I wouldn't know where to start Arfie. I used to think it related to those who could function in RL but I dontvthink that's a good example of normal. But if I search my brain I can't come up with any definition of what it is. For me, as it stands, I think that the concept of normal is an urban myth. A societal constraint used to manipulate people into tidy little boxes. To polarise 'them: and 'us' .,.. the normal and the ab/sub normal. Its just divisive. I can't define normal bcs it doesn't exist.

Society tells us what is acceptable/ the norm for different situations, but different societies and cultures have different norms. So its all just socially construed safety nets to make people feel safer. Back to them and us. What's acceptable (I.e. normal) and what's not. Coming from s marginalised standpoint as someone with mental health point. I am already seen as abnormal. But I don't care bcs I don't respect the opinions or attitudes of those judging me. In relative terms, perhaps in their sense of the word. I am more normal than they pretend to be. At least I'm not stuck in a spider's web of lies

Sorry I'm just rambling now Arfie. I can't define it bcs in the truest meaning I don't think it exsists. Its a societal judgement that moved with the times. All smoke and mirrors to me

I know, arfie. Wishing I was "normal" is usually the beginning of a good beating myself up session. I'm very functional for someone with severe PTSD and now diabetes and kidney disease. "Functional" should trump "normal" as the watchword in my book. But till I fall down the rabbit hole from time to time of wishing I was "normal" instead of being grateful that I'm functional enough to hold a good job, have some friends, and enjoy some diversions in life.

How do I define "normal?" A wish, not a measurable reality, like being functional is. I think normalcy may even be nothing but wishful thinking for everybody, not just me. But I can only speak for myself as from here inside PTSD me I really have nothing else none PTSD to compare to. Much support to you.

For grinss, heere's a song for by a guy I saw in concert last year, Bruce Cockburn.

"The Trouble With Normal (Is It Always Gets Worse)"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kybkiiAKMOY

Can't explain what normal is as it seems to be different for everybody. Especially those of us with PTSD. Anymore I look at it as though I'm just me take it or leave it.

Yea, I have often thought, "Normal for me" is the only true normal there is.

PTSD is a "normal" reaction to a traumatic, devastating or horrific event or series of events so there's lots of normalcy here... Great big squishy hugs....xo

reading this it brought to mind a character from the Garfield comic strip.

Nermal.
"Nermal is a vain and pampered cat who regularly and often intentionally annoys Garfield, which usually results in Garfield trying to ship him to Abu Dhabi. Nermal often comes in unannounced (and often on Garfield's birthday), much to Garfield's chagrin. Nermal acts as a smart aleck towards Garfield"

http://garfield.wikia.com/wiki/Nermal

i thought of this character cause this is kinda how thoughts of "being normal" feel like to me- a home invasion. i often feel i am the normal one and the rest of the Nermals out there are just waiting for their chance to get their digs in.

anyhow just what popped into my head.

:O)