I’ve asked myself this question many times before. What is normal? What one person perceives as being normal, another person won't. My definition of normal is something that’s usual or typical or something expected that doesn’t deviate from the norm.
Normal seems to be based around behaviour. When it comes to us evaluating our own behaviour, we decide how to act and what is normal, based on our perceptions of how we see others and of our circumstances. A conversation we have, may seem to be normal on first impressions, but may eventually be judged by us to be less than normal by the end of the conversation.
Our perceptions are the catalyst for what we see as normal and those will differ with each of us. As a general rule, people or circumstances that are deemed less than normal, are usually based on behaviour, which is observed outside established parameters of what is considered acceptable or normal by society.
Society in many respects dictates and sets the standard of what is deemed or classed as normal. Perhaps then, society needs to change and set different standards so more people are allowed to fit into the norm. We should work together to uniformly set the standard by helping and understanding each other better.
That would go some way for us to be more accepting of each other, so that more of us can fit into the norm of what is considered normal.
Normal shouldn't really exist, but I agree with you that society dictates that we conform to a standard expectation in any situation and anyone who is outside of that expectation, unfortunately is considered differently.
Whether that will ever change through increased understanding is a big question, as laudable an objective as that may be.
I agree with you, what is normal for one isn't necessarily normal for another. We all have our ideas of normal and we won't be happy until we meet the norm for ourselves.
I agree Lisa, but as we do that for ourselves, we must also be aware and look out for others too.
I believe it's a way of us finding a level of acceptance with each other… and that can only set to benefit everyone in society.
I agree that we should find a level of acceptance with each other. We should try to understand that cultural and economic factors play a significant role in influencing human behavior.
We shouldn't have to assimilate with the norm to be considered normal; yet a standard of normal behavior should exist in order to maintain a reasonable level of integrity and civility in personal relationships and in society.
In many instances though, our society clearly shows us that what is considered normal is not always right or normal at all.
Thanks Tim. I agree with you.
I would just add that individually and as educated people, we should make our own judgments about what we consider to be normal. Unfortunately society doesn't always get it right.
I also believe we should have more tolerance to try to understand people, what they go through and what is perceived to be normal.