We all have quirky aspects of our personality – things that might seem odd or peculiar to others that are just the way we are. And while we might find each other’s quirks irritating at times, it’s often best to accept our differences with grace and humor.
For instance, some people tell the same story or ask the same questions every year at the holidays as if it’s the first time.
Or there might be the regular guilt trips to get others to do what they want.
Likewise, there are those who believe they know it all and have an opinion about whatever topic is being discussed, or they’re just simply loud and intense as if every conversation is a yelling match.
Of course, this list can go on and on.
And while it’s probably easier to name the quirks we see in others, we all have them. And sometimes they’re endearing and many times they’re not.
But, in either case, it’s usually best to just accept them.
In fact, we tend to only frustrate ourselves and strain our relationships with others when we allow their quirks to get under our skin.
To be sure, there’s a place to address and help correct bad behaviors. But there’s a difference between things that are clearly wrong and harmful and things that are merely bothersome and different than how we would do them.
Accepting quirks is learning to accept each other for the unique ways we show up in the world.
This might be a simple acknowledgment to ourselves and then moving on. Or we might learn to find the humor in our idiosyncrasies – engaging in lighthearted laughter as we witness our various quirky habits.
This is not to make fun of each other or be demeaning in any way. But rather it’s to laugh at our human condition and the many peculiar ways we all show up.
In the end, we don’t have to pretend we’re unaffected by the quirks of others. And we don’t have to let them take us out either.
Learn to accept each other’s quirks and laugh often at the different ways we show up in the world.
Photo by Usman Yousafon Unsplash
