eccentrics

[flipnflap]

who's the most eccentric person you've ever encountered and why? I love eccentrics!

[Andyvon]

Thank you Joko. People who function 'outside the herd' are usually seen as 'different' or 'mad'. In fact, they are simply individuals who don't follow the herd mentality that the vast majority of the populace feel the need to do. I was always berated for not 'fitting in' or doing 'what was expected' by my parents, school and former employers. It's not 'eccentric' or 'potty' etc. I've always gone through life in the manner that I have felt comfortable with. I've never had a 'superior' or anyone telling me what to do. If I want to go shopping or wash the car at 3am then I do just that. I do the decorating in the early hours or suddenly grab my wife and take off somewhere for two weeks in the time we can pack a case. I go for a six-mile walk and cross the fields every night in the dark because it's silent and I prefer that to the daytime when traffic and people are about.

I've noticed the people who realise people like me are free and independent and don't have to answer to anyone, don't like that fact. They are members of the herd and resort to labelling those of us who aren't in that trap with such epithets as 'eccentric', 'unsociable', 'potty' etc.

In fact, it all boils down to us being able to do just what we want to do, when we want to do it. That's what I see when I read the posts above. They are describing the same independent people who can do as they wish and aren't forced to conform.

[welshlibranr]

I think that I'm a little eccentric!....most folk think that I am!........I am unusual!...like to do things my way!.....behave the way I like!.....so yes maybe I am!.....if so!......fine!.......don't want to be boring old normal!......heavan forbid!......

[boxtops]

Hear hear, welsh - I'd nominate my sister, she's certainly not a herd-follower.

[welshlibranr]

boxtops!......never have been a herd follower gladly!....never will be!.am just me!........bit eccentric maybe!.....just me!....have lots of friends, am loved!....must be doing something right!.........

[boxtops]

I like people who are off the wall, I hope people see me as a bit like that, too....

[welshlibranr]

boxtops, I am me, like me or not I am me!.....don't pretend to be something that I am not!....will talk to and be friendly with everyone and anyone!......

[boxtops]

Exactly welsh, I am what I am!

[joko]

i am the same andyvon...and people label me weird...not in a nasty way, but some act like they almost pity me...as though i am how i am though social incompetence, rather than a desire to live as i choose...

the irony is, its me that pities them for living to someone elses set of rules...

they laugh at me because i am different...but i laugh at them because they are all the same...

[welshlibranr]

joko, just live your life your way!.only way!........

[starone]

There used to be a lady who walked through the Kingswood shopping centre dressed as a bride (knee length dress). I think there must have been something drastically wrong with her - I often wondered what - but of course no-one had the cheek to approach her and ask.

[joko]

my brothers wifes mother was very rude to me when i first met her... she is arrogant and gobby... all brand names and expensive looking jewellery and handbags ...the sort that knows the price of everything - and the value of nothing...
She acted like i was a misfit because i am not like her and dress slightly hippyish... and have no interest in prada or gucci etc, as though i am how i am because i dont know how to be 'normal' and 'right', she was condescending and spoke as though she felt she was on a mission to 'educate' me on how to be...again in a pitying and exasperated manner...

however upon discovering that i work in film and tv, and i create film sets and costumes, and was shown some of my work ... and regularly mix with the rich and famous, her attitude changed ...suddenly she wanted to know all about me and all the celebs i knew and mixed with...
even to the point of asking about getting her roles in them...

i treated her with the distain she treated me...whilst namedropping... haha ...

[joko]

i think the main difference between eccentrics who are nuts and those who are genuinely eccentric is guts...

many people want to do odd things, and have an inner eccentric and just wish they had the guts to do it, to not care about how they are viewed...

[starone]

It doesn't really matter what you do as long as you are not hurting anyone else. And like welsh you are loved. If you are loved you have to be happy.

[joko]

andyvon...i too save jobs to do either in the dark or in the early hours so no-one is about...

[welshlibranr]

Starbuckone!.............Iamnot that eccenctric!.....trust me!.....

[starone]

I do welsh.

[rowanwitch]

When we were about to leave school at th end of the sixth form we sat down and made predictions for how we saw each others lives would turn out... the first one to 'do me' said A great british eccentric I see that as something to aspire to...

[EcclesCake]

I worked with a guy who came into the office wearing a sandal on one foot and a shoe on the other. Apparently the weather forecast was for showers and sunny periods, he couldn't decide on appropriate footwear so hedged his bets.

There was another guy who would dry his washing by 'hanging'it from the windows of his car. Wind down the window an inch place t-shirt over edge of glass, wind up window. Drive 20 minutes to work and his washing was dry. Of course he was a modest sort and would only dry his y-fronts on the angle poise lamp on his desk to save the blushes of other drivers.