What Does Society Consider Normal?

To many people it is not unusual to hear others express their frustration, anger, disappointment. At times we ourselves have similar feeling and voice the same things, venting our negative thoughts and emotions. But with some it is such a common event that even though you hear the words you do not listen to what is being said. Oftentimes the entire event is forgotten as soon as the other person stops talking and walks away. It makes me curious when I see this happen. Are we so busy and wrapped up in our own lives that we truly don’t care about what others have to say or what feelings they are experiencing? Have we become so accustomed to the negativity that surrounds so many people that we just accept it as normal and keep moving on with our lives? 

As true as this may be, the opposite seems to happen when expressions of happiness and joyous times are shared. What would happen, what would people think, if you were to suddenly do a happy dance in the middle of the sidewalk, in plain view of everyone around?Imagine people’s reaction be if they heard you burst out in laughter or song; wrap your arms around yourself in a hug with a big smile on your face. Would people stop and stare? Would they be uncomfortable? Are these emotions people ought to keep to ourselves? Maybe there are people who have never experienced the tingle of happiness that springs from within.Is it possible they have forgotten what joy looks and feels like? Maybe some people are too concerned about what others may think of them if feelings and emotions such as laughter and excitement were openly expresse. Have we become a society where spontaneous bursts of happiness have become suspicious and unacceptable? Are we a society that has chosen to believe that negative is the acceptable norm and positive is something to hide? 

If given the choice of grumbling about raindrops on your clothes or dancing in the rain, what would you choose? Would you follow the crowd and escape the dampness or would you go your own way, laughing as you splash through puddles of water? What is more important to you, what others think of you or what you think of yourself?