The term Normie is often used dismissively, implying that someone is basic, lacks depth, and conforms to the status quo without question. But is being a Normie really a bad thing? In this post, I’ll break down what it means to be a Normie and challenge the idea that it’s something to avoid. In fact, embracing certain Normie traits can contribute to a more balanced and fulfilling life.

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Finding My Place Between Creativity and Conformity

As a self-identified Non-Normie, I’ve experienced the extremes: rejecting Normies at a young age, immersing myself in the chaotic Non-Normie communities, and eventually coming around to recognizing the value of Normie culture. This has given me a well-rounded perspective on the strengths and limitations of both worlds.

My middle school was full of Normies, and I was bitter about it. I was naturally rebellious, creative, and a free thinker, and that environment felt stifling. Fortunately, from high school on, I was surrounded by Non-Normies. Pursuing creative fields like filmmaking, writing, and photography, as well as diving into spirituality, meant that nary a Normie could be found in these circles. The Non-Normie world became my norm.

For nearly three years, I lived in Paris, immersed in the anglophone creative writing scene. But I began to notice a pattern among the writers I met: many struggled with mental health issues.

One writer told me he had to rush to a poet’s house one night with a bottle of wine to talk her out of slitting her wrists. Another fiction writer, who was studying to become a therapist, was so consumed by his own childhood trauma and emotional turmoil that he frequently lashed out at people in fits of rage. Both of these writers, in their 50s, were the most talented of the bunch. It seemed like suffering was the price of talent.

I decided I didn’t want to live that way. Being happy, emotionally healthy, and sane mattered more to me than creating great works of art. I stepped away from writing for a while but eventually returned only after I learned to create from a place of joy, not as an outlet for despair or even catharsis. I also began taking spirituality and self-healing more seriously. (That said, I found that spiritual communities, much like the creative world, are largely made up of Non-Normies. People drawn to spiritual growth often carry deep emotional wounds and personal traumas they are trying to heal from. They are as hard on themselves as the creatives and intellects.)

Recently, I found myself on the outskirts of another creative writing community, one I was hesitant to fully commit to. While the group had some genuinely interesting and talented people, it also carried the familiar undercurrent of emotional chaos. Spaces like this often become breeding grounds for trauma dumping and unchecked personal struggles. In the end, I saved myself the trouble, as the group eventually imploded under the weight of a few members' mental health crises.

Maybe that’s why, over the past year, I’ve found myself in a predominantly Normie community. I’ve never been around so many Normies in my life, not since middle school. And the contrast is striking. Their mindset is completely different from the Non-Normies I’m used to. Far less emotional baggage, no obsessive overthinking. They move through life with an ease that feels almost foreign to me. They focus on the present, enjoy simple pleasures, and don’t spiral into existential dread. There’s a lightness to them; no constant wrestling with inner demons or the kind of darkness that seems to shadow so many creative and spiritual types.

But at times, it feels stifling again. I don’t always have the space to be my full weirdo self because not everyone gets it (except for Normie Pluses—more on that later). When I talk to Non-Normies, there’s a different kind of relief. They understand the deeper, messier aspects of life, and while they do have a tendency to overthink, sometimes to the point of mental spirals, their intellectual conversations can be incredibly stimulating.

Now, it’s about finding balance, embracing the best of both worlds. I want to maintain the mental well-being and lightheartedness of a Normie while still honoring my Non-Normie traits, the unconventional, innovative parts that thrive on curiosity, creativity, deep thinking, and intellectual discussions.

Are You a Normie?

Being surrounded by more Normies than ever before has been a fascinating experience, almost like being an anthropologist studying a foreign culture. A close friend of mine, also a Non-Normie, happens to be an expert on Normies, having been forced to live among them for many years. Together, we’ve dissected their traits and categorized them into three main types:

1. The Normie

The prototype Normie. They are content with life and follow societal norms without much deviation. They’re stable, grounded, and generally happy, but they don’t stand out in any particular way. Normies tend to share the following traits:

• Career & Lifestyle – They have stable, well-paying 9-to-5 jobs in industries like finance, tech, marketing, or consulting. Their careers allow them to take decent vacations at least twice a year—one during the holidays, one in the summer—while making the most of long weekends.
• Personality – Kind, friendly, inclusive, and chill. They get along with just about everyone and prefer to keep the peace.
• Food Culture – They are self-proclaimed foodies. Dining out is a major social activity, and their favorite conversation at a restaurant is whether they’ve been there before and what else is good on the menu. They can talk about food endlessly and often enjoy cooking too.
• Fitness & Health – They hit the gym 3–5 times a week, stay in decent shape, and generally prioritize their health.
• Fashion & Grooming – Well-groomed and dressed in appropriate clothing, but not particularly concerned with fashion or pushing any style boundaries.
• Vices – If they drink, smoke, or do recreational drugs, it’s always in moderation, never to the point of addiction.
• Relationships – Often coupled up, even at a young age. They have normal relationships without deep-seated fears of commitment or other hangups. If single, they still enjoy their lives.
• Entertainment Preferences – They listen to mainstream music—Drake, Bruno Mars, Top 40, or whatever’s trending on TikTok. Their go-to entertainment is on social media: TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube, and they love sending funny videos to friends. They enjoy dad jokes and memes.
• Reading – They don’t read much, especially fiction. They don’t know who Sally Rooney is but might have considered reading Where the Crawdads Sing or something from Reese’s Book Club. If they do end up reading or listening to an audiobook, it's usually for a book club, and they think the book is just okay.
• Movies & TV – They stick to mainstream stuff—Marvel movies, Netflix, whatever that helps them unwind. Indie, avant-garde cinema is not on their radar. They might watch a prestige HBO show though to be in on the conversation.
• Intellectual Curiosity – Generally uninterested in politics, religion, spirituality, or debating controversial topics. They prefer to keep things light.

