When I think of the term “eccentric,” I often picture an elderly woman surrounded by a multitude of cats, crafting baskets from her hairbrush remnants hidden beneath her bed. Or perhaps a wealthy individual who collects vintage dental instruments and enjoys salsa dancing with their dog while donned in a tutu.
Traditionally, I’ve associated eccentricity with peculiar or quirky behaviors. However, a psychologist named David Wexler has researched this topic extensively and has provided a refreshing perspective on what it means to be eccentric. On his website, “Celebrating Eccentrics,” he outlines 25 common traits among eccentric individuals, ranked by significance. Here are the top 10:
- Persistent nonconformity
- Highly creative
- Driven by an intense curiosity and exploratory nature
- A lasting feeling of being distinct from others
- Idealism, with a desire to improve the world and enhance happiness
- Passionately dedicated to a handful of long-term interests (usually five or six)
- Above-average intelligence, scoring in the top fifteen percent on IQ tests
- Strong opinions, often believing they are right while others are misaligned
- Noncompetitive nature
- Generally not reliant on societal approval or validation
Well, color me surprised! With nine out of those ten traits, I suspect I might be eccentric. But does that mean I’m on the verge of becoming a cat lady who weaves hair baskets? Not quite. Eccentric individuals come in all forms. While some may engage in activities deemed “abnormal,” many view “normality” as a subjective and inconsequential term.
Reflecting on my life, I see how eccentricity plays a significant role. I’ve made numerous choices that diverge from the “norm,” never caring what society thinks. For instance, we chose not to enroll our oldest child in kindergarten over a decade ago and have been homeschooling ever since. Our family embraced a year of living as nomads, exploring different parts of the country. Looking back, I’ve realized how many unconventional choices I’ve made, but they never felt odd since I don’t place much value on what is deemed “normal.”
So yes, I can confidently say I embody traits 1 and 10. Creative? Absolutely. Curious? Insatiable — I can’t fathom how anyone can get bored. Idealistic? For sure. Outspoken? Maybe not in casual conversation, but definitely in my writing.
The only trait I’m unsure about is being “happily obsessed with a few long-term interests” — unless you count coffee and chocolate. But then again, No. 11 on the list is “Unusual eating habits and living arrangements.” I lack a structured eating schedule and have relocated at least a dozen times in 18 years (not counting that nomadic year, where we changed cities monthly).
By the looks of it, “eccentric” definitely suits me.
The best part of embracing the “eccentric” label is the freedom it brings! Think of those vibrant old ladies in their colorful hats and mismatched socks; they don’t care what anyone thinks. They live life on their terms, unbothered by societal expectations. Most eccentric individuals do this instinctively, but now we have a neat term to describe our unique way of life. Instead of explaining why we don’t conform to societal norms or why we prefer to live authentically, we can simply say, “I’m eccentric,” and leave it at that.
This concept isn’t limited to quirky hermits or flamboyant seniors. If the traits above resonate with you, celebrate your eccentricity! Welcome to the community! Let’s share a quick solidarity fist bump and then continue on our unique journeys.
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Summary
Embracing eccentricity means recognizing and celebrating your unique traits and choices, which may not align with societal norms. By understanding the characteristics associated with eccentric individuals, you can proudly identify as eccentric and enjoy living life on your own terms.