Being normal is not very fun, let me tell you that. Being unique, odd, vivacious, or even mysterious can really put meaning in your character. It may even lead you to happiness. Im a loner by heart, I dont get along with too many people and not many people care for what I say when I know they are making bad decisions in life. But on the other hand I enjoy the more abundant things in life. Such as "useless" information, magazines, books, games, tv, and movies.

I find happiness knowing that there is something to entertain me when I am alone. There are people out there that want to make you laugh and have a good time through words, pictures, videos, and interactive games. Happiness is one of those things where you either have to make yourself or discover on your own instead of having it come to you. But when you are exploring the world for such vice, you have to really look at the smaller or beautiful things in life to enjoy yourself.

i really cant add anything to the above statement that because its true. Normal is a relative term anyway...what one finds Normal another will find Bizarre and mysterious.

A long time ago I heard this little quip. I think it came from Lily Tomlin the comedian, but I'm not sure.

"I want to be different, just like everybody else!"

Normal is just a word that people use to describe what they think 'almost everybody else' is like.

Find what is unique about you and celebrate it as long as it does not come at the expense of another.

Gentle hugs

I like that pepper an...and after all....we are not so'abnormal' as we may think. A lot of people are in the same boat.

Just do the best you can for you. What is nor,mal for you is ok. Don't try to live up to others expectations. Maybe your even too hard on yourself. Work on being at peace with yourself.
Hugs

I have absolutely no idea what normal means, seriously. I don't know a single soul without a quirk physically, emotionally, mentally etc. Kind of makes me think that those without one of those would be in the abnormal category. Are they questioning if they're normal? Probably.

I hear ya. I've been depressed for several years and I'm totally sick of it. I just started seeing a psychiatrist for medication, but I don't really want to take meds to feel good especially considering all the scary side effects.

As I mentioned in previous thread, what has helped me change my thinking is asking a different question. Instead of asking "why won't anyone listen to what I have to say?", ask "what can I do to feel better about myself?". Ask it over and over. Write it on the bathroom mirror. If a negative thought pops into your head, start asking the question.

Normal is a bunch of crap! And it's based on other people's assessment of you. In the past 2 days I've been asking "what can I do to feel better about myself?" I've felt better than I have in months. I even left the house this morning to go to the library rather than my normal ritual of lying in bed until late afternoon, deciding not to take a shower, and then figuring it's too late to do anything productive before I plop in front of the television.

Really. Ask yourself a couple of positive questions that don't use the words: sadness, depression, WHY, hate or any other negative connotation. Preferably start with the words "How" or "What" and see if that changes anything for you.

Peace and hope you feel better.

Oh, another question I've been asking is "How can I feel more sexy?". After the library, I came home with a cute leopard print bra & panty set. Usually I just wear the packaged Hanes from Walmart.

100% Awesome!

I don't think there really is a normal. We may just be different but the doesn't mean we are not normal. I am sorry that you are struggling withthose negative thoughts and staying stuck in them lately. It reall is no fun is it? I am in the same boat almost 30 years. I am only 33 and am now trying to deal with my past since I never really allowed myself to before. You will come out of this slump. It is hard but you can do it!! I am the same way, I am OK but not like people who laugh and make jokes I have little laughter. I can laugh though and maybe you need a little more humor too! Through the day take some time to smile.

As usual, I did not express myself clearly. What I meant to say was that I have given up hope of ever leading a normal life, of being happy, or at least at peace with myself. I dont care so much about being different, it is this all consuming sadness that I cant deal with.

OCD and depression ... which of the two do you think causes you the most difficulty? The reason I ask is I think depression is more easily treated.

If your answer is OCD, then that would be what you want to concentrate on ... and I think there may be fewer professionals in that field than in the treatment of depression.

If your answer is OCD ..then you will need to make an extra effort to pursue treatment for it.

Honestly? The answer varies from day to day. Right now I am very sad. But my OCD is always there too so I cant really give you an accurate answer because I just dont know.