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Do you enjoy being different, or prefer to blend in?

 
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[Poll]

Do you enjoy being different, or prefer to blend in?


I thrive on my uniqueness! Bring on the stares and questions!
  18% (8)
Most of the time I don't mind, but it gets old after awhile.
  18% (8)
I wish people wouldn't treat me like a freak because I'm different.
  11% (5)
I am pretty normal, so I don't have that problem.
  29% (13)
I wish I was more unique--I never get noticed.
  6% (3)
Other
  15% (7)


Total Votes : 44


(last vote on : 6/24/2008 2:48:02 PM)
(Poll will run till: -- )
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Do you enjoy being different, or prefer to blend in? - 6/9/2008 11:43:42 AM   
Consecrated2God


Posts: 4984
Joined: 4/4/2005
From: Formerly Jesus Land
Status: offline
Everyone's different, some of us are just more different than others.

Do you enjoy those things that make you different from everyone else? Do you welcome curious stares and questions when people find out that you do things different? Or do you really hope no one finds out, and try to blend in with the crowd?

_____________________________

<--Plantation house in Louisiana
Post #: 1
RE: Do you enjoy being different, or prefer to blend in? - 6/9/2008 11:56:52 AM   
csl7037

 

Posts: 1774
Joined: 3/24/2008
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I also clicked that I'm pretty normal - BORING. But every so often you have to throw something out there that'll throw people off and keep them guessing. There are a few things about me that surprise people when they come out. Even those crazy quirky parts to my personality are a little more fun when people don't see it coming, though. So I also embrace the boring part of me (the majority). You gotta go with what you've got!
Post #: 2
RE: Do you enjoy being different, or prefer to blend in? - 6/9/2008 11:58:39 AM   
HisCovenant


Posts: 4284
Joined: 4/12/2005
Status: offline
I'm pretty normal, so I don't have that problem.

Your poll seems to indicate that difference = freaky, which is why I voted the way I did. I would say though, that I like to be myself, which is different than anyone else... but my difference is a normal sort of difference. KWIM? I have a different personality, different body shape, different style, etc, than everyone else. I don't want to blend in such that I'm not able to be myself... but at the same time I don't go out of my way to be a freak show and for the purpose of detracting from what God made me into and is perfecting (very slowly .) I know that those who are really in my life see me for who I am and will recognize any false front I try to put forward, such as crazy styles or a distracting personality.

_____________________________

-HisCovenant/ Zipporah

My friends call me Zippy!
Post #: 3
RE: Do you enjoy being different, or prefer to blend in? - 6/9/2008 12:06:37 PM   
isaacsmom


Posts: 1997
Joined: 12/2/2005
Status: offline
I love being different! Standing out doesn't bother me. Never has. I had a wild imagination as a kiddo. I used to pretend I was Princess Neferteri from the Ten Commandments and I would drape myself in blankets, put on lipstick and go outside and ride my bike side saddle down Main Street (when I was 6-7-8). Or I'd make myself a poster and sit in the front yard surrounded by my knick knacks advertising my detective agency or my books I had written. I'm glad my parents just let me play, even though I looked completely ridiculous. They encouraged my creativity and let it be. This has made me a bold, confident person. I've always been pretty eclectic in my choices. My mom taught me all about music, crafts, sewing, etc. I entered lots of writing contests for poetry, stories, etc. My dad encouraged me to read books that were well beyond my years. I didn't do things typical kids did. I was homeschooled, which wasn't popular in the 80s. When I did go to public high school, I talked to everyone, even those whom my peers deemed unacceptable to talk to. All people fascinate me. I was very outspoken (although I've calmed down over the years, sometimes it's just best to keep my mouth shut!) All that has shaped me to be who I am now. I guess I don't really look that different from anyone else in my physical appearance (I'm a pretty conservative gal), but I thrive on my little oddities that I enjoy so much. I couldn't settle for a typical degree in college. I had to choose one that everyone asks "what in the world kind of study is that??" I love reading in ancient Greek. I love hanging out with "old" people. I love singing music from all types of genres, from bluegrass to jazz. And I married an odd guy, so we fit together perfectly!!! We love being "odd"!!!

