Have you ever noticed someone trying so hard to stand out that it actually feels forced?

It’s like they’re putting on a show, constantly reminding the world how quirky or different they are.

We all want to be unique in our own way, but when someone is going overboard to prove it, it can be painfully obvious to everyone but them.

The funny thing is, most people who try too hard to be different don’t even realize they’re doing it. It’s not necessarily a bad thing, but it can come across as inauthentic and even a little exhausting to be around.

If you’ve ever wondered whether someone (or even yourself!) is falling into this trap, here are seven behaviors that people who try too hard to be different often display.

1) Overemphasizing their uniqueness

We all have our quirks, don’t we? It’s what makes us human, unique, and interesting.

But here’s the thing – there’s a difference between embracing your quirks and constantly highlighting them.

When someone is trying too hard to be different, they tend to overemphasize their unique traits. It’s as though they’re screaming, “Look at me! I’m not like the rest of you!”

Unfortunately, all that does is make them come across