Alternate Identities/Lifestyles

[UnscreenedCaller]

and don't most serial killers look 'normal'.

Ted Bundy is the poster boy for normal looking guys who turn out to be murderous psychopaths, and he used it well to gain his victims' trust.

I never got the obsession with being normal, although I do know people who are happiest fitting in with everyone else, and that's fine, too. But,  I don't even know what so-called non-mathematical normality is, beyond what the cultural norm I grew up in would be and that's just one cultural norm. It's our kinks or differences or interests or whatever rises from that straight line of cultural expectation that make us unique and interesting, in my opinion.

My mother and stepdad wanted a cheerleader type of girl and they got me, the exact opposite. It made for much soul searching and many unhappy confrontational moments until I realized I couldn't change, even if I wanted to. And that's when I realized 'normal' is a pretty damned wide word.

[maureen]

quite right, UC!!!  what constitutes the "norm" has always seemed pretty weird to me!!  I celebrate all those who are themselves-- and loving it!!

[Tarbaby]

I guess I like normal people just fine, but I seem to have a high empathy rating and I notice I tend to have an affinity for people with challenges. Not so beautiful, maybe even disabled… The broad category of people that "normal" people tend to shun, disregard or even look down upon. Even if only unconsciously. I've found they have the same hopes and fears as I but have less chance to find "normalcy" or happiness.

Often my sense of empathy with these people becomes so intense I can't stand it. And I rage at mankind's imaginary God for the cruelty/injustice of their situation.

As a result I tend to go out of my way to help these "less than normal" people and it is hugely rewarding, watching them be happy because of something I did. But you can't be ostentatious; in fact it's best if they don't even know you were the one who made something happen for them.