Am I the weird one?

I’ve got a bit of a situation here.

I’m heading into my sophomore year of high school. My grades are pretty much straight A's because I spend most of my time hitting the books. In class, I don't really talk—I just sit there and soak everything up, which probably makes me look a little weird to everyone else. People tell me I’m super smart, but I’m definitely not the social type. I don't say much, and when I do, I keep it short and sweet. Sometimes I feel like people just tune me out when I'm around. Honestly, I don't have any real friends yet—you know, people I actually hang out with who aren't family. I don't really go out because I don't have a crew to go with, and I'm not into drinking 🙂 either. I don't even listen to music. I'm constantly trying to level up and be the best version of myself—basically aiming for perfection—but lately, I feel like I'm just becoming this monotone, boring person. Outside of school, I almost never hang out with people my age. It makes me feel like I'm unapproachable... and honestly, just lonely. I really want to talk more... but what am I supposed to talk about? How do you even start a conversation? How do I find a real friend or actually connect with someone?
Everyone calls me a weirdo. To be honest, it doesn't bother me that they call me that, it bothers me because it feels true. Everyone wonders why I'm so quiet... but what is there to say? I stay silent because I feel like I have nothing to contribute. How do you learn to be funny? Is being witty something you're born with, or can you actually practice it? And how do you become someone people actually want to be around?
What should I do? Where do I even start? I just want to change everything right now...

Help me out!

I guess I’m a bit of an oddball myself. 😁
It might be better to just let it go.
So, you’re aiming for normalcy? Well, you'll get there eventually.
Time has a way of healing everything, doesn't it?👍

Matthew Booth16 said:I’ve got a bit of a situation here.

I’m heading into my sophomore year of high school. My grades are pretty much straight A's because I spend most of my time hitting the books. In class, I don't really talk—I just sit there and soak everything up, which probably makes me look a little weird to everyone else. People tell me I’m super smart, but I’m definitely not the social type. I don't say much, and when I do, I keep it short and sweet. Sometimes I feel like people just tune me out when I'm around. Honestly, I don't have any real friends yet—you know, people I actually hang out with who aren't family. I don't really go out because I don't have a crew to go with, and I'm not into drinking 🙂 either. I don't even listen to music. I'm constantly trying to level up and be the best version of myself—basically aiming for perfection—but lately, I feel like I'm just becoming this monotone, boring person. Outside of school, I almost never hang out with people my age. It makes me feel like I'm unapproachable... and honestly, just lonely. I really want to talk more... but what am I supposed to talk about? How do you even start a conversation? How do I find a real friend or actually connect with someone?
Everyone calls me a weirdo. To be honest, it doesn't bother me that they call me that, it bothers me because it feels true. Everyone wonders why I'm so quiet... but what is there to say? I stay silent because I feel like I have nothing to contribute. How do you learn to be funny? Is being witty something you're born with, or can you actually practice it? And how do you become someone people actually want to be around?
What should I do? Where do I even start? I just want to change everything right now...

Help me out!

Look, being a bit strange is fine. 😁

Just say whatever pops into your head—that’s what everyone else does. You’re just translating your thoughts into speech. Some days it’ll be heavy, some days it’ll be light; eventually, people will see what makes you tick, and you'll find your crowd—people who actually get you. Those are your friends.

Being funny should come naturally, but it only happens once you clear out all the mental clutter and stop obsessing over what people think of you.

The only certainty here is that you aren't going to flip a switch and change overnight. It’s a slow process. Start by accepting the reality that you won't please everyone, and frankly, you don't need to. There will always be others out there just like you who won't mind the quirks.

Yeah, maybe I am a weirdo... but honestly, who cares? I’ve got friends who actually roll with my crazy ideas and bullshit, and even though I head out and grab a drink now and then, I’m not exactly the life of the party. I mostly just live in my own little world, but hey, it doesn't bother me one bit.

You don't need to be some stand-up comedian just to fit in; you just have to be yourself.

