How important is it for an individual to be normal?

Answer 1

That is a loaded question...first you have to consider what you, in your mind, conceptualize as being "normal". Is it being married, having a family, going to work everyday, minding your manners, always being courteous...some or all of the above, or none of the above?

Some would consider part or all of the above as falling within the realm of what we consider "normal" behaviors. There are such things as what society considers "alternative" lifestyles and behaviors, such as living as a transsexual, being gay or lesbian, choosing to have a baby while being single, etc. While considered to be "alternative" they are nevertheless no less legitimate, important or necessary than a so called "normal" type of lifestyle. I believe in the saying that the truth is found in your feelings. However, I think it can be argued that folks who live alternative lifestyles have a harder time getting along in society than mainstream individuals, because the alternatives for the most part are sterotyped, and not only are they stereo typed but there are inherent discriminatory practices built into our culture that prevents them, or at least challenges from being able to obtain those things that are considered to be at the top of Maslow's heirarchy of needs, namely status, recognition, self actualization. We all need others to achieve and advance in our lives, at various points along the way. If people withdraw their hand if they find out we are one of those "odd ducks" then not only do we get set back, but society as a whole gets set back just a little bit more.

So in general, on the face of it it is important for us to at least present the appearance of being normal and "fitting in" to some extent with the rest of society if we are ever going to make advances. Think about what your goals are, and what will it take to achieve those goals. You need others to help you achieve them. What are the proper behaviors you need to have in order to obtain the trust of these other people so that you can get the help you need to advance? We need others to achieve and accomplish, no man is an island.

As long as what you are doing is not hurting yourself or others, then don't worry about what others are saying. But kindness towards others goes a long way. If you are a likeable person, people will often be willing to accept you, eccentricities and all.

Answer 2

to answer to this question, we have to know first what does normal means !?
As for me, normal doesn't really means a lot !! just because it's a very relative concept, that's why somethings that seems to be normal for you, will not be as much normal for an another person...so i think that what is really important to do is to find out your own balance and your own logic (of course there are limits, bounds to respect) no matter what the others will say, if you wanna do something, just do it, don't care if it's enough normal or not ;-)

Answer 3

There is no such thing as normal, whats normal to 1 person might not be normal to another, unfortunately despite this most people strive to be normal to what is socially acceptable including myself, I have a self harm problem & recently discovered that I have OCD & all I could think was I wish I was normal, but what is normal? It's going to take time for me to accept this problem & I imagine there will always be a small part of me that will crave the normality that is socially acceptable but I guess I will just have to learn to live with my problem & remind myself that socially acceptable normality is craved by everyone.
Hope that helps. x

Answer 4

you are normal,, we as individuals are as normal as we can be, to others we may not seem normal, that is because they where brought up with different outlooks on life and with different feelings, so in true fact, to be different is being normal, so if you outlook on life is different than ours(GREAT) then you are normal, when anyone out there see's someone else acting other than the way they do themselves they say that person is not normal, but to those being judged they are normal, just enjoy the difference's in us all because we all are normal in our own way. i hope this helps you, good luck

Answer 5

If the individual is normal, it's important.
If the individual is "not normal" he/she probably doesn't really care.

Answer 6

What is normal?
Society puts way to much emphases on what it considers to be normal. To me I am normal, to others I may seam to be alone to much and/or think to much, stay inside to much whatever.
I am not here for those people! I do not think it says anywhere on my birth certificate that I need to live as other see fit.

So it is not important for me at all to be "normal" lol!

Answer 7

i really dont think there is such thing as normal people are going to act the way that they want to act if people dont like it then they can just go somewhere else. there is no one person that will ever be normal nor perfect. if we were all normal then what kind of world would we be living in?????

Answer 8

Use normalcy as the medium of behavior then sway either side to your comfort levels. And then again, as the bumper sticker says, "Why Be Normal?"

Answer 9

Very important, according to the press/TV/other people. It's why bullying, isolation and self image are so important.

If you dare to be different don't expect an easy time!

Answer 10

Not important at all. I don't think there is a "normal" person on this planet.