People who stand out from the crowd

Yeah, restlessbison4. In certain parts of America, you're actually considered special just for buckling your seatbelt, not spitting out the window, and saying "please," "thank you," and "have a nice day."

But that's a whole different conversation.

Honestly, it's probably best to just ignore it. Just find your own crowd—people who share your interests, whatever those may be.

Jerry Martinez5 said:I’m not trying to be difficult here, I’m just asking: how old are you? It’s perfectly normal for puberty to hit and make you feel like you're some special, one-of-a-kind individual among billions of people. Like, it's just you suffering, you're the only different one. I’m assuming it’s just one of those growing pains phases.

Hmm... well, for the people who are actually told they're "special," they usually don't even want to admit it—they won't show it. I knew this guy back in high school—we were in the same grade for four years—and he didn't talk to a single soul. Every teenager thinks they're unique during puberty, but look—if you spend four years in the same class with thirty other kids and don't say a word to anyone the entire time, obviously you're going to be different from the rest. It's not about being better; you're just different. Naturally, then people label you a "psycho" or a freak, but that doesn't actually mean anything.

In my book, truly special people are someone like Einstein (pure brilliance), or Dr. Hannibal Lecter—he had that specific kind of charisma, a sharp mind, and let's be honest, he was good-looking too! 😁

Donna Wood52 said:Hmm... well, for the people who are actually told they're "special," they usually don't even want to admit it—they won't show it. I knew this guy back in high school—we were in the same grade for four years—and he didn't talk to a single soul. Every teenager thinks they're unique during puberty, but look—if you spend four years in the same class with thirty other kids and don't say a word to anyone the entire time, obviously you're going to be different from the rest. It's not about being better; you're just different. Naturally, then people label you a "psycho" or a freak, but that doesn't actually mean anything.

In my book, truly special people are someone like Einstein (pure brilliance), or Dr. Hannibal Lecter—he had that specific kind of charisma, a sharp mind, and let's be honest, he was good-looking too! 😁

You know he isn't real, right? 😬

I was actually referring to a film role. I mean, if they show up on screen, that counts as an acting credit, doesn't it? 😍

Donna Wood52 said:Hmm... well, for the people who are actually told they're "special," they usually don't even want to admit it—they won't show it. I knew this guy back in high school—we were in the same grade for four years—and he didn't talk to a single soul. Every teenager thinks they're unique during puberty, but look—if you spend four years in the same class with thirty other kids and don't say a word to anyone the entire time, obviously you're going to be different from the rest. It's not about being better; you're just different. Naturally, then people label you a "psycho" or a freak, but that doesn't actually mean anything.

In my book, truly special people are someone like Einstein (pure brilliance), or Dr. Hannibal Lecter—he had that specific kind of charisma, a sharp mind, and let's be honest, he was good-looking too! 😁

Donna Wood52, that's exactly why I said it: it's a matter of age. In late elementary or high school, if someone is overweight, wears glasses, stutters, or has big ears... if there's any trait that sets them apart from the crowd, that environment treats them as "weird."

It’s not like that later on. In college, I studied with people who didn't just skip social outings, they barely even acknowledged their classmates. It's the same at work now. But as you get older, it isn't seen as weird anymore. You just realize there are all kinds of people out there.

Though, in small towns, those types probably carry the "weirdo" label forever. If they live in a major city, though, not so much.

For example, when I was in high school, I thought I was part of the "weird" crowd. It was a bit of a shock when I started college and realized I wasn't actually special—suddenly I was surrounded by hundreds of other "special" people who listen to the same weird music and act and dress weirdly too. 🙂

Jerry Martinez5 said:Yeah, restlessbison4. In certain parts of America, you're actually considered special just for buckling your seatbelt, not spitting out the window, and saying "please," "thank you," and "have a nice day."

But that's a whole different conversation.

Honestly, it's probably best to just ignore it. Just find your own crowd—people who share your interests, whatever those may be.

It really comes down to those tiny things that set you apart. Like, everyone else is obsessed with overeating at some buffet, but you? You eat just enough to feel full, and suddenly you're the odd one out. Or everybody's chugging soda while you're sticking to water. Or the "norm" is to have casual hookups with whoever is around just for the hell of it, but you decide that's not your thing. Even if you don't watch whatever trashy series is trending on Netflix, people act like there's something wrong with you. There are endless examples like that...

Jerry Martinez5 said:Donna Wood52, that's exactly why I said it: it's a matter of age. In late elementary or high school, if someone is overweight, wears glasses, stutters, or has big ears... if there's any trait that sets them apart from the crowd, that environment treats them as "weird."