Fine, be an outlier. I was an outlier too. It used to eat at me when I was your age, before I finally realized that being different is better than being one of those millions of mediocre souls drifting through tiny, unfulfilled lives on this planet. ...But you? You honestly come across as robotic. Zero passion. Just nothing.
YOU DON'T EVEN LISTEN TO MUSIC!!!
What actually moves your soul, besides some obsession with order and rigid discipline? I knew a guy back in high school who’s been spiraling into deep depression for years because of it ...
He finally realized there’s no spark, no drive, nothing to pull him out of his programmed existence and into a life of actual freedom and ease. He woke up to how spiritually bankrupt he really was!

Get a grip, man... the world is waiting out there!

One day they’re calling you a freak, and the next, they’re telling you you're a genius. It’s a bit of a seesaw, I guess.

You remind me of Elon Musk—just dive headfirst into the science and stick to it; maybe those of us who have been around the block a few more times will actually benefit from all that brainpower of yours.

And honestly? You aren't funny, so don't kill yourself trying to be. Just let it go.

Show us some skin. 😁

Just lean into what you’re actually good at... if you play your cards right, in ten years or so, you might actually look back and thank yourself for being this socially awkward, hyper-intelligent weirdo.

Because while you're busy grinding away at some prestigious research lab like MIT, your "hilarious" little buddies will be out hitting the local bars, shouting, "Come on, just one more round!" 🙂

crimsonhound80 said:One day they’re calling you a freak, and the next, they’re telling you you're a genius. It’s a bit of a seesaw, I guess.

You remind me of Elon Musk—just dive headfirst into the science and stick to it; maybe those of us who have been around the block a few more times will actually benefit from all that brainpower of yours.

And honestly? You aren't funny, so don't kill yourself trying to be. Just let it go.

Show us some skin. 😁

Just lean into what you’re actually good at... if you play your cards right, in ten years or so, you might actually look back and thank yourself for being this socially awkward, hyper-intelligent weirdo.

Because while you're busy grinding away at some prestigious research lab like MIT, your "hilarious" little buddies will be out hitting the local bars, shouting, "Come on, just one more round!" 🙂

🤣 🤣 🤣 Crimsonhound80 is being way too harsh—don't go calling the kid a weirdo.😁 😁 LOL

Milosh Forman : AMADEUS
Mozart died old, isolated, and largely unappreciated, spending his final days lamenting how the world is simply suffocating under a mountain of mediocrity... Not because he was truly exceptional, but rather because he possessed the sheer audacity to believe he was a genius (and he genuinely did)

If you happen to be one of those eccentric, socially awkward intellectuals—and let’s be honest, Tesla fit that description perfectly—then this is your inevitable fate. You might be better off just biting the bullet now and trying to blend into the social mainstream... However, if you are a true visionary, then none of that social noise, the endless distractions, or the mindless busywork will ever diminish your creative spark (Albert Einstein)

PS: That is, of course, assuming you actually care about being "normal"

Matthew Booth16 said:I’ve got a bit of a situation here.

I’m heading into my sophomore year of high school. My grades are pretty much straight A's because I spend most of my time hitting the books. In class, I don't really talk—I just sit there and soak everything up, which probably makes me look a little weird to everyone else. People tell me I’m super smart, but I’m definitely not the social type. I don't say much, and when I do, I keep it short and sweet. Sometimes I feel like people just tune me out when I'm around. Honestly, I don't have any real friends yet—you know, people I actually hang out with who aren't family. I don't really go out because I don't have a crew to go with, and I'm not into drinking 🙂 either. I don't even listen to music. I'm constantly trying to level up and be the best version of myself—basically aiming for perfection—but lately, I feel like I'm just becoming this monotone, boring person. Outside of school, I almost never hang out with people my age. It makes me feel like I'm unapproachable... and honestly, just lonely. I really want to talk more... but what am I supposed to talk about? How do you even start a conversation? How do I find a real friend or actually connect with someone?
Everyone calls me a weirdo. To be honest, it doesn't bother me that they call me that, it bothers me because it feels true. Everyone wonders why I'm so quiet... but what is there to say? I stay silent because I feel like I have nothing to contribute. How do you learn to be funny? Is being witty something you're born with, or can you actually practice it? And how do you become someone people actually want to be around?
What should I do? Where do I even start? I just want to change everything right now...

Help me out!

