I would say it depends a lot on who I am and where I am.
For example… the “weird” behavior cluster you describe (focusing social interaction on academic topics, a fondness for LARPing and webcomics, clothing as a verbal messaging medium) is pretty standard around higher-end tech universities, for example, along with a few other traits (e.g., science-fiction fandom or a fondness for medieval reenactment). Back when I was a college student, I adopted a number of those mannerisms as a way of marking myself part of the “weird” tribe, and gave a number of them up after I graduated when there was no longer any particular benefit to them.
So someone for whom that “weird” cluster happens to express “who they really are” is in the incredibly fortunate position of happening to “really be” a way that has a lot of advantages within a particular subculture. If you haven’t already done so, I recommend becoming involved with that subculture, you will likely find it very affirming. (Science-fiction conventions are a good place to start, if you don’t have any appropriate university campuses near you.)
For people in the less fortunate position of being “weird” in a way that doesn’t have that kind of community support, different strategies can be optimal.
I would say it depends a lot on who I am and where I am.
For example… the “weird” behavior cluster you describe (focusing social interaction on academic topics, a fondness for LARPing and webcomics, clothing as a verbal messaging medium) is pretty standard around higher-end tech universities, for example, along with a few other traits (e.g., science-fiction fandom or a fondness for medieval reenactment). Back when I was a college student, I adopted a number of those mannerisms as a way of marking myself part of the “weird” tribe, and gave a number of them up after I graduated when there was no longer any particular benefit to them.
So someone for whom that “weird” cluster happens to express “who they really are” is in the incredibly fortunate position of happening to “really be” a way that has a lot of advantages within a particular subculture. If you haven’t already done so, I recommend becoming involved with that subculture, you will likely find it very affirming. (Science-fiction conventions are a good place to start, if you don’t have any appropriate university campuses near you.)
For people in the less fortunate position of being “weird” in a way that doesn’t have that kind of community support, different strategies can be optimal.