It’s not like that later on. In college, I studied with people who didn't just skip social outings, they barely even acknowledged their classmates. It's the same at work now. But as you get older, it isn't seen as weird anymore. You just realize there are all kinds of people out there.

Though, in small towns, those types probably carry the "weirdo" label forever. If they live in a major city, though, not so much.

For example, when I was in high school, I thought I was part of the "weird" crowd. It was a bit of a shock when I started college and realized I wasn't actually special—suddenly I was surrounded by hundreds of other "special" people who listen to the same weird music and act and dress weirdly too. 🙂

Bozo, that's a pretty dumb example. Imagine someone not going for coffee in college 🙄 with a group that barely tolerates them, or at work. I only bother greeting people I'm actually close to or who are okay; everyone else, I guess I just ignore. 😬

restlessbison4 said:It really comes down to those tiny things that set you apart. Like, everyone else is obsessed with overeating at some buffet, but you? You eat just enough to feel full, and suddenly you're the odd one out. Or everybody's chugging soda while you're sticking to water. Or the "norm" is to have casual hookups with whoever is around just for the hell of it, but you decide that's not your thing. Even if you don't watch whatever trashy series is trending on Netflix, people act like there's something wrong with you. There are endless examples like that...

I guess this hits home too. It's weird if you aren't sleeping around, don't overeat, or don't watch TV.🙂

The people who truly stand out from the crowd aren't just the ones constantly fighting the status quo. It’s more about those rare individuals who manage to pivot everyone else away from the norm, all while making sure every single person in that new movement keeps their own unique identity. 😁

hiddenhawk3 said:Bozo, that's a pretty dumb example. Imagine someone not going for coffee in college 🙄 with a group that barely tolerates them, or at work. I only bother greeting people I'm actually close to or who are okay; everyone else, I guess I just ignore. 😬

Right, which is exactly why I brought it up. 😉

Didn't you read that Donna Wood52 was talking about some weird guy who didn't talk to anyone back in fourth grade?

It's the same logic restlessbison4 is using: I guess you're just weird if you don't follow the NFL or whatever?

Jerry Martinez5 said:Right, which is exactly why I brought it up. 😉

Didn't you read that Donna Wood52 was talking about some weird guy who didn't talk to anyone back in fourth grade?

It's the same logic restlessbison4 is using: I guess you're just weird if you don't follow the NFL or whatever?

I guess I'm just a little slow. 🙈

Didn't you read where Donna Wood52 was talking about some weird guy who didn't talk to anyone back in fourth grade?

It's the same thing restlessbison4 is saying: I suppose you're weird if you don't follow the farm or whatever.

Conclusion: we're all special because someone out there thinks we're weird, 😁 even if it's just 🤣in the bedroom.
Well, everyone thinks Donna Wood52 is weird. 🤣 Maybe they messed with his head, and the poor guy would be even weirder if he actually tried to be friends with people like that.

Donna Wood52 said:Have you ever actually crossed paths with someone who just... stands out from the crowd? I mean, sure, we’re all biologically cut from the same cloth—we’ve got limbs, heads, we walk upright, the usual anatomy—but I’m talking about the psychological core, that specific essence of a person's character.

For instance, most people are just... fine. They're decent enough. But then you run into someone whose kindness is almost overwhelming, or maybe they’re incredibly withdrawn—like, pathologically introverted—or perhaps they possess an exceptional beauty, a sharp intellect, or a sense of humor so distinct that everyone in the room is instantly drawn to them. You know exactly what I'm getting at. 🙂

I don't seem to run into people like that very often... 🤷

What’s your take on these types of individuals? Have you ever actually encountered someone like that in your own life?

Indeed, I have felt perceived as an outlier for as long as I can remember. I was constantly met with remarks such as, "You are truly peculiar," "You aren't quite normal," "What are you rambling about?" or "I have never met anyone quite like you; you are truly unique."

The primary reason for this distinction was that while the other boys were occupied playing football, I preferred climbing trees, gathering wildflowers, or role-playing as a ninja or a warrior, practicing various martial arts maneuvers...

I was always adamant about not littering or harming insects. My affection for cats led me to describe them as almost divine beings. I spent much of my time scaling walls and leaping from heights; I was the only one capable of performing somersaults and daring jumps from high walls. Others found these acrobatics captivating and would call me "Japanese." Furthermore, I maintained medium-length hair, which was a startling sight six or seven years ago when most boys had short haircuts.

Moreover, I bear a striking resemblance to Toša Proeskog. As I walk through the city, people point me out, and I have even witnessed young women debating amongst themselves over who might get my attention. People have even gone so far as to take photographs of me...

