“You know, Nicole, that weird chick?”

Do you ever wonder what people call you or nickname you in their head? Well I do. Every time I say hello or any other common greeting, I wonder what that person nicknames me in their head. I only assume they have a nickname for me in their head because I sometimes have nicknames for people in my head. They are rarely unsophisticated or crude, usually just funny and true in order to help me remember their name or affiliation. For example, “Gropey” is a nickname I would give to a person who would typically grope uncomfortably in public. Hence, it not only reminds me of their typical MO but it also reminds me; a) their name and b) that I should not stand within the general reach of this person. So then I started to wonder, “If I have nicknames for people in MY head, I wonder what people call ME in THEIR head”….yes, very profound, I know. So then I start thinking, what are words or things that one would directly associate with me? I mean there are the obvious adjectives “awesome” or “amazing”; but I said to myself, “Dig deeper Salerno…deeper…” Then it hit me… “Weird” as in “You know, Nicole, that weird chick?”

I realized that this might be one of my in-head-nicknames someone would give me when I was told I was weird by three different people in one day. Which I actually see to be a compliment, because that means you actually have some character and maybe even a little hint of wit and charm. Now that I think of it, everyone is weird in their own weird way, and even if you deem yourself as normal then that’s weird. Confused? Let me try to explain…

You see I am an expert on weird, no, the expert on weird. There are degrees of weird which can explain and describe different situations, persons, and habitats. I supposed my degree of weird would be “so weird”. This is an above average degree of weird. I have researched and originated degrees of weird in order to exemplify my theory that all are weird. To further explain my extended studies of the different degrees of weird I have included my chart of weird.

1st Degree: Funny
This is not the humorous “ha-ha” funny, but the degree of weird funny (i.e., “this bologna tastes funny").

2nd Degree: Weird
This is the common degree of weird where one proves him/herself to be out of the ordinary in certain situations.

3rd Degree: Odd
Slightly less common than weird. This degree is one in which the person realizes his/her weirdness.

4th Degree: So Weird
Above average degree, where the person is fully aware of his/her weirdness, and values this creative trait.

5th Degree: Strange
The extreme of weird. This degree where another person would feel uncomfortable being in your presence.

6th Degree: Bizarre
Wacko. Very psycho ward-ish.

Now that you are educated on the degrees of weird and have a clear sense of what weird is; go and do likewise, or something? Spread the news of weird and I urge you to value your weirdness. Weird is a beautiful thing, and I hope that all can learn to accept and trust the weird you hold inside.

It is each individual’s duty to represent his or her weird, and reflect your creativity. Yes some may call you strange, weird, and “so weird”, etc. But now that you are educated you can hold your head up with pride and say “I know”.

You’re Welcome,
Me