Well, look, my advice is simple: just relax. Talk about whatever crosses your mind—and if nothing comes to mind, then don't talk at all. Everything will work out fine. You don't need to force yourself to be the life of the party or seek everyone's approval. There is a certain peace in realizing you don't need to be anyone other than who you already are—and that being yourself is perfectly sufficient. Besides, you won't see a sudden transformation; change is a slow process, often arriving when we least expect it..

Matthew Booth16 said:I’ve got a bit of a situation here.

I’m heading into my sophomore year of high school. My grades are pretty much straight A's because I spend most of my time hitting the books. In class, I don't really talk—I just sit there and soak everything up, which probably makes me look a little weird to everyone else. People tell me I’m super smart, but I’m definitely not the social type. I don't say much, and when I do, I keep it short and sweet. Sometimes I feel like people just tune me out when I'm around. Honestly, I don't have any real friends yet—you know, people I actually hang out with who aren't family. I don't really go out because I don't have a crew to go with, and I'm not into drinking 🙂 either. I don't even listen to music. I'm constantly trying to level up and be the best version of myself—basically aiming for perfection—but lately, I feel like I'm just becoming this monotone, boring person. Outside of school, I almost never hang out with people my age. It makes me feel like I'm unapproachable... and honestly, just lonely. I really want to talk more... but what am I supposed to talk about? How do you even start a conversation? How do I find a real friend or actually connect with someone?
Everyone calls me a weirdo. To be honest, it doesn't bother me that they call me that, it bothers me because it feels true. Everyone wonders why I'm so quiet... but what is there to say? I stay silent because I feel like I have nothing to contribute. How do you learn to be funny? Is being witty something you're born with, or can you actually practice it? And how do you become someone people actually want to be around?
What should I do? Where do I even start? I just want to change everything right now...

Help me out!

Just be yourself, and you'll eventually find friends who actually vibe with who you are. Try this: grab a cousin and head to an NFL game—that experience alone will probably teach you just how tedious most people can be. Once you realize how much of a drag the average crowd is, you won't feel so lonely for being different anymore. Besides, you have the internet. You aren't some lone freak in a vacuum; there are plenty of us out there. Find someone online who’s just as eccentric and quiet as you are. Maybe meet up to watch some weird indie flick and just enjoy each other's company in that strange, quiet way. Do that, and life might actually feel full.

Wouldn't a massage be much better right about now?.............

Matthew Booth16 said:I’ve got a bit of a situation here.

I’m heading into my sophomore year of high school. My grades are pretty much straight A's because I spend most of my time hitting the books. In class, I don't really talk—I just sit there and soak everything up, which probably makes me look a little weird to everyone else. People tell me I’m super smart, but I’m definitely not the social type. I don't say much, and when I do, I keep it short and sweet. Sometimes I feel like people just tune me out when I'm around. Honestly, I don't have any real friends yet—you know, people I actually hang out with who aren't family. I don't really go out because I don't have a crew to go with, and I'm not into drinking 🙂 either. I don't even listen to music. I'm constantly trying to level up and be the best version of myself—basically aiming for perfection—but lately, I feel like I'm just becoming this monotone, boring person. Outside of school, I almost never hang out with people my age. It makes me feel like I'm unapproachable... and honestly, just lonely. I really want to talk more... but what am I supposed to talk about? How do you even start a conversation? How do I find a real friend or actually connect with someone?
Everyone calls me a weirdo. To be honest, it doesn't bother me that they call me that, it bothers me because it feels true. Everyone wonders why I'm so quiet... but what is there to say? I stay silent because I feel like I have nothing to contribute. How do you learn to be funny? Is being witty something you're born with, or can you actually practice it? And how do you become someone people actually want to be around?
What should I do? Where do I even start? I just want to change everything right now...

Help me out!

- do you think listening to music would help?

Friendship happens gradually. You meet various people and attempt to hang out with them, but not everyone becomes a close friend. Some remain mere acquaintances, some become casual friends, and only a rare few become true friends. You have to put in some effort, but the other person has to meet you halfway too.
It isn't a matter of picking someone out of a crowd and deciding, "Okay, this person is going to be my friend."

Are you part of any clubs? What are your main interests? For example, astronomy.
Try joining a club where you can find like-minded people. It will be much easier to talk to them since you'll already share a passion for the same topic.