_____________________________

<<< My littlest punkin'
*~*~*Rachel*~*~*
pirtlefarm.blogspot.com

Beware of posing as a profound person -- God became a baby. ~Oswald Chambers
Post #: 4
RE: Do you enjoy being different, or prefer to blend in? - 6/9/2008 12:10:11 PM   
christsstar


Posts: 5153
Joined: 4/8/2005
Status: offline
I don't know how to vote.

I enjoy being unique in that I have my own interests and refuse to blend in and be like everyone else. But I wouldn't say that I am stare-worthy.

I used to be, and I loved it. In middle school I decided that I was going to be different and stand out and let everyone know who I was. So I wore random things that didn't match. I wore boxers over spandex stretch pants with a plaid shirt. I did everything I could to be opposite of the "cool" crowd. It was intentional. I figured if they were going to tease me over the way that I dressed, I was going to give them something to tease. I loved it!! I won an award at our 8th grade celebration dinner for having the craziest clothes. The class thought they were insulting me by giving me that award. I wanted it.

Now ... I just dress however I feel most comfortable and do with my hair what is comfortable that day. I'm definitely more mainstream than weird, but I have my own unique sense of humor and style and I enjoy it.

_____________________________

Christine

Grampa John - 10/23/1920-11/26/2008
Post #: 5
RE: Do you enjoy being different, or prefer to blend in? - 6/9/2008 12:25:13 PM   
Consecrated2God


Posts: 4984
Joined: 4/4/2005
From: Formerly Jesus Land
Status: offline
quote:

I had a wild imagination as a kiddo. I used to pretend I was Princess Neferteri from the Ten Commandments and I would drape myself in blankets, put on lipstick and go outside and ride my bike side saddle down Main Street (when I was 6-7-8). Or I'd make myself a poster and sit in the front yard surrounded by my knick knacks advertising my detective agency or my books I had written. I'm glad my parents just let me play, even though I looked completely ridiculous.


You sound just like me when I was a kid!

quote:

Your poll seems to indicate that difference = freaky


Mostly the kinds of differences I'm thinking of are differences that are not mainstream. For me, the thing that gets me the most stares is my large family. Most people don't have six kids these days, and some days I wish I would blend in a little more when I go out in public, but I love my kids and wouldn't trade them for all the normality in the world.

Some kinds of differences can't be hidden, but other kinds most people wouldn't know about unless you told them. For example, you can't tell by looking at me that I birth at home. I actually do look quite normal. When I'm out with just one of my kids, I blend in quite well. It's a nice change of pace.

I don't think I thrive off of being weird, but I don't mind it most of the time.

_____________________________

<--Plantation house in Louisiana
Post #: 6
RE: Do you enjoy being different, or prefer to blend in? - 6/9/2008 12:35:55 PM   
BlessedMamaofmany


Posts: 2030
Joined: 4/12/2005
From: Just north of nowhere
Status: offline
I am a big bundle of different and I LOVE IT!

I didn't in the past...but my freedom in Christ lets me be who I am and I love me LOL
I cover my head ...but I also have peircings and tattoos...
I have a 'large' family
I homeschool

I like being different!

_____________________________

The Daily Poop
DustySgt
I my soldier!
Geico saved 15% by switching to Chuck Norris
Post #: 7
RE: Do you enjoy being different, or prefer to blend in? - 6/9/2008 1:12:49 PM   
lexie


Posts: 3067
Joined: 6/27/2005
From: Toronto
Status: offline
I guess in the grand scheme of things I'm not that different. While I don't seek to stand out, I also don't seek to blend in, and don't really have a preference either way.

But in my neighbourhood (80% Muslim, and most of the other 20% is non-white) I do stick out. It doesn't bother me at all. It's kind of funny to think that somewhere in Canada, the woman who doesn't cover her head and face is the one that sticks out in a crowd!

I'm the only Canadian-born in my church so that is kind of different. Actually, in our group of churches in Canada and the US I'm the only white person. But race isn't an issue with anyone, so while I may stick out in the picture ("one of these things is not like the other") I don't feel different.

