I'm not normal

A few evenings ago, Martin and I were thinking about social norms or conventions. In many ways, he and I do adhere to many social norms. Using the example from the wikipedia page, we do in fact face the doors versus the other people when riding an elevator.

But there are some social norms that we have chosen to question. Things that haven't quite fit right for us. Here's the short list that we came up with during our conversation:

• monogamous - yes
• married - no
• eat meat - no
• own/have a car - no

It's not that we think (with the exception of eating meat on my part, I won't speak for Martin) that other people are wrong in following or not following these conventions. Owning a car is necessary for a lot of people in the US in order to work and live. Polyamory works for many people and it's basis in open, truthful communication is something that is lacking in many relationships.

Rather, I think it's important to challenge oneself to think about why we do things. To make choices versus going along with what's normal or expected.