Mental & Emotional Misfits Who Don’t Fit In With Everyone Usually Say 8 Phrases In Casual Conversation
ShotPrime Studio / Shutterstock Some people feel like they don’t fit in, no matter which crowd they hang out with. While there's often pride in their uniqueness, it can still feel awkward to be so different.
If a person feels judged for their individuality, they're likely to casually say things they think will explain their nature, because it often feels easier to get ahead of comments someone else might make by pointing it out themselves.
8 phrases mental and emotional misfits often say in casual conversations when they feel like they don't fit in:
1. ‘I’m not like everyone else’
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Someone who doesn’t feel like people understand them might make it clear that they are not like everyone else when socializing. By bringing it up first, they feel like they’re beating the other person to the punch. I know when I’ve felt judged, I’ve made a self-deprecating joke in hopes of preventing myself from being bullied. Of course, that’s not always logical, but it’s something I’ve tried out when I thought people were honing in on me.
Sometimes, this can be a sign of childhood trauma. If they were raised as an outsider, they may carry that attitude into adulthood. Having this thought ingrained in their head makes it hard to shake. Always feeling like the odd one out leaves a lasting impression that can change how they interact with others.
2. ‘I do my own thing’
Having independence is a good thing. We all know someone who hides behind their friends and family to avoid sitting alone with their feelings. However, being overly independent can lead to isolation. Taking too much space creates distance and harms relationships. If someone feels left out, they’re only making it worse by taking time away from others.
When someone feels like they don’t fit in, even if they want to be included, they may say they do their own thing to give themselves a much-needed buffer. If they’re going to be left out, they already isolated themselves before someone else could.
3. ‘I don’t understand why that’s popular’
We’ve all seen trendy things people love and struggled to understand why. For me, it’s often the little trinkets that are hyped up all over social media. I have friends who would wait in line outside of the stores for a new drop in the middle of the night. Since I didn’t get it, I couldn’t connect with them over that.
Some people might feel like they can’t relate to anyone in a situation like that. They’re not the type to follow trends blindly. Doing so brings social connection, which can further push someone like this out of a social circle.
4. ‘I’m not good at small talk’
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It’s not uncommon to struggle with small talk. In fact, most people would rather avoid it because it often feels both tedious and unnecessary. However, many do it anyway when meeting new people to get to know them. If someone feels like they are constantly being left out for being different, they may not put the effort in to begin with.
It can be overwhelming for people like this to feel comfortable chatting with people, especially those that they’ve never met before. This can make them feel even more disconnected from others, further enforcing the idea that they are misfits who don’t fit in with anyone else around them.
5. ‘Go without me’
When I’ve felt left out in social situations, I’ve encouraged people to do things without me. It can make me feel like I’m a burden to those around me. I don’t want to bring anyone down, so it’s easier for me to separate myself from the situation entirely. I know doing this will eventually hurt my feelings because I feel even more left out by not joining; I still do. The human brain is an interesting and often confusing place.
People who feel like burdens might depend on others to feed their self-esteem. It seems counterproductive to tell them to go on without them, but they may be hoping they’ll say no and ask them to come along anyway. It can be complicated for those who often feel left out, but want to feel included.
6. ‘I’m always the odd one out’
We’ve all felt left out in a group. Growing up, I felt like this all of the time. I never felt comfortable in these situations and always felt like I gave more in friendships than others did. What’s worse than being there for someone only to have them connect more deeply with someone else? It makes you feel like the odd one out instead of part of the group.
One-sided friendships can be isolating and exhausting. Putting effort into friends unwilling to return the favor can make socializing complicated. When someone feels left out, even when they are willing to give all they can to a friendship, it can cause them to distance themselves from those around them.
7. 'I prefer having a few close friends'
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Social circles play a bigger role in our lives than we may realize. When things are difficult, we need to lean on the others around us. From going through a breakup to seeking support after losing a job, it’s important to open up to others about these things. For people who feel like misfits in every situation, it can be easier to turn to the people they trust rather than a big group.
For them, having a small circle is enough. However, they may use this as an excuse when feeling awkward in social situations. They may say it to protect themselves from feeling left out.
8. ‘I’m always the odd one out’
Sometimes, people who always feel left out will say it outright. They’re not interested in beating around the bush. By saying they always feel like the odd one out, they are often looking for others to reassure them that they are wanted in social situations.
This type of person knows they are different. They don’t fit in with the average friend group, which can make them feel isolated. Working through these feelings with others can be a good way to work through social anxiety.
Haley Van Horn is a freelance writer with a master’s degree in Humanities living in Los Angeles. Her focus includes entertainment and lifestyle stories.
