Rodent said:
The feeling that everyone else knows how to live and act human is very familiar to me, but over the years I thought it was for the opposite reason. That I had gained information or insight that deprived me of the naivety with which others approach life naturally. Not even through overwhelmingly negative experiences on my part (though I had my share), but more through ongoing observation of the world. I don't know...at some point I figured that I had stared for too long into the abyss or behind the curtain, whatever metaphor you prefer. You can consider that a more elitist approach that doesn't hinge too much on myself being eternally lacking...cause as far as I'm concerned, we are all endlessly imperfect. If I wanted to go there though, I'd say it's a kind of inborn impetus and optimism that I lost along the way, if I ever had it.
Regardless...rationally speaking, not only are you not alone in feeling this way but people like us that think that way seem inclined to underestimate the frequency of this mindset in other people.
That's actually how I started to cope with this feeling. Thinking that I just see the world for what it is and everybody else is blind. You know, kinda like when a crazy person think they are the only sane one in the world.
I do however notice a lot of repeating patterns of behaviour when I people watch/interact. Most of these patterns are about what is considered acceptable in society. I do not adhere to these patterns and as such, I always stand out in social situations.
That's what makes me wonder you know. Am I missing something here? Or do I choose to be unhindered by bullshit social conventions?.
Sorry this so vague