DON'T LISTEN TO MUSIC!!!
but then what moves your soul besides just chasing order and discipline...

Silence.

I knew this guy back in high school who's been stuck in a heavy depression for years now...
because he realized there's no passion, nothing to actually pull him out of his routine and into that easy, free way of living, he finally saw how spiritually empty he really was!

That's exactly what scares me.
But what about this? Mt 5:3: "Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven!"

rustyfalcon52 said:- do you think listening to music would help?

Friendship happens gradually. You meet various people and attempt to hang out with them, but not everyone becomes a close friend. Some remain mere acquaintances, some become casual friends, and only a rare few become true friends. You have to put in some effort, but the other person has to meet you halfway too.
It isn't a matter of picking someone out of a crowd and deciding, "Okay, this person is going to be my friend."

Are you part of any clubs? What are your main interests? For example, astronomy.
Try joining a club where you can find like-minded people. It will be much easier to talk to them since you'll already share a passion for the same topic.

Math 😬
Uhh, there aren't exactly many people like me around...

Just lean into what you're good at, and in ten years, you'll be glad you were this serious, smart little weirdo.

Yeah, but then what?

While you're grinding away at some research institute, your "funny" friends will all be hitting up bars, saying "come on, just one more drink."

Sure, but I'll be living alone, just me and myself, being my own best friend while they all have someone else by their side.
And honestly, what do I need all that extra cash for anyway?

None of those social circles or busy activities are gonna kill your creativity.

I don't know... I don't really have much time...😢
And when the holidays roll around, I feel even more isolated because I don't see anyone from school. Day after day goes by... I'm losing time so fast and in such huge amounts that I don't even realize it's happening. Last summer break just slipped right through my fingers... two and a half months, zero friends, and all that time spent on absolutely nothing... 😲

And I don't even like myself much because of it...
There are people I like, and there are people who like me, but they push me away because they probably think I'm not interested in them since I'm so quiet and withdrawn.

Matthew Booth16 said:

DON'T LISTEN TO MUSIC!!!
but then what moves your soul besides just chasing order and discipline...

Silence.

I knew this guy back in high school who's been stuck in a heavy depression for years now...
because he realized there's no passion, nothing to actually pull him out of his routine and into that easy, free way of living, he finally saw how spiritually empty he really was!

That's exactly what scares me.
But what about this? Mt 5:3: "Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven!"

Math 😬
Uhh, there aren't exactly many people like me around...

Just lean into what you're good at, and in ten years, you'll be glad you were this serious, smart little weirdo.

Yeah, but then what?

While you're grinding away at some research institute, your "funny" friends will all be hitting up bars, saying "come on, just one more drink."

Sure, but I'll be living alone, just me and myself, being my own best friend while they all have someone else by their side.
And honestly, what do I need all that extra cash for anyway?

None of those social circles or busy activities are gonna kill your creativity.

I don't know... I don't really have much time...😢
And when the holidays roll around, I feel even more isolated because I don't see anyone from school. Day after day goes by... I'm losing time so fast and in such huge amounts that I don't even realize it's happening. Last summer break just slipped right through my fingers... two and a half months, zero friends, and all that time spent on absolutely nothing... 😲

And I don't even like myself much because of it...
There are people I like, and there are people who like me, but they push me away because they probably think I'm not interested in them since I'm so quiet and withdrawn.

You've managed to sum everything up perfectly in just a few sentences.
... I suppose that's what they think.Why didn't you give them a chance to change their minds? It’s always easiest to just start a conversation with a simple, "Hey, how are you doing?" If someone asks how you are, don't just say, "I'm fine," and leave it at that. That effectively ends the conversation before it even begins.
I’m doing well, thanks. Have you heard of any good math study groups lately, or perhaps a solid textbook recommendation? Also, have you seen that one movie...? Sorry, I feel like I'm just rambling now.

Aside from mathematics, what else captures your interest? What kind of topics do you enjoy reflecting on?

Matthew Booth16 said:

DON'T LISTEN TO MUSIC!!!
but then what moves your soul besides just chasing order and discipline...

Silence.