Some of my convictions can make me stand out in the Christian crowd - head covering, skirts only - but it's nothing I think about.
Post #: 8
RE: Do you enjoy being different, or prefer to blend in? - 6/9/2008 2:26:06 PM   
fluffmonkey


Posts: 1622
Joined: 2/17/2007
From: some where over the rainbow
Status: offline
Yeah Im your weird-o and unqiue but I dont mind it thats who I am ^_^

_____________________________



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Jennifer
Post #: 9
RE: Do you enjoy being different, or prefer to blend in? - 6/9/2008 2:38:50 PM   
HisCovenant


Posts: 4284
Joined: 4/12/2005
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: Consecrated2God
quote:

Your poll seems to indicate that difference = freaky


Mostly the kinds of differences I'm thinking of are differences that are not mainstream. For me, the thing that gets me the most stares is my large family.

I guess I voted correctly, then. The main thing I have/do that is wierd is be a Christian. It affects my political beliefs, how I dress, what I eat, how I spend my time, where I spend money, what I own, my relationship with dh, etc. I find that my priorities as a Christian fit in with how mainstream America look to a certain extent. For example, we own a home and maintain it. If you look at the house, you would say we look like a normal American. However, if you looked closer, you would see that we could afford "more house," but choose not to so we can be good stewards of our finances in other ways... which is not the American way!! The same is with dress... I dress well and in fashion, but if you look closely, you will note that I am wearing more modest clothing that isn't dependant on brand/designer name and isn't expensive, but rather is good stewardship (as I have learned thus far. I'm sure I have loads of maturing left to do.)

Among Christians, the things that make me stand out are not visible until I open my mouth and say something totally not PC that is in the Bible but not accepted by Mainstream Christians, like " The Old Testament is full of grace and love."

_____________________________

-HisCovenant/ Zipporah

My friends call me Zippy!
Post #: 10
RE: Do you enjoy being different, or prefer to blend in? - 6/9/2008 2:45:20 PM   
Mrs.X


Posts: 2954
Joined: 7/7/2005
From: Newberg, OR
Status: offline
The way I look, I kinda blend in. And, I don't mind. I cover my head, but no one really notices that. But,t he clothes I wear are kinda just plain...blue jeans, sneakers, normal looking blouse or t-shirt. When I used to go honkytonkin' with my hubby, I kinda stood out because I was the only one not wearing a skimpy tank and painted on jeans, though I'd have the hat and boots.

When incoversation I stick out sometimes depending on the topic. I'm not afraid to stick up for God if He is being insulted. But, i struggle with being the first one to bring up God in conversation.

The Bible tells us that we are no part of this world. Which is something I'm beginning to try and incorporate in my life.

_____________________________

-Stina
From Sweet Grass to the Packin' House
A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger. -Proverbs 15:1
Post #: 11
RE: Do you enjoy being different, or prefer to blend in? - 6/9/2008 8:51:14 PM   
jlp1

 

Posts: 125
Joined: 4/4/2008
From: Chicago
Status: offline
quote:

Everyone's different, some of us are just more different than others.

That's funny, I've been a "loner" most of my life so I never really been into friends, clicks and stuff like that but I have people I can call friend. I don't run into to many "practicing christian" and I tend to be looked at differently if I go deep into theology. The way I act and behave tends to standout and people tell me I have a "different" sprite about me. A side from you'll there's no uniqueness but around other people in the world there is.

< Message edited by jlp1 -- 6/9/2008 8:59:30 PM >
Post #: 12
RE: Do you enjoy being different, or prefer to blend in? - 6/10/2008 12:32:20 AM   
sunshine4God


Posts: 7143
Joined: 4/11/2005
From: Sterling Ct.
Status: offline
I am a follower and up on all the trends and stuff,but am still different in lots of ways.I don't drink,smoke,swear,etc. I am also different than others since I have learning problems,but have gotten used to it.