When I entered the military and had my hair cut short, the entire unit still insisted on calling me Toš... they did not even bother to learn my actual name.

My interests lie in the spiritual realm—in energies, auras, and extraterrestrials. I speak of these things constantly, and thus, I remain an enigma to many.

Jerry Martinez5 said:Look, I’m not trying to be harsh, I’m just asking: how old are you actually? It’s pretty standard stuff—when puberty hits, you suddenly feel like you're some kind of special snowflake in a world of billions. Like you're the only one suffering, or like you're uniquely different. I guess it's just one of those growing pains
.
Fast forward a few years, and honestly, I stay far away from people who think their independent thinking makes them superior. They're exhausting. They don't actually want company; they just want an audience to bow down and say, wow, you're so unique!

But it’s a two-way street: these types usually decide everyone else is boring or dim-witted... so they live in this bubble, clinging to the illusion that they're something extraordinary. Meanwhile, they're surrounded by dozens of others just like them—unhappy, lonely, and special
.

Oh, please, Jerry Martinez5—why does it bother you so much when someone actually *is* special? It just sounds like you're trying too hard to be the most unique person in the room. It's tough for some people to admit someone else might be different. Or maybe you just haven't met anyone truly extraordinary yet. 😉

In my view, the people who actually stand out aren't doing it on purpose—it's quite the opposite. They simply remain themselves while everyone else is busy desperately trying to be something they're not.

So, I’ve run into some pretty strange characters lately

Like this woman at Grand Central just counting floor tiles 😍, or people actually living out of the station 😍
homeless folks, even a couple of drunks acting all lovey-dovey on the street 🙏
I guess they’re just a little off, though. 🙂 (no offense intended)

The fundamental truth is that I simply desire to be myself; if people choose to laugh, let them, for I am perfectly content in my own skin... there is an old adage that says: "No wise man has escaped being mocked!"...

It has never been an issue for me to ask someone, "May I lend you a hand?"... or perhaps helping an elderly lady carry her groceries from the end of the block... while others hesitate out of shyness or social anxiety, I will step up and chop wood for my neighbors whenever I see they are working... one must simply press forward with optimism 😉....
When I clear the snow from my driveway, I find myself clearing half the street as well 🙂
There is truly nothing more beautiful than witnessing people willing to help one another; in that same spirit, my friends used to come over to help me out, and we would spend our time laughing and joking around together... treating one another to good times...

I never felt any guilt about taking some of the spirits from the house; my father would make ten liters of Cherry liqueur (even though he rarely drinks)... so I would grab some and head outside to share it with the community

I have always lived by my own cinematic vision, dressing according to my own style, practicing kung fu moves, and chasing those adrenaline kicks... filming videos, playing music on the street where I sing and my friend plays... even walking barefoot through the snow just for the thrill of it...
Public displays of affection... everything, really... I have intentionally challenged professors when I knew I was right, and I always insist on injecting my own perspective and unique flair into seminars, staying true to my own way of doing things

I make it a point to engage in meaningful conversation with everyone I encounter—whether they are older, younger, or anyone else on a train, in a bustling city, or even in a quiet small town... everywhere...

I have never been one to sit in front of the television; I watched it as a child, but eventually, it simply lost its appeal. I do not feel any compulsion to chase after fleeting trends, for my true intention is merely to distinguish myself as an individual... that is who I am, and that is how I shall remain.

Zachary Patel6 said:Oh, please, Jerry Martinez5—why does it bother you so much when someone actually *is* special? It just sounds like you're trying too hard to be the most unique person in the room. It's tough for some people to admit someone else might be different. Or maybe you just haven't met anyone truly extraordinary yet. 😉

In my view, the people who actually stand out aren't doing it on purpose—it's quite the opposite. They simply remain themselves while everyone else is busy desperately trying to be something they're not.

