The biggest compliment ever: ‘You’ve embraced your weirdness’

Tell people how you see them

Ingelise

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Image by Sebastian Beck via Pexels

Like probably a lot of you, I never really fitted in as a kid. I was one of those sensitive, dreamy kids. Didn’t like to play with the rest of the group and yes, I was picked last in gym class or on the playground. I had a few friends, of course. But I did not really fit in. I lived in my own little world, and I still do a little. Hence, the writing. Writing for me is nothing more than painting that own world. Or the way I see the world.

I wasn’t particularly pretty, I didn’t have an attitude or a cool style. I was also the kid that cried easily and because of all of this, I was an easy target for the bullies. You know, the circle of life, the dynamics of kids in a classroom. I was never beaten up or something like that and I’ve heard stories way worse.

A manual for friendship

A few years ago when I had therapy, my therapist had reason to believe my brain might work slightly differently. Would explain a lot, but I never felt the need to look into that. Because I managed to live with who I am. And I am happy with who I am. I know there’s a bit of a manual when you get to know me. That’s okay, I’m usually quite patient.

While growing up and growing older, I learned that I was (and am) okay the way I am. I don’t have to change. I’ve managed to build my life around what works for me. Sure, I do have to keep my promises and I need to make appointments with people, but freelance writing gave me the opportunity to live the way that fits with my personality. Make a living for myself. And I’ve surrounded myself with my fellow outsiders thanks to my self-employment. Most of my friends don’t fit the standard profile we maintain in the Western world.

Nostalgia

A few years back, I moved to the city I grew up in, where I went to school. Yes, that came with a lot of memories and a lot of weird emotions. It wasn’t really nostalgia. It felt more like working through some stuff. Some unresolved issues — not big ones, just some things stuck in my head. Needing closure, maybe. I also started regaining contact with some old friends. One of them I’ve known since we were six. She was the new kid in the class, I was the kid…

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Ingelise

Always looking for a great story. Journalist and writer living in The Netherlands. On freelance work, creativity, and writing. Not writing a book.