2. Normie Plus

The best kind of Normie—the kind I strive to be. Normie Pluses have all the stability and happiness of a regular Normie, but with a twist. They are curious. They might have a sharp sense of humor, a love for cool art, or an unconventional hobby that makes them extra interesting. They’ve found a way to enjoy life without falling into the mental health struggles that often plague Non-Normies, all while maintaining a spark of individuality.

3. Normie Minus

The worst kind of Normie. Normie Minuses are saddled with anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues, but unlike Non-Normies, they don’t channel their struggles into creative expression or personal growth. Since they don't believe in spirituality or doing inner work, they get stuck in cycles of negativity, making them feel lost and stagnant.

The Advantages and Disadvantages of Being a Normie

While Normies generally lead happy, well-balanced lives, they have limitations. They tend to think inside the box, which can make them less suited for roles that require innovation, risk-taking, or pushing creative boundaries. As a result, Normies may struggle as entrepreneurs, groundbreaking artists, or disruptors in their fields.

For example, a Normie can certainly be a fiction writer, but they’re more likely to succeed in commercial or genre fiction, where familiar structures and formulas dominate. They’re less inclined to experiment with avant-garde storytelling or challenge literary conventions.

That said, Normies can still thrive in creative fields, even if they aren’t trailblazers. Their ability to stay grounded and maintain stability allows them to bring consistency and reliability to artistic and entrepreneurial endeavors.

On the flip side, being a Normie comes with plenty of advantages. They tend to be mentally balanced, free from overthinking and existential spirals. They avoid unnecessary drama, maintain a peaceful approach to life, and often prioritize their health, staying active and generally leading a physically well-rounded lifestyle. Financially, they are stable, at the very least earning enough to live comfortably, and if they earn more, they invest wisely, owning property, maybe even a cottage for weekend getaways. Their social lives are fulfilling, with steady friendships, planned activities, and things to look forward to, whether it’s their next vacation or a new restaurant to try.

Unlike Non-Normies, they don’t waste time trying to be countercultural, edgy, or rebellious for the sake of it. They instinctively understand that constantly resisting the mainstream is exhausting and, ultimately, fruitless. Instead, they focus on enjoying life. While they may not be the ones pushing boundaries or challenging societal norms, they’ve mastered something many struggle with: contentment.

What It’s Like to Interact with a Normie as a Non-Normie

If you’re a Non-Normie, interacting with a Normie can sometimes be an amusing experience. Here’s what to expect:

• They’ll find you endlessly interesting. Your quirks, hobbies, and offbeat humor will seem novel and exciting to them. They’ll probably think your jokes are the funniest thing they’ve ever heard, especially if they’ve never met someone who thinks the way you do. If you're the only Non-Normie there, expect to be the most interesting person in the room.
• But they might not always get you. If you stray too far from the mainstream in conversation, you may lose them. References to niche cultural movements, obscure books, or countercultural ideas might go completely over their heads. They might find your dark humor sadistic at times. A few might find you intimidating or straight up weird and off-putting.
• Your hobbies might surprise them. Something as normal to you as reading books for fun could be perceived as unusual. If you rarely use social media, they may genuinely wonder what you do with your free time.
• Expect some surface-level conversations. While Normies are often friendly and easygoing, deep or unconventional discussions might not come naturally to them. You may find yourself keeping things light or avoiding topics that require too much abstract thinking.
• However, some Normies have good senses of humor. Normie Pluses, especially, are great to banter with, and you might find unexpected connection points. Even if they don’t share your interests, they can still appreciate your wit and energy.

Interacting with Normies can be fun, even refreshing, as long as you know what to expect. While they may not always relate to your world, they can still appreciate it. And sometimes, that’s enough.

Conclusion

After years of living among Non-Normies and now spending more time in Normie communities, I’ve come to see the value in both worlds.

Spending time with Normies has shown me the benefits of stability, ease, and enjoying life without overcomplicating it. On the other hand, being around Non-Normies still fulfills my need for deep conversations, creative exploration, and intellectual stimulation. Rather than fully aligning with one side, I’ve learned that the sweet spot lies in embracing both: staying mentally healthy and grounded like a Normie while nurturing my curiosity, unconventional thinking, and passion for art and ideas.

You don’t have to suffer to create, and you don’t have to suppress your depth to be happy. The middle ground, a Normie Plus existence, is where joy and creativity can harmonize.