I’ve known a lot of nuts in my life. What’s the polite term? “Mentally ill”? “Emotionally disturbed”? “Has issues”? Nah, nuts. That’s the catch-all word for malfunctions between the ears. You’re probably nuts, and I’m absolutely nuts.
If I tell someone anything that’s in my head, the likely response is,
“You should see a therapist.” Maybe that’s why I don’t often describe my honest feelings, but online I’ll open up:
♦ I’ve had about five genuine friends in my life, and three of them are dead.
♦ I talk to myself, a lot, sometimes saying very cruel things — about you, mostly, but sometimes about me.
♦ I eat too much, probably because I’m trying to fill an emotional emptiness inside.
♦ I’d rather be alone than in almost any social situation, which guarantees friendlessness — can’t hang out with a friend, when anyone who invites me anywhere gets no for an answer.
♦ I kinda like disco music.
That’s just the beginning of my nuttiness, of course; the list goes
on and on. Stifle any advice, though. I’ve embraced my inner nut, and
I’m doing OK.
And I’m not the only nut. We are legion. Any time anyone opens up about what they’re going through or describes their honest feelings, it’s clear to me that they’re cashews and almonds:
♦ “I purge after every meal.”
♦ “I haven’t had a good night’s sleep in years.”
♦ “Most days I break down and cry, and I’m not sure why.”
♦ “I count to 1,000 when I’m washing my hands.”
♦ “I actually like my job.”
… and more and more, all direct quotes from people I’ve known who are nuts. Everyone I respect is
nuts, at least a little, maybe a lot. Also, everyone I despise.
Is there anyone on Earth who’s not insane or going there?
Is my perspective skewed because I’m nuts, so I tend to
notice the other nuts? Are you one of the nuts, like me and everyone I
know? Or am I just nuts?
And what about those lucky few people who apparently have no issues,
those friggin’ bastards who seem to be comfortable, composed, and at
ease in any situation? If we got to know any of those not-nuts a little
better, you know they’d reveal themselves as nuts, too.
Someone who’s limping, or someone who’s massively overweight, you can
see their situation at a glance. We can’t see other people’s mental or
psychological injuries, though, so there’s a tendency to assume they’re
doing just fine. In truth, of course, all of us walk with a limp.
All of us are nuts, but some are nuttier
than others. Someone who mutters about lizards ruling the universe is
nuttier than me or maybe you, but it’s only a matter of degree.
The root of the problem, I believe, is that most people can’t or
won’t acknowledge that they’re nuts. Tell them they’re nuts and they’ll
argue. Me, I don’t argue, I agree. Sure, I’m nuts and so are you. Why
not say it out loud?
Self-improvement and world-improvement
both begin by accepting that nuttiness is universal, and within all of
us. The problem can’t be addressed if it can’t be acknowledged, so don’t
deny it, confess it. Shout it! You might learn to live with
your nuttiness (that’s my choice), or you might try to reduce your
nuttiness (and I’m rooting for you), but it’s nuts to pretend you’re not
nuts. That way lies madness.7/1/2020
Republished: 3/20/2024
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