_____________________________

Matthew 5:16.
"Let your light so shine before men that they will see
your good deeds and glorify your Lord".
Post #: 13
RE: Do you enjoy being different, or prefer to blend in? - 6/10/2008 1:44:27 AM   
Kia_Grl21


Posts: 146
Joined: 9/10/2007
Status: offline
I dont think that I'm all that "different" Im okay with that. The things that do stand out about me is the age I look and the actual age I am, the fact that I'm married to the only man that I ever slept with and that didnt happen till we were married, and that I got married when I did. Its not really that common around here. Its kind of few and far between that I meet someone that got married when I did, NOW anyway. Years ago it wasnt that odd and other places its still cool, but around here I get some funny looks! I am working out a few other things that will make me a little more different from the average joe, but those are just personal choices that I have made that are good for me and my walk with God.
Post #: 14
RE: Do you enjoy being different, or prefer to blend in? - 6/10/2008 2:07:56 AM   
loveleee

 

Posts: 79
Joined: 6/6/2008
From: Southern Gal
Status: offline
I am a very very shy person. Especially when it comes to my husbands friends because he is very very very outgoing and has a ton of them. I often get mistaken for blowing people off and seeming to be a rude and up tight person but I acually hide when people come around. I dont want to seem different to them. So needless to say I can ruin a potential friendship in 2 seconds. Just by hiding myself and getting out there
Post #: 15
RE: Do you enjoy being different, or prefer to blend in? - 6/10/2008 2:29:02 AM   
ChiefWannahakaloogie


Posts: 4523
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From: under your bed
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my parents were/are hippies so we were all raised to think outside of the box, and to question everything. im so glad it was that way, because i know that attributes tons to how i am now. i used to be really shy and just didnt like people hardly at all when i was a kid, but as i grew up i realized it wasnt worth it to be shy and worry what people think. being a christian already gets stares, but when people find out im a baker, i'm one kid of 6, i've never intentionally eaten meat once in my life, and other funny/weird/not normal things i do all the time, they are totally thrown for a loop.


all kidding aside, i think it scares some people. thats how i know my real friends and the people who do love me, because they dont ditch me when they find out something 'weird' about me.

besides its much more fun to be weird oh and alot of the times i'll go out of my way to do something weird, just to see how people will react

_____________________________

Ich bin eine wütende bäcker frau, und iche backe dich

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Post #: 16
RE: Do you enjoy being different, or prefer to blend in? - 6/10/2008 3:17:32 AM   
Shugs

 

Posts: 30
Joined: 8/4/2005
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Sometimes I find that i just want to find in and be "normal". Being a Christian prevents that, and then I remember that and i am joyful for the diffrence.
Post #: 17
RE: Do you enjoy being different, or prefer to blend in? - 6/10/2008 6:44:18 AM   
car2ner


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From: just north of Florida
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I like being differant since usually, it is on my own terms. I can chose to blend in or chose to stand out. It depends on the nature of the gathering.

_____________________________

http://www.car2ner.2ya.com
"May your days be long and your hardships few".
Post #: 18
RE: Do you enjoy being different, or prefer to blend in? - 6/10/2008 7:25:37 AM   
waiting2be_called


Posts: 202
Joined: 8/25/2006
From: Canada
Status: offline
I voted "I wish people wouldn't treat me like a freak because I'm different."
I was such a "plain Jane" when I was a child, but I started to break out of that shell when I was in high school, and even more so in university. My husband also got me in to some wonderful hobbies on top of "strange" ones I already have (i.e. sci-fi and fantasy costuming and prop-making, cemetery surveying, genealogy- not odd, just different for a teenager apparently). My friends and coworkers laugh and even snarl when I tell them what I did on the weekend, or if I answer the loaded "what do you like to do for fun" type questions. I still don't see me as being that different and maybe tht's why my different interests make so many people uncomfortable. Who knows...I like my differences, but I am also quite comfortable being my old "plain Jane" self.

_____________________________

<---- My dog Ani, and my husband's TARDIS.

