Ever been called “weird” as a kid?
Maybe you were the one with the quirky hobbies, the unique fashion sense, or the wild imagination that didn’t quite fit in with the crowd. Fast forward a few years, and guess what?
Those so-called “weird” traits might just have turned you into the most interesting person in the room. Being different often leads to some fascinating behaviors as adults—behaviors that set you apart in the best possible way.
If you were one of the misfits growing up, you might find yourself nodding along to these nine things that people who were once labeled “weird” tend to do now.
And if you weren’t? Well, buckle up—you’re about to discover why being a little offbeat as a kid often translates into something truly special later in life.
1) Embrace their uniqueness
Remember how we were labelled as “weird” growing up? Well, one of the common traits we exhibit as adults is embracing our uniqueness.
Often, people who were seen as “different” during their childhood years have a greater ability to accept and celebrate their individuality in adulthood.
Rather than trying to fit into societal norms, we learned to value our own perspectives and ideas.
This behavior is not about rebelling or making a statement. It’s about being comfortable in our own skin and being true to ourselves.
We’re not afraid to step outside the box or go against the grain if it feels right for us.
2) Thrive on creativity
Many of us who were tagged as “weird” in our younger years tend to have a deep well of creativity.
We often find conventional thinking and traditional solutions uninspiring, preferring instead to develop our own unique ideas.
Let me share a personal story.
As a kid, I was always the one coming up with outlandish ideas for school projects while others followed the tried-and-true path.
I remember in fourth grade, we were asked to build a model bridge using only popsicle sticks and glue.
Most students made standard truss or beam bridges, but not me. I decided to create a suspension bridge complete with tiny cables and towers.
Yes, it was more complicated. Yes, it took longer. And yes, my teacher thought I was a little strange.
But that didn’t matter to me. What mattered was the joy of creating something unique and the thrill of pushing beyond the usual boundaries.
3) Question the status quo
One of the defining traits of those labelled “weird” in their formative years is a tendency to question the status quo.
Unlike many who simply accept things as they are, we aren’t afraid to ask “why?”
This questioning isn’t just about being contrary, it’s about a deep-seated curiosity and a desire to understand. It’s about not being satisfied with the surface-level explanation and digging deeper.
Did you know, for instance, that many of the world’s greatest innovators and thinkers were seen as “weird” in their early years? Albert Einstein, for instance, was considered a slow learner and his ability to speak arrived later compared to other kids.
His curiosity and tendency to question everything, however, led him to develop the theory of relativity – completely changing how we understand the world.
Questioning the status quo isn’t just about being different or rebellious. It’s about striving for understanding and innovation.
4) Value independence
Growing up “weird” often means learning to stand on your own two feet at an early age.
We’re used to going against the grain, which often instills a strong sense of independence.
This isn’t just about being physically self-sufficient but emotionally and intellectually independent as well. We are comfortable with our own company and have learned to trust our instincts and judgment.
This independence can lead to resilience and the ability to handle life’s ups and downs with a kind of grace that can be hard for others to comprehend.
5) Appreciate the unconventional
Growing up as the “weird” kid often results in an adulthood filled with appreciation for the unconventional.
We tend to find beauty in places where others see strangeness.
This could be as simple as finding charm in a quirky piece of art, or as complex as seeking out non-traditional career paths that align more closely with our unique passions and interests.
Our appreciation for the unconventional extends to people too. We often gravitate towards those who are different, those who stand out from the crowd and challenge societal norms.
In a world that often celebrates conformity, our ability to appreciate and champion the unconventional is truly a breath of fresh air.
6) Show empathy
Many of us who were labelled “weird” as kids understand what it feels like to be misunderstood or judged. This experience often makes us more empathetic as adults.
We know the sting of being different, and it makes us sensitive to the feelings of others.
We often go out of our way to make sure no one feels left out or unappreciated.
We’re the ones who will stand up for the underdog, who will listen when no one else will, and who will always strive to make others feel accepted.
This empathy is one of our greatest strengths.
It allows us to connect with people on a deeper level and makes us a beacon of kindness in a world that can sometimes be harsh and judgmental.
7) Not afraid to fail
Those of us labelled “weird” growing up often develop a certain fearlessness towards failure.
We’re used to going against the grain, to taking risks that others might shy away from.
I remember when I decided to start my own business. It was a risk, and there were plenty of naysayers.
There was a high chance of failure, but that didn’t deter me. I dove headfirst into the venture, fueled by my passion and the belief in my unique idea.
Yes, I faced obstacles. Yes, there were moments of doubt. But through it all, I never let the fear of failure hold me back.
It’s this willingness to take risks and face potential failure that often sets us “weird” ones apart.
We see failure not as a dead-end, but as a stepping stone to success.
8) Seek out diverse friendships
Growing up “weird” often translates into an adult life filled with a wide variety of friendships.
We tend to appreciate people for who they are, rather than what they look like or where they come from.
We’re the ones who have friends from all walks of life, from artists and academics to introverts and extroverts. Our social circles are often as diverse as our interests.
This openness to diverse friendships comes from our own experience of being different.
We understand that everyone has something unique to bring to the table, and we value that.
9) Remain true to themselves
The most defining trait of those labelled “weird” in their formative years is their unwavering authenticity.
Despite societal pressures to conform, we remain committed to being true to ourselves.
We understand that life is too short to pretend to be someone we’re not. We value our individuality and are not afraid to let our true colors shine.
This authenticity is not only refreshing, but it is also inspiring. It encourages others to embrace their own uniqueness and reminds them that it’s okay to be different.
Your “weirdness” is a testament to your authenticity and the courage you have to be yourself in a world that often seeks conformity.
Embracing the “weird”
So, if you were that “weird” kid growing up, it turns out you were onto something.
Those quirks, those out-of-the-box ideas, and that refusal to fit in? They’ve shaped you into someone with a deeper perspective, a unique voice, and a set of behaviors that set you apart from the crowd in all the right ways.
The world might not have understood you back then, but as you’ve grown, your individuality has become your superpower.
Embrace it! After all, it’s the people who dare to be different who make life a whole lot more interesting.
So keep being your wonderfully “weird” self—you’re probably more ahead of the curve than you think.