It isn't about being "hurt" by someone else's uniqueness—it's actually about something else entirely. It’s about how people deceive themselves and everyone else through this forced identity. For instance, when you see some punk walking down the street acting tough, spitting on the sidewalk, and hitting on every girl just to look cool, you immediately see through the act. Or when you see someone wearing a heavy coat in the middle of July, quoting bohemian poetry, carrying the latest New Age bestseller, and staring at the world with "sad eyes"... nobody—not even them—realizes they're just posing. But that's exactly what it is, just masked behind a more sophisticated veneer. I can't stand those types because they're so full of themselves, yet completely oblivious to their own performance. Then, the moment someone points out the truth, they immediately start screaming about being misunderstood or how intolerant society has become. That behavior is fine during puberty while you're still finding yourself, but later in life, you aren't "unique" or "special"... you're just an idiot. Just like a forty-year-old skinhead.

brightwalker12 said:It isn't about being "hurt" by someone else's uniqueness—it's actually about something else entirely. It’s about how people deceive themselves and everyone else through this forced identity. For instance, when you see some punk walking down the street acting tough, spitting on the sidewalk, and hitting on every girl just to look cool, you immediately see through the act. Or when you see someone wearing a heavy coat in the middle of July, quoting bohemian poetry, carrying the latest New Age bestseller, and staring at the world with "sad eyes"... nobody—not even them—realizes they're just posing. But that's exactly what it is, just masked behind a more sophisticated veneer. I can't stand those types because they're so full of themselves, yet completely oblivious to their own performance. Then, the moment someone points out the truth, they immediately start screaming about being misunderstood or how intolerant society has become. That behavior is fine during puberty while you're still finding yourself, but later in life, you aren't "unique" or "special"... you're just an idiot. Just like a forty-year-old skinhead.

Look, you and I simply have different definitions of what makes someone "special." I'm not talking about the crowd who consciously joins a subculture just to feel different from the pack. I mean people who align with groups 😁 like punks or those bohemians you mentioned. To me, a special person is someone truly singular—someone who isn't trying to be anything other than themselves, whereas most people spend their whole lives trying to be something else. Special people are the ones who, if everyone else is doing something stupid, won't follow the herd just to fit in; they'll do the right thing because they actually have the guts to do so—they aren't afraid of judgment and they stay true to their principles. Those are the individuals I consider special.

But honestly, I was actually talking about someone who is fundamentally more unique than everyone else in every way—humor, kindness, intellect, looks, etc. I've encountered such a person in my life; perhaps some haven't, so they can't grasp it. Or maybe they just don't want to admit someone like that exists. Of course, this "special" person has flaws once you get to know them better, but the truth is they somehow "stand out" from the crowd even while remaining almost inconspicuous. It’s a strange thing to describe. Perhaps everything I’m writing is just the result of my fascination with one specific person. 😬

Zachary Patel6 said:Look, you and I simply have different definitions of what makes someone "special." I'm not talking about the crowd who consciously joins a subculture just to feel different from the pack. I mean people who align with groups 😁 like punks or those bohemians you mentioned. To me, a special person is someone truly singular—someone who isn't trying to be anything other than themselves, whereas most people spend their whole lives trying to be something else. Special people are the ones who, if everyone else is doing something stupid, won't follow the herd just to fit in; they'll do the right thing because they actually have the guts to do so—they aren't afraid of judgment and they stay true to their principles. Those are the individuals I consider special.

But honestly, I was actually talking about someone who is fundamentally more unique than everyone else in every way—humor, kindness, intellect, looks, etc. I've encountered such a person in my life; perhaps some haven't, so they can't grasp it. Or maybe they just don't want to admit someone like that exists. Of course, this "special" person has flaws once you get to know them better, but the truth is they somehow "stand out" from the crowd even while remaining almost inconspicuous. It’s a strange thing to describe. Perhaps everything I’m writing is just the result of my fascination with one specific person. 😬

Or maybe you're just in love.😉

Zachary Patel6 said:Look, you and I simply have different definitions of what makes someone "special." I'm not talking about the crowd who consciously joins a subculture just to feel different from the pack. I mean people who align with groups 😁 like punks or those bohemians you mentioned. To me, a special person is someone truly singular—someone who isn't trying to be anything other than themselves, whereas most people spend their whole lives trying to be something else. Special people are the ones who, if everyone else is doing something stupid, won't follow the herd just to fit in; they'll do the right thing because they actually have the guts to do so—they aren't afraid of judgment and they stay true to their principles. Those are the individuals I consider special.

But honestly, I was actually talking about someone who is fundamentally more unique than everyone else in every way—humor, kindness, intellect, looks, etc. I've encountered such a person in my life; perhaps some haven't, so they can't grasp it. Or maybe they just don't want to admit someone like that exists. Of course, this "special" person has flaws once you get to know them better, but the truth is they somehow "stand out" from the crowd even while remaining almost inconspicuous. It’s a strange thing to describe. Perhaps everything I’m writing is just the result of my fascination with one specific person. 😬

That is true, and the world shows no mercy to those of us who are different; everything remains just as difficult, if not three times worse... we face heartbreak from partners, conflicts with our friends, disagreements with our parents... nothing changes, and sometimes it only feels more intense.