Stephanie M.
Post #: 19
RE: Do you enjoy being different, or prefer to blend in? - 6/10/2008 8:14:54 AM   
Consecrated2God


Posts: 4984
Joined: 4/4/2005
From: Formerly Jesus Land
Status: offline
quote:

oh and alot of the times i'll go out of my way to do something weird, just to see how people will react


I do that sometimes, especially in the beginning of a relationship. It's my way of giving people some warning that I have a crazy side to me, and that if they want to be my friend they are going to have to get used to it! Lol! For example, before my husband and I were married, when I visited his family for the first time, I dropped my fork on the floor while we were eating. Instead of asking for another one, I picked up the fork, looked at it, said, "It's fine." and continued eating with it. I did that just so they'd know that I wasn't a person that worried about things like that. If Erick had had a problem with it, he's most likely have not been very happy married to me, because that's just the way I am.

_____________________________

<--Plantation house in Louisiana
Post #: 20
RE: Do you enjoy being different, or prefer to blend in? - 6/11/2008 12:59:30 AM   
funny_girl


Posts: 882
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I'm a trend setter...or try to be but I'm no freak. I like to be pretty whether in sportswear, jeans, or dressed up. I wouldn't want my hair like everyone else and I want to be in fashion.

_____________________________

"...bad report and good report; genuine, yet regarded as imposters; known yet regarded as unknown...poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything." II Corinthians 6:8-10
Post #: 21
RE: Do you enjoy being different, or prefer to blend in? - 6/12/2008 5:41:05 PM   
nevaehs_gaze


Posts: 360
Joined: 6/3/2006
From: United States
Status: offline
I guess I'm pretty different... in a unique, normal way! Sometimes I blend in way too much and am often overlooked, which usually makes me sad. And sometimes I stand out more than I'm comfortable with, but it's ok. My personality and style changes with the people I'm around and the mood I'm in.
Post #: 22
RE: Do you enjoy being different, or prefer to blend in? - 6/13/2008 10:48:09 AM   
Karaboo2


Posts: 2438
Joined: 2/4/2008
From: Ontario, Canada
Status: offline
I replied that I'm tired of being treated like a freak ... people think that because I'm a HS mom with a large family, that something MUST be wrong, and the kids MUST be abused/treated as slave labour etc ... Also, the fact that we don't allow our kids to have candy or things laden with additives makes us freaks as well (sorry, I prefer to NOT have to take my child to the ER with a major allergy flare-up, TYVM!)

I just wish people would see us as we are -- parents who are looking out for the best interests of their children. If our way doesn't mesh with yours, that's fine ... but it doesn't make us less of a person because of it. (Can you tell it's been a bad day??)

_____________________________

Kara

Tea Drinkers Anonymous

<-- Caleb
Post #: 23
RE: Do you enjoy being different, or prefer to blend in? - 6/13/2008 4:31:24 PM   
Consecrated2God


Posts: 4984
Joined: 4/4/2005
From: Formerly Jesus Land
Status: offline
quote:

Also, the fact that we don't allow our kids to have candy or things laden with additives makes us freaks as well (sorry, I prefer to NOT have to take my child to the ER with a major allergy flare-up, TYVM!)



Even though we do allow our kids to have candy, I would imagine that if I didn't we'd probably get more grief over that than any of the other "weird" things we do. It seems that everyone wants to give our kids sugar! We can't escape it. People would probably think we were control freaks or something if we didn't let them have any.

_____________________________

<--Plantation house in Louisiana
Post #: 24
RE: Do you enjoy being different, or prefer to blend in? - 6/14/2008 8:58:35 AM   
Auben


Posts: 1615
Joined: 4/13/2005
From: Where pines tower and cranberries float
Status: offline
Wasn't sure how to answer this one.

I'm either really normal or I just don't notice most of the time. It always comes as a surprise to me that people think having 4 boys or only homeschooling some of them or being interested in baking and gardening and reading and biology and history or not being interested in clothes or make up is a weird thing. I just figure people find anything that they don't do themselves weird.

I'm just me. Sometimes that makes me different but I got over being self-conscious years ago and don't even notice most of the time. Roommates in college commented on my obliviousness. I never notice guys checking me out or flirting.

In my defense I have a very fulfilling inner life.

_____________________________

Tamara

~Everywhere is walking distance if you have the time~
Post #: 25
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