I like things out of the ordinary. I like to think I am not ordinary. I feel like you are taking life too easy if you never challenge what's acceptable or expected.
 

It is because people are scared and have things to hide. That is why they do not know how to handle it when someone is open about who they are, like yourself. I admire people that are not afraid to show who they really are, like yourself. Love ya!!!
 

Fear is of the unknown. New situations... fear of the outcome. Fear of the unknown.
 

I feel that I am different from most. I tend to think differently than everyone else I know and I like things that most other people I know don't like and don't understand.

I think most people are interested in fitting in and being popular. Because of that, they force themselves to do what's popular and like what's popular. They drive themselves on it. I think the reason alot of those people look down upon people who are different from everyone else is because deep down, they dislike seeing someone not putting themselves through the same conformity they subject themselves too. They will say anything to try and make you feel inferior or negative about yourself. I just laugh at them and embrace the concept of being different. Of course not everyone is negative. Thre are as many people out their who appreciate someone who is different. I suppose it depends on the attitude of the "normal" person.

I also agree with you're thoughts about them feeling insecure. Insecurity leads them to want to conform, and not be rejected.

I don't let the negative people bother me. Most people like me for who I am, and for those who don't, they can screw off, because they have no effect on me.
 

Dear Leonid,
You have a beautiful soul. People are afraid of what they don't understand and unfortunately some people are so narrow minded they are raised to hate and raise their children to hate those who are different in "their" eyes or to their beliefs and so the cycle continues. I was not raised in such an environment and for that I am very thankful, but I too have secrets that I have to keep for fear of rejection. I have been able to be open with some people, but a very narrow few can I share my secret. Sometimes it's easier to share with strangers than with one's own family.
Don't let narrow minded fools keep you from your dreams. You are very brave to show the world who you are. Many must stay in the shadows cringed in fear. Be proud, and know for all who may hate, there are many many more who love you. Count myself and my husband as two of those who love you for who you are. Please don't change for those bigoted haters. Show your light to the world and be the shining star we know you are.
Much Love,
Mary
 

most ppl are just scared that they wont be accepted by other people. that's what a lotta ppl strive for. but instead of doing that they should be themselves and not really care what other ppl say about them becauze the only thing that matters is what they think of themselves.
 

I'm very different from others. It's been that way my entire life. I've always been the "Weird one". I used to lie about liking certain things, whether it be music or other things just to fit in with others. Now as i get older i've become more accepting of myself, and who i am and don't go out of my way to fit in with, or to please others.
I do believe that people hate others due to their own fears and insecurities. Sometimes when people are confident, and know exactly who they are that brings out the insecurity in others and then in turn they throw negativity on to the confident person to try to knock them down.
 

Hi Leo & everyone here,

i've written something in my blog that is in part a response to Leo's post, in part a response to recent events. It's at:
http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=203327682&blogID=292654895
 

First, we know YOU are different than the crowd, and we love you for it!

Yes, I sometimes feel that I am different from most others, but not so strange or unusual that I can't have peers or friends. No, I don't lie to try to fit in. I am who I am, and you will like it or not. Being true to yourself, and honest with others, is the only way to live! I know the people in my life who love me really do, love ME. I find some of the most unhappy people I know have tried to live that way - lying to fit in, being what they think other people want them to be. That's why they're unhappy! Those people aren't comfortable with themselves, and feel unworthy of love for being who they are (some of them are right!) OK, that was mean, but you understand my point.

Do you think that is why you are not embraced by the mainstream? Because you are different, and not trying to be what people expect?
 

Hey Leonid,

That's a good question. I think that anyone who makes an effort to be " normal " is pretty boring. I've always tried to think differently than most people, and the way that I try to do that is asking questions about the things that I don't think are right. As a result, people feel threatened because they have to explain themselves. I don't necessarily believe that people are bad or unintelligent. I just think that it's important to have an open mind and appreciate the world as it is, full of wonderful people and things that can teach us so much about life. Sadly, a lot of people choose to live in a way that closes them off from new experiences, and that is not a good way to live.

When it comes to secrets, I believe that some people get angry when others are honest because it takes more courage to let something out than to keep it in. People are jealous of courage.

If someone hates another person at all, they're giving way too much of themselves to that person. If someone hates me, for example, I just realize that they're taking the easy way by not getting to know me. It takes more energy to love than it does to hate. A lot of people are just lazy.

Insecure? People are definately insecure. I think that a lot of negative things come from people who are unhappy with themselves in some way and want to take it out on the rest of us.

Keep up the great work, Leonid.