I knew this guy back in high school who's been stuck in a heavy depression for years now...
because he realized there's no passion, nothing to actually pull him out of his routine and into that easy, free way of living, he finally saw how spiritually empty he really was!

That's exactly what scares me.
But what about this? Mt 5:3: "Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven!"

Math 😬
Uhh, there aren't exactly many people like me around...

Just lean into what you're good at, and in ten years, you'll be glad you were this serious, smart little weirdo.

Yeah, but then what?

While you're grinding away at some research institute, your "funny" friends will all be hitting up bars, saying "come on, just one more drink."

Sure, but I'll be living alone, just me and myself, being my own best friend while they all have someone else by their side.
And honestly, what do I need all that extra cash for anyway?

None of those social circles or busy activities are gonna kill your creativity.

I don't know... I don't really have much time...😢
And when the holidays roll around, I feel even more isolated because I don't see anyone from school. Day after day goes by... I'm losing time so fast and in such huge amounts that I don't even realize it's happening. Last summer break just slipped right through my fingers... two and a half months, zero friends, and all that time spent on absolutely nothing... 😲

And I don't even like myself much because of it...
There are people I like, and there are people who like me, but they push me away because they probably think I'm not interested in them since I'm so quiet and withdrawn.

In my opinion, one of the absolute dumbest quotes ever written is from some mindless little children's book they made us read in Sunday school recently.
They said that quote was meant for people with mental deficiencies!
Like Jesus, he’s offering them the Kingdom of Heaven—mostly because they’re all idiots, so at least they might get something out of it. 😕 🙄

Just find some damn passion. Otherwise, you’re going to spend your entire life crawling around like a worm.

So, what do you think of one from China?

Better to live one day like a tiger than an entire lifetime as a worm.🙄

I mean, look at Albert Einstein—he was considered a total "oddball." Even Friedrich Nietzsche was seen as an eccentric misfit. So, what’s the takeaway? People like that are the ones actually driving the world forward. You can bet your life it isn't the "normal" crowd keeping things moving.

briskranger2 said:In my opinion, one of the absolute dumbest quotes ever written is from some mindless little children's book they made us read in Sunday school recently.
They said that quote was meant for people with mental deficiencies!
Like Jesus, he’s offering them the Kingdom of Heaven—mostly because they’re all idiots, so at least they might get something out of it. 😕 🙄

Just find some damn passion. Otherwise, you’re going to spend your entire life crawling around like a worm.

So, what do you think of one from China?

Better to live one day like a tiger than an entire lifetime as a worm.🙄

Well, that’s just how some people roll, I guess. Personally? I wouldn't choose to live one single day like a tiger. That kind of mindset... it's exactly what those mobsters live by, and frankly, I can't stand them.
It isn't about the length of your life, really. It's more important that whatever little time you actually get, it's lived high.
It's all or nothing, like that old song says. But then again, if you listen to the rest of the lyrics, the guy ends up losing his brother to the whole mafia lifestyle anyway.

Nancy Thompson3 said:Well, that’s just how some people roll, I guess. Personally? I wouldn't choose to live one single day like a tiger. That kind of mindset... it's exactly what those mobsters live by, and frankly, I can't stand them.
It isn't about the length of your life, really. It's more important that whatever little time you actually get, it's lived high.
It's all or nothing, like that old song says. But then again, if you listen to the rest of the lyrics, the guy ends up losing his brother to the whole mafia lifestyle anyway.

Man, this is just an ancient Chinese proverb...
you're totally missing the point 👍

It basically works like this: you give as much as you get from everyone else! So honestly, just forget about being perfect🙂 and go a little crazy, lol! Everything will work itself out eventually...

Don't be like that—everything happens in its own time. We were all awkward teenagers at some point, weren't we? Some people are naturally more outgoing (though back then, they were just exhausting because they talked just to hear themselves speak), while others are more reserved. It takes time. Even at 21, I realize that everything requires patience—I used to be insecure and quiet myself. You really need to work on that self-confidence. And if you feel like you have nothing to say to people your age, maybe it’s simply because they don't share your interests? For instance, I joined a local dance studio, and suddenly I was surrounded by people who actually liked the same things I did. Conversations just flowed naturally when we talked about our passions... that's how you actually make friends!