If you’ve ever felt like a square peg in a round hole, you’re not alone. Growing up as an outsider isn’t easy, but it often shapes us in unique ways.
The human psyche is a fascinating puzzle. It’s rich, layered and often, misunderstood.
Some people, however, are molded by their outsider experiences. They tend to share 8 specific traits.
Here’s the intro to an article titled “People who grew up feeling like an outsider often have these 8 unique traits”.
Let’s explore how being an outsider often forges character in unexpected ways.
1) They are intuitive observers
The world can be a perplexing place, especially when you feel like you’re on the outside looking in.
For those who grew up feeling like outsiders, the world isn’t just a place to exist, it’s a vast sea of patterns, behaviors, and emotions to understand.
They spend much of their time observing, which often makes them exceptionally intuitive.
Their upbringing as outsiders gives them a unique perspective.
They notice the minute details, the subtle shifts in body language, the unspoken words hidden behind smiles or frowns.
They can sense the underlying currents in social situations.
Ironically, it’s this feeling of not fitting in that often makes them fit almost anywhere.
Because they’ve had to work harder to understand social dynamics from their unique vantage point, they can navigate various social landscapes with an ease that others might not have.
Intuition and observation are their tools for understanding the world – and that’s pretty fascinating, wouldn’t you agree?
2) They have a knack for adaptability
In my own experience, feeling like an outsider taught me how to adapt. I was always the new kid, the odd one out, the one who didn’t quite fit the mold.
I remember moving to a new city in my teenage years. I was an introverted bookworm thrown into a high school full of extroverted athletes.
I couldn’t change who I was, but I learned how to adapt to my surroundings.
I started joining clubs, trying new sports, and even went out of my way to engage in small talk – something that was previously out of my comfort zone.
It wasn’t about changing who I was, but rather learning how to interact with different types of people and navigate various social settings.
This adaptability is common among those who grew up feeling like outsiders.
We learn to adjust our sails depending on the wind, making the best out of whatever situation we find ourselves in.
Being adaptable doesn’t mean losing yourself; it means enhancing your ability to survive and thrive no matter where you are or who you’re with.
And I think that’s a pretty valuable skill, don’t you?
3) They embrace solitude
Growing up as an outsider often leads to a comfortable relationship with solitude.
Being alone can sometimes be seen as a negative experience, but those who’ve spent much of their life on the periphery understand that solitude can be incredibly enriching.
While society often pushes the idea of constant socialization, numerous studies have shown that spending time alone can lead to increased creativity, self-awareness, and even improved mental health.
People who grew up feeling like outsiders often appreciate the value of having time to themselves.
They utilize this time to reflect, create, and rejuvenate.
It’s not about isolation, but rather understanding the importance of balancing social interactions with self-reflection.
In the words of Albert Einstein, “The monotony and solitude of a quiet life stimulates the creative mind.” Those who’ve grown up as outsiders truly understand this sentiment.
4) They are highly empathetic
People who grew up feeling like outsiders often develop a heightened sense of empathy.
Because they’ve experienced what it’s like to feel different or excluded, they are often more attuned to the feelings and needs of others.
Empathy isn’t just about understanding another’s perspective; it’s about truly feeling what they’re feeling.
Outsiders have a knack for this because they’ve had to navigate their own complex emotions from a young age.
This empathy allows them to create deep and meaningful connections with others.
They often become the confidantes, the listeners, and the ones who offer a shoulder to lean on.
Their ability to empathize gives them a unique gift – the ability to make others feel seen and understood. And isn’t that something we all appreciate?
5) They value authenticity
Growing up, I often felt like I was on the outside, looking in. One thing this experience taught me is that there’s immense power in being authentic.
People who have experienced feeling like outsiders, like myself, often develop a deep appreciation for authenticity.
We’ve tried to fit in, adjust our behavior, even wear masks at times – all in an attempt to be accepted.
But over time, I realized that the most fulfilling relationships and experiences came from being unapologetically me.
The same is true for many who’ve spent their lives feeling like an outsider.
We have a radar for authenticity and can often tell when someone is not being true to themselves. This appreciation for authenticity also means we strive to be genuine in our own actions and interactions.
Embracing authenticity might seem daunting, but in my experience, it’s the key to building meaningful connections and living a fulfilling life.
6) They aren’t afraid to stand alone
While the idea of standing alone might seem like a negative, for those who grew up feeling like outsiders, it’s often a strength.
They’ve spent a significant amount of time feeling different or separate from the crowd, which can cultivate a certain fearlessness.
Being comfortable with standing alone doesn’t mean they prefer isolation.
Rather, it means they’re not afraid to voice unpopular opinions, pursue unconventional paths, or challenge the status quo when necessary.
They don’t need the validation of the crowd to feel confident in their choices or beliefs.
This ability to stand alone can lead to innovative thinking, trailblazing actions, and can often make them leaders in their own right.
It’s a powerful trait that turns the idea of being an “outsider” on its head – transforming it from a potential weakness into an undeniable strength.
7) They are resilient
Resilience is a trait that is often honed through hardship and adversity. For those who grew up feeling like outsiders, this trait is practically a given.
Being an outsider can mean facing rejection, loneliness, and misunderstanding.
However, it’s through these experiences that resilience is built.
Resilient individuals don’t just bounce back from tough situations; they grow from them. They learn to navigate life’s ups and downs with grace and tenacity, constantly adapting and evolving.
This resilience often makes them strong in the face of adversity, capable of overcoming challenges with determination and courage.
It’s a testament to their strength of character, making it one of the most admirable traits of those who’ve spent their lives feeling like outsiders.
8) They have a unique perspective
The most significant trait of those who grew up feeling like outsiders is their unique perspective.
They’ve seen the world from a vantage point that many others haven’t. This gives them an unparalleled understanding of life’s complexities and contradictions.
Their unique experiences have shaped their worldview, making them more open-minded, thoughtful, and insightful.
They often see things that others overlook, question what others accept, and find beauty where others see none.
This unique perspective is not just a trait; it’s a gift.
It allows them to contribute to the world in ways that are profound and meaningful. And ultimately, it’s what makes them truly exceptional.
Reveling in uniqueness
If you’ve journeyed with me this far, you’ll surely have realized that those who grew up feeling like outsiders possess qualities that are not just unique, but deeply valuable.
Being an outsider isn’t about being isolated or different.
Rather, it’s about possessing a rich tapestry of experiences that shape one’s worldview, character, and interactions with others.
Those who have felt like an outsider carry within them a profound understanding of human nature, a keen perception of the world around them, and an innate resilience that sets them apart.
Their unique perspective is not a limitation, but a strength that allows them to contribute meaningfully to society.
Remember the words of the famed author J.K. Rowling, “There’s always room for a story that can transport people to another place.”
People who grew up feeling like outsiders are often the ones who can tell those stories – because they’ve lived them.
And in my book, that’s not just unique; it’s extraordinary.
