What makes us all feel so different? Like fitting in was never an option?

One thing that I have always struggled with is feeling different, odd, out of the ordinary. Ever since I was a child, I felt that no matter how hard I tried, I could never fit in.

In my adult life, I have learned that this is partially because of Autism Spectrum Disorder, but it can’t be that only those with Autism feel this way, although the feeling is quite common within the Autism Spectrum. Many other neurodivergent people feel the same way, and so do neurotypical people. It is a universal feeling that most have felt at least once in their lives.

Why is this? Why do we feel so different, especially in certain situations, for example, social situations?

It’s quite simple really. That is because we are different. No two people will ever be the exact same. They may share similar interests, hobbies or even certain personality traits, but they will never be carbon copies of one another.

If you feel like the odd one out in the group, chances are, you are the odd one out, and what’s wrong with that? All it means is that you are your own person, uniquely you.

Feeling different can be frustrating and isolating at times, but it can also be empowering knowing that you are the only version of yourself to ever exist. So who cares what others think about that?

Have your ‘weird’ hobbies, your unconventional interests, your own unique appearance and way of self-expression. If it does not hurt anyone, do it. At the end of the day, the only person you truly have to live for is you. The only person who has to wake up every day in your body, in your life, with your individual thoughts and experiences, is you. No one else. Make the most of it while you still can.

Live for you, not just other people.