“People think I’m weird and I’m not sure why.”
When you’re told you’re weird, it can be frustrating and confusing. Especially, because “being weird” is usually seen as something “bad” or there’s something wrong with that person. However, it’s not always true because being different can be a strength. Also, if people have called you “weird” recently, it can be a very hard thing to hear. It’s a feeling that can have a lasting impact on your self-esteem and confidence. But there are always changes you can make if you want to.
Now, people may be labeled as weird because of the social norms they break. Such as putting their head down when they sit to eat, clothes they wear, how someone speaks or being very blunt when answering a question. It can be anything based on where you live and what community you’re in. Something weird in one place might be very normal somewhere else.
Again, you might say, “everyone thinks I’m weird”. However, they may actually see something about your behavior that’s unusual or socially awkward. If it’s true that you’re doing something people think is weird, it could be time to make a change.
But now, let’s be open-minded and talk about the top reasons you’re thinking “people think I’m weird!”
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 of the interests you have don’t align with theirs. However, this is their problem, not yours.
Next, 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, don’t make enough eye contact, or say things that are “taboo” or “off-limits” in your normal day-to-day. Or, they play an instrument you’ve never heard of or speak a language from a country you’ve never seen on a map. Lastly, remember, this is all fine. There isn’t anything to be ashamed of unless personal boundaries are crossed. Don’t let anyone bully you how “weird” you are. Also, don’t bully others either.
2. “People think I’m weird”…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. If you let people experience your personality and ideas, you might be surprised at how positively people react.
Now, the best way to accomplish a more positive social life is to set some 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. Remember, try to 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 daily, keep in mind how important it is to look for people who share similar interests. This way you can have a more meaningful conversation and build lasting friendships. One way to do this is by joining a social meetup group you’re interested in. These organizations/groups often have regular events and activities to help you meet new people and expand your social circle.
Now, you might be saying, but, “people think I’m weird because my interests are so different.” But, believe us when we say, we live in a world where you can talk to and meet people who have similar interests. If you want to learn how to have better conversations with people, take a look at our post called, “Why am I so bad at conversation?”
Also, by joining different groups, you can meet people with the same values, also giving you time to practice social skills. 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 – you can find all types of social activities or create a group for your special interest.
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.
Now, to improve social situations, be prepared. Start with brainstorming a few topics or questions that can help you easily start conversations with new people. 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:
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.
In addition, it’s also important to recognize anxiety doesn’t have to make you feel like you are going crazy. It can actually be a normal feeling in certain situations, but it’s important to know how to work with it. Physical symptoms can include a rapid heart rate, sweating, trembling, muscle tension, nausea, headache, exhaustion, or feeling weak. They can all be triggered by stressors in your life and saying “people think I’m weird.” It actually might not even be true! You just may feel overly anxious.
If you 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 mood disorder that can affect your whole life. It’s caused by an imbalance of brain chemicals that can be triggered by life events, illness, or other factors. But for some people, depression can happen on its own, without any triggers. Some factors increase your risk of depression, including low self-esteem or pessimism, family history of the disorder, and stressful periods in your life. Learn more about depression here.
Emotional symptoms of depression include a depressed mood, a lack of interest or motivation in things you typically enjoy, problems making decisions, irritability, excessive worrying, and memory problems. Physical symptoms can include fatigue, weight loss or gain, aches and pains, headaches, heart palpitations, and feelings of worthlessness or guilt. This can be a major reason why you think to yourself, “people think I’m weird”. However, you can get help and learn more to manage your feelings.
If you think you may be depressed, take a test to learn more about the symptoms. Or click, below.
7. “You’re weird”…maybe 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 than 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.
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.
Now, a quick way to change things up so you have more opportunities to make friends is 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.
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.
If you think there’s a possibility you might be on the autism spectrum, you should talk to your GP or a mental health professional about getting a diagnosis. They will be able to carry out an assessment and ask you questions about your symptoms, childhood, schooling, and social interactions as an adult. The diagnostic criteria for autism have changed in the DSM-5 (the American Psychiatric Association’s latest edition of the DSM).
11. 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.
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 these behaviors, it’s time to take action to manage your control issues, talk to a mental health professional.
12. It’s possible 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.
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.
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. The most important thing is to be happy with yourself and your choices, no matter what others say. Even when you say, “”people think I’m weird!”
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. This shows that you’re genuinely interested in the other person, and it also makes it more likely that they’ll want to get to know you better.
“Why am I so 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!