How to Be Normal

Do you sometimes feel like you just don’t fit in? 

Maybe you have a hard time relating with other people. It feels like other people effortlessly laugh and talk and get along but you just can’t quite jive with them. You might sometimes feel like you’re not as beloved and surrounded by friends as you wish you were. 

This can be a hard place to be in. But rest assured, many people feel the same way. 

Because being normal depends on the individual’s definition of it, there isn’t one sure way to guarantee you’ll feel or be normal, but there are some common practices you can implement to feel more normal. The following tips will help you be more charming and help you more effortlessly get along with other people! We hope they help. 

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10 Tips on How to Be Normal

1. Observe Others and Imitate

Pay attention to the expectations and behaviors that are generally accepted in your community or culture. Take note of how people interact, dress, and communicate to gain a better understanding of the social norms around you. Like with all things, fake it till you make it! Pay attention to social people you admire and make note of the things they say and how they interact with others. Later on, try to imitate their behaviors as closely as you can. You may like the techniques you pick up, and you’ll be surprised at how malleable your social skills are.

2. Practice Good Hygiene

Do you shower every day, regularly wash your clothes, and brush your teeth? If people ever feel like you don’t smell very good, you’ll have an extremely hard time building relationships with others. Be very conscious of this, and strive to maintain good personal hygiene always. Take care of your grooming, including bathing, shaving,  brushing your teeth, and wearing clothes that look and smell clean. This not only contributes to your physical well-being but also helps you fit into social environments comfortably and feel self confident.

3. Dress Appropriately for Different Occasions

Dressing appropriately for different situations can help you feel more comfortable and blend in with the crowd. Consider the dress code and expectations for specific events or settings and choose your attire accordingly. Being the one person who is dressed too casually can be embarrassing and can make you stand out from the crowd (usually in a negative way).

4. Develop a Healthy Lifestyle

Prioritize your physical and mental well-being by adopting a healthy lifestyle. Engage in regular exercise, eat a balanced diet, and get sufficient sleep. Taking care of your health can contribute to your overall well-being and help you feel more grounded in daily life.

Use Galvan to Track Your Health

We know that there are so many factors to consider when you are trying to improve your health and hygiene, and it can get a little tiresome. Sometimes underlying anxiety and health issues contribute to social difficulties and feeling like you’re not normal. If this sounds like you, you should try out Galvan! Galvan is an easy-to-use app that can help you track your health goals, calorie intake, and even the nuances of your voice to determine your mental health and daily mood. Not only that, but Galvan gives real rewards for good behavior. Download our newly launched app here.

5. Respect Personal Boundaries

Understand and respect personal boundaries in your interactions with others. Be mindful of personal space and avoid invading it without consent. Recognize when it's appropriate to offer help or engage in deeper conversations, and when it's best to maintain a respectful distance. Watch for the body language of others because you can usually tell when someone feels uncomfortable.

6. Display Empathy and Understanding

Cultivate empathy by putting yourself in others' shoes and striving to understand their perspectives and experiences. Show compassion and offer support when someone is going through a challenging time. Small acts of kindness and understanding can go a long way in establishing connections and maintaining positive relationships.

7. Adapt to Social Norms

Adapt to social situations by being aware of the expected behaviors and adapting your actions accordingly. This includes being mindful of your volume of speech, following social etiquette (e.g., saying "please" and "thank you"), and being respectful of cultural customs and traditions. For example, speaking loudly in an art museum is not the social norm, so if you are speaking loudly people might view you as weird.

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8. Develop Good Communication Skills

Effective communication plays a vital role in building relationships and navigating social interactions. Practice active listening, speak clearly, and engage in meaningful conversations with others. Pay attention to non-verbal cues such as body language and maintain appropriate eye contact. Small talk can be awkward and feel unnecessary, but it’s often the way we make an initial connection with others.

9. Pursue Common Interests

Engaging in activities or hobbies that are popular in your community can help you connect with others and feel a sense of belonging. Join clubs, organizations, or community groups that align with your interests, allowing you to interact with like-minded individuals. Connecting with others can help you feel normal and accepted.

10. Be Open to Learning and Growth

Embrace a growth mindset and be open to learning from others. Recognize that no one is perfect and that personal growth is a lifelong journey. Be willing to learn from your experiences, accept constructive feedback, and make necessary adjustments to improve yourself.

Conclusion

Remember, while striving to be "normal" is understandable, it's essential to maintain your authenticity and individuality. Use these tips as guidelines to navigate social situations comfortably while staying true to who you are. As stated earlier, “normal” means something different for everyone. Try finding people who will accept your weirdness and who you can have fun with being yourself.