might be on the autism spectrum

The autism spectrum affects the way you communicate, interact with others, and understand the world. It can be a lifelong challenge, but with the right support, you can live a happy, fulfilling, and independent lifestyle.

You can still thrive with autism

If you’re wondering whether you might be on the autism spectrum, it’s a good idea to chat with your doctor or a mental health expert. They can check things out by asking about your symptoms, what you were like as a kid, your school days, and how you get along with others now.

Keep in mind, that the rules for diagnosing autism have been updated in the DSM-5, the newest guide used by mental health professionals.

11. Lack of social skills can make you seem weird

A lack of social skills can make someone seem weird or awkward because social skills are a set of learned behaviors that are expected and valued in social interactions. 

For instance, if someone finds it hard to start or keep up conversations, they might seem like they don’t care or are distant. Also, if it’s tough for them to get things like body language, how someone’s voice sounds, or jokes, they might not get what others mean or seem like they’re not paying attention to feelings.

Lacking social skills doesn’t make someone inherently weird

However, social skills can be improved with practice and patience, and there are many resources available to help people develop stronger social skills. 

12. You try to control situations…that’s weird

We always run into people who are controlling. It can be your boss, family member, or friend. You can always expect to run into controlling people in life. Often, these individuals try to control you and your behavior in an attempt to maintain power and authority. This can include things like gaslighting and guilt-tripping may also be used.

If this is you, STOP! Please see a professional to get support.

People are turned off by controlling people

If you’re wondering, “why am I weird?” it could be because you’re controlling people. People are turned off by controlling people. If this is you, it shows insecurity, seeming like you want to feel better about yourself. If you have these patterns of behaviors, it’s time to take action to manage your control issues, talk to a mental health professional.

13. Maybe you have an obsessive personality

If you’re a perfectionist who’s deeply concerned with rules, systems, and details, you could be suffering from an obsessive personality disorder. People with OCPD tend to be inflexible and preoccupied with trivial details, making it difficult for them to adapt to new situations and routines.

Having compulsions can seem odd

They can also have compulsions such as checking the clock over and over, re-reading or re-recording something in their head that they find unsettling, or reliving trauma from their past. These actions can help alleviate anxiety, but they can also become a cycle that leads to more distress.

Please talk further with a mental health professional or your doctor if this is you.

14. You may talk excessively during the conversation

Talking excessively during a conversation can be seen as weird or odd because it can make others feel like they are not being heard or valued in the conversation. Conversations are typically a two-way exchange of ideas and information, and when one person dominates the conversation, it can prevent others from participating and contributing.

Manage your excessive talking

Additionally, someone who talks excessively can seem self-centered or narcissistic, focused on expressing their own thoughts rather than listening to others. This can be frustrating or off-putting to others in the conversation, as they may feel like their own thoughts and ideas are not being heard.

15. Consistently interrupting is odd behavior

In most social situations, interrupting others during a conversation is considered an odd behavior because it can be seen as rude, disrespectful, and disruptive. Also, interrupting someone is essentially cutting them off in the middle of their thought, which can make them feel disregarded or devalued. 

Most people won’t talk to you if you interrupt 

If you’re doing this, it’s a clear signal that you may have a lack of empathy or respect for the other person. Lastly, interrupting can also be a way of exerting control or dominance in a conversation, which can create tension and awkwardness. 

The Intersection of Typical and Atypical Behaviors

16. Over-sharing feelings and thoughts

Over-sharing feelings and thoughts can be seen as weird behavior because it can make others feel uncomfortable. Sharing personal information can be an important part of building relationships but there is a balance between appropriate sharing and oversharing.

Spilling your feelings can make things weird

Again, over-sharing can create an awkward or weird social dynamic, particularly if the other person is not ready or willing to reciprocate their own personal information. Additionally, over-sharing can be seen as a sign of poor boundaries or a lack of emotional intelligence. 

17. Telling inappropriate jokes is weird

An inappropriate joke that makes everyone cringe is weird behavior. Jokes or comments that are sexist, racist, or otherwise offensive can be hurtful to others and especially damage relationships.

Bad and rude jokes aren’t funny, but weird

Offensive humor can be a signal that you lack empathy and can trivialize the experiences of those who’ve been directly affected by these issues and can perpetuate harmful stereotypes. In most social situations, it’s important to be mindful of others’ feelings and to avoid making jokes or comments that are hurtful or offensive to others. 