Matt
 

I've been a loner my whole life. In high school, I was never into parties, drinking, sex, but because I wasn't into those things I was "a dork". It wasn't until I got a boyfriend that people started talking to me (how stupid). Even now, the friends I've had have all left me when they've found love and I've been dumped like garbage and told I was no longer cool anymore.
So, I think people are just so scared to follow their hearts and be themselves. It's not just a high school thing. If you don't look or dress or act or talk a certain way, you get chastized and made fun of. High school never ends. But I've never sacrificed who I am for anyone and while I get lonley and long for more, I'm not going to change who I am. People either love me as I am or they can leave. I don't have a huge ego, but I have self respect for myself. If you have a good heart and never betray who you are, then you are a winner. You're one of the rare jems who shine in the night. I try to remember that and that God loves me for who I am, no strings attatched. That's what keeps me going. That, and knowing that someday, someone will see that and love me and accept me for who I am, not for what everyone else thinks I should be.

A/L
 

I've always been different from the "normal" crowd, but that's ok. My husband is also different from the people he grew up with. I'm just really lucky that we found each other!

I try not to hide who I really am. I don't lie to fit in or to seem cool. I think everyone has their public face and their private one that only people closest to them ever see.

I think "normal" is boring. I've always been friends with the outcasts and I wouldn't want it any other way. The un-popular people are what keep life interesting.

Don't change Leo! You're awesome just the way you are and don't let anyone tell you differently! Don't let other people get into your head and get you down. They're just jealous!
Keep your head up and a smile on your face :)
 

I think I am different, and I often feel like I don't belong! It is so much easier to pretend on the internet, than it is in real person! You can put up someone else's pictures, or inaccurate information, which although I do not on this sight, I have tried it before! I have been scared of rejection! I think, that because I am different, I am afraid that others will not accept me for who I am! Therefore I pretend to be someone, who people actually want to talk to! I respect anyone who is honest, open, and not afraid to be themselves! I just hope that one day, I can be just as brave! I think others hate people who are differnt because they are afraid of what they do not understand! And yes, I think they hate them because they are unsecure too! And people don't want to be friends with people who are different, because of what their other friends, or families might think! At least I do not care what others think of my choice of friends or acquaintances! But I would be proud to call anyone my friend, who is not afraid to be different and be themselves! This is one reason I deeply repect, and look up to you as not only an artist and preformer, but also as a person! Keep up the good work!
 

People are just scared of what they don't know and we are brought up to believe certain things are to be true and that is the way that the world should be. Others are just brought up to believe in themselves and so they become secure in who they are and with that comes the freedom to accept others for who they are. Do I think that I am differewnt then others of course I do we all have things about us that make us different and we all have things about us that make us alike that is just human nature and when we learn to love people inspite of their differences and/or for their differences we will have true tolerence and the beginnings of understanding.

The true question in life is not do people like me it is do I like me.
 

Everyone hides their true selves away. (I think)
I don't think I fit in. I have always felt that I should try to get in with groups etc, but whenever I try I feel uncomfortable, like people don't really understand me!! Is this strange? I don't think so. I would rather be who I am than a sheep, following the crowd!

The ones who are open and outrageous are hiding insecurities, (although we all have them, some cope better than others). and the ones who are plain and ordinary are hiding their outgoing personalities.

People have to behave in particular ways depending on the company and surroundings.
When you are with your parents you have to behave in a certain way, when you are at work, again you have to behave appropriately, and at the end of it, when you are with friends you still have to pretend, (unless you trust them to see the REAL you.) We all have this fear of being 'laughed' at.
People hate things and other people who are different or braver than they are.
Perhaps it comes down to jealousy? Are we hurtful to people who stand up and make a noise, because we wish it was us??
I've seen street shows and stood and watched and thought to myself 'I wish I was brave enough to do that'.... but alas I am not, so I stand and enjoy the show and applaud at the end!
Whatever makes you HAPPY... That is the thing to think about. We should not have to worry about petty criticisms and put-downs. So if dancing, singing, practical joking, anything is YOUR thing.... do it!

I don't know if that answers your question, but I really enjoyed getting that off my chest!!

Maddiexx
 

i hide stuff because i get my ass kicked if i let my true self out
 

I know that I am different from the "regular" crowd. While we are each individuals that are different from the other, too many people "go with the flow" and do what everyone else does because they believe it's expected of them.

Over 10 years ago I came out of the "broom closet" and my husband and I opened a store catering to Goth, Pagans, Wiccan's, Witches, you name it - anything that was different. We've gotten some negative feedback about it, but we dont care. It's our store on our property and no one can do a thing about us. Most seem to have accepted us or at least tolerate us after this long of time.

Frankly dear, people fear what they dont understand. People dont understand my being a witch - they believe all the stuff from the movies and ask stupid crap like can I give them the lottery numbers. HELLO!?!?! Do you think I would be working a crappy full time job if I could pull the lottery numbers outta my head?? GEEZ!

I think a lot of this goes back to Christianity - anything that is different is bad, sex is bad, sex with someone of the same sex is REALLY bad, if you dont go to church you're bad, etc etc etc. They are a religion based on repenting for things that are natural and are guilt driven.

