Being Different: Is It Wrong, or Just Unfamiliar? Wearing flip-flops with socks while playing outside, or speaking in reverse—these may seem like simple actions, but because they deviate from the norm, they’re often seen as “different” or even “weird.” But the real question is: Can being different truly be judged as right or wrong? Our behaviors and thoughts are often shaped by the unwritten rules of society—social norms. For example, no one explicitly says, “You can’t wear socks with flip-flops.” But because the majority doesn’t do it, it’s perceived as odd or even incorrect. That’s because what is seen as "right" is often simply what is most familiar to most people. The Power of Habit and Norms As human beings, we tend to get used to almost everything. Culture, religion, and traditions form certain habits and gradually push them into categories of "right" or "wrong." So much so that when we step outside those habits, we can start to doubt ourselves. Even...
I bought a flower in September last year. It kept me company in my room and gave me peace with its presence. But a month later, I had to go out of town. I had other things on my mind and had completely forgotten about watering. When I returned home after a week's absence, my flower had withered, as I had expected. Grief, guilt and a feeling of emptiness came over me. A year later, I kept expecting to see it on my way to the train to buy the same flower again. Fortunately, this September I was able to buy it again, and this time it was even more fragrant and bigger. I made a promise to myself: This time I would not only water it, I would give it all my good energy. I placed it in a place where it could see the sun smile and listen to the birds sing. At times it witnessed my sadness, at times my joy, at times my anger. There were even times when I poured my heart out to it; sometimes I listened to its silent presence and spoke. In the beginning everything was fine. But after a while...