18. You don’t care about societal expectations

People may perceive you as someone who doesn’t live their life based on societal expectations and is weird or odd. It’s like because societal expectations are often deeply ingrained in cultural norms and values. 

Also, when someone deviates from these expectations, they may be seen as challenging or threatening what’s “normal”. For example, if someone chooses to pursue a non-traditional career path or lifestyle, they may be seen as going against the norm. So, unfortunately, some may face criticism from others who see their choices as unconventional or unacceptable.

19. Spending time alone seems weird … But …

Some people think someone who likes spending time alone is weird. But as we said, there’s usually a cultural expectation that being social and outgoing is “normal” or desirable. In many cultures, extroversion, and socialization are highly valued, and people who prefer solitude or quiet activities may be seen as antisocial or abnormal.

Additionally, people may also misunderstand the reasons why someone enjoys spending time alone. For example, many people prefer solitude because they find it rejuvenating or energizing, but others may interpret this as a sign of depression or social anxiety. However, if you think you might be depressed or anxious take it seriously. Take a quiz here to see if you’re depressed or anxious.  

20. Simply, you just have idiosyncratic behaviors

One unique reason why people may perceive someone as weird or odd is due to their unusual or idiosyncratic behaviors. For example, if someone has a habit of speaking in a made-up language or wearing mismatched clothing, others may perceive them as strange or eccentric.

Unusual behaviors can sometimes be a sign of underlying mental health issues or developmental disorders, such as autism spectrum disorder. However, it’s important not to jump to conclusions or make assumptions about someone’s behavior without understanding the context or the person themselves.

In some cases, what may seem like an odd behavior to others may be a harmless or even positive expression of individuality or creativity. People who are unapologetically themselves, even if it means going against social norms or expectations, can be seen as inspiring or admirable by those who value authenticity and nonconformity.

Research says, “Weird can be positive”

Studies and research support the idea that diversity and individuality are very important for personal and societal well-being. Here are some examples:

• The journal Social Psychological and Personality Science found that people who feel comfortable expressing their true selves are more likely to experience positive emotions and greater life satisfaction.
• Another study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that diverse groups are better at problem-solving and decision-making compared to people who are “normal” or don’t meet culture norms.
• One study in the Journal of Applied Psychology found that embracing individuality and diversity in the workplace can lead to greater job satisfaction, better performance, and lower turnover rates.

How to not be “weird” around people

If you’re saying, “people think I’m weird!”, just remember, “being weird” is subjective. So, it can mean a lot of things, and acting differently isn’t a bad thing. However, if you’re social behaviors are rude, awkward, and off-putting in a negative way then you should do something about it. Consider the below starting points to improve your odd behaviors.

Reflect on your “weird” behaviors

Weirdness is often a judgment based on social norms, which can be confusing when it comes to your own behavior. So, what might be considered normal to you might be downright offensive to someone else. It’s not the most efficient way to communicate with people around you. This is why it’s important to be self-aware when it comes to your behavior. Don’t let the thought “people think I’m weird!” be true.

Learn how to make friends and improve social skills

Friendship is often formed by unplanned interactions and shared vulnerability. Consequently, making new friends isn’t as simple as “just hanging out.” That’s why you need to be intentional about making friends. That means proactively introducing yourself to people and asking them to hang out.

Shared interests can be a great starting point for a friendship. It’s easy to start a conversation when you have something in common, like a shared love of camping or sushi. You can also ask questions instead of stating your opinion right away. Take a look at our free social skills tools

But … “Why am I weird?”

Finally, avoid taboo topics and controversial phrases that could cause people to think you’re weird. These issues usually lead to awkwardness and may even result in you being shunned by other people. Maybe save those topics for later once you make friends and they get to know you. No more feeling like, “people think I’m weird!”

What else can you do right now?

If you feel like your social skills keep getting worse, or are feeling anxious or depressed, talk to a close friend or a professional counselor about the feelings you have. Or, you can prepare more when you go out to socialize. Joining our community and Download our Tool Kit for free (mini-course, social blueprint, and more). 

If you join our community, take our course, or just read a few more blog posts, you won’t be saying, “people think I’m weird”. 

You got this!