I hope and pray that you will continue what you are doing - dont ever give up. You are a beacon of light for those who need to do the right thing in their life but dont have the courage. Be yourself and show that you're proud, you're happy and you dont care if they scorn you - because you know that you are a good person.

I stopped watching America's Got Talent after what David H. said/did. You HAVE talent but he's so homophobic that he can't get beyond his own chest hair to see it. Altho I dont personally know you dear, I am poud of you for coming back for the second season. They need their world shook up a bit!

May you always be blessed with creativity, charm and patience!

Melissa
 

Hello....

Ya know... it has always been my belief that people are angered at someone being 'different' is because they are afraid that if they show their true self they will not be 'excepted', so rather than be who they really are its easier to be negative towards those who are proud of who they are.

I say life is waaaaay too short to waste time being angry at something or someone you can't or shouldn't change...... worry about your own front yard before you can judge someone else’s!!

I ramble - sorry...

If we could all just be happy with ourselves than we would/could be more excepting of anyone that is not like us........

As for me......... I try to be myself as much as I can, and I don't say that as if I 'hide' who I am..... its just that I am, how to say this nicely?, a bitch..... so, sometimes I have to keep that to myself! =)

Bye for now anyway ô¿ô
 

A life without barriers is so hard to come by. People allow themselves to be fenced in by what they see as normal, and that is a shame.

Great people in history refused to live with personal barriers and, as a result, changed the world. Individually, it's hard to make a difference, but I can not remember anything that was important coming easy.
 

SometimesI think we are afraid to let others see who we are because if we do and they don't like us, we have nothing else to offer.

It is a form of insecurity and a fear of rejection.
 

I feel out of place not only in the normal crowd, but also in the 'abnormal' crowd. Even in the caste of the so called strange, I still feel like I'm an outsider.

I keep quiet about a lot of things, because I am afraid of being rejected, or making myself a target.

I think that we do all have secrets, and I think we are afraid of the people who are honest because we fear that they may expose our own, or because we're afraid of the responses they solicit with their openness.

It's hard not to hate people who think differently to some extent, partially because if they think different, then their goals may be counterproductive to our own. Even though I know how it feels to be alienated because my thoughts are different, I still sometimes feel angry towards the people that promote certain ideas that are very different from my own.

Yeah, a lot of it is insecurity. We are at a weird standpoint in our society right now where there is a little more freedom to 'express' ourselves, but there's a lot more pressure and weight on what it means if we pursue it. It seems like we're still struggling with the concept that we can not agree and still get along.

This is exactly why I look up to you, Leonid. I know that not everyone agrees with you and your style, but you do it anyway, and that shines through in your appearances. I know you would have to work very hard to do what you do, but you make it look easy to just put yourself out there and light up the world with your colors. We need more of this.
 

i think we judge what we are most like on the inside so we look normal
 

Even the super model hates herself. She thinks about her flaws,when the rest of us think she is perfect. We all have our demons, we just need to learn to love ourselves for who we are, flaws and all. God created us to be unique. How boring if we were all the same. Love yourself and love everyone else for their inner beauty.
 

I am definatly not like anybody else and sometimes it makes me feel like an outcast and other times I feel blessed just to be alive. I am insecure about who I am. I don't judge others we are the way we are for a reason...even if who we are makes us feel sad and unloved.
 

I think it is because we, humans, are afraid of the unknown so in this case we fear rejection. Even if you are confident of what we are, there's always in the bottom of our minds that leads to self-consciousness. Even the braves are afraid...afraid of what's ahead. Just live in the present, dream of the future, and remember the past as a guidance to prevent mistakes already done. My best wishes for you...
Love & Peace,



Irmmin-Rose
 

There are times when I feel like something's not quite right with me, but I'm never sure if it's because I'm not the person I was meant to be yet, or because I may have something I need to be rid of.


Honestly, I don't think I would trade places with anybody, because I do enjoy some of the unique views I have on the world and people. But sometimes, it can be hard to deal with. Knowing that because of how I look or how I think, people will always find a reason to push me away to the side, and be cast as meaningless. But I think that is my own fears trying to keep me from what I was destined to have. Honestly, I think that anything I want to do is really within my grasp, it's just up to me to fight for it. There's nothing wrong with being different.


I think the world tries to use "normal" as a leg-up over others, so that they themselves won't have to deal with what they feel is wrong with them. I, however, feel that it is because of the differences we all have, and how we come to terms with them, that make us normal. I've met people from all over the world: China, Russia, India, Mexico, etc. Though the cultures and the person may change, deep down, we all deal with the same load. It's when we quit looking for how others thinks and learn to integrate these things into who we are that we become what we are meant to be. Other things, bad things, I think we must purge from ourselves. But the question is what is really "bad" within us, or what is just different. I would consider being gay (I'm not, but I have opinions of it) something different. I don't find love, wherever its source, as necessarily a bad thing. I do consider something like hurting children, or the innocent, bad and must be purged at all costs.


Did I answer your question?