If you’re a creative person, whether you’re a writer, artist, actor, photographer, etc., or even just a human, there’s a good chance someone has called you “weird” at some point. I’m frequently called “weird,” and now I embrace it. Some of that comes from getting older and wiser, some comes from learning to accept myself. However, I’ll never forget my first time. My first time being called “weird.”

I was in a bar across the street from Second City in Chicago with my girlfriend before seeing a show, and we were talking to a guy she knew. As we left the bar, I could see this guy plastered to the window like a cartoon character. I said, “What a weirdo.” She shot back, “You’re one to talk.”

What?

Me? Weird? Me?

I’m America’s Boy Next Door! I’m not weird!

We stopped dating shortly thereafter.

That episode stuck with me. And once I took a look at myself, I had to admit it: I’m weird. And proud of it.

Face it: you are too. How do I know? Because you’re human. All humans are weird. Some hide their weirdness better than others. Others try to deny their weirdness. Still others try to be what they think is “normal.”

Here’s the thing, though. Everyone has a different idea what “normal” means. And everyone has a different idea what “weird” means. You know what they say, you can’t please everyone. And as long as you’re in touch with reality and don’t make people uncomfortable, you’re probably okay.

Weird is good.

Weird means different, unique — and that’s what you need to stand out from the crowd today. Marketing guru Seth Godin even wrote a book about it.

What got me thinking about weirdness? I watched a great video of a Ted Talk by fitness expert JP Sears, where he talks about how weirdness is a cure for normal.

The next time someone calls you weird say, “Why yes I am. I’m going let my weird flag fly!” And say it in a weird accent.