Are you afraid to be eccentric? Don't want people to think you are weird?

[Murk]

I've always been outside the norm and mostly alone. Even as a kid I would have only 1-2 good friends at a time and barely skate around the edges of any group. I got comfortable with myself early on.

Growing up, it became apparent that there are a lot of other "weird" people out there, but they're weird in different ways.

[Creature of the Wheel]

I've always been viewed as weird. I don't really care what the others have to say. What matters most is how I feel about myself.

[SouthernProper]

First, you need to know which category you're in.

Things that are eccentric:
Grocery shopping in your gardening clothes.
Katharine Hepburn.
Knee high socks with shorts. Double points if sandals are included.
Artists.
Diane Keaton.
Mrs. Roper
Being stylish with a very personal flair and identity.

Things that people think are eccentric, but are actually creepy:
Staring out your window all day, being a busybody in other people's business, watching them with binoculars.
Staring at children.
People who stare, expressionless, but don't talk.
Generally making people uncomfortable.
Stalking.

Things people think are eccentric, that are actually rude:
Provoking, spurring arguments.
Pushing people's buttons.
Being a loud person - everyone has to hear your voice, conversations, music, public phone conversations, having private conversations in public.
People who talk non-stop and never let anyone get a word in edgewise.
Ill-mannered, crass, vulgar, no class behavior.
Lack of proper social skills and self-awareness.

Things that people think are eccentric, but are actually gross:
Not bathing.
Hoarding.
Cat lady with 20 cats that use the house for a litter box.
Vulgar conversation and cussing, no matter the age, but especially disturbing in old people.
Perverts.

Anything that qualifies as mental illness ... also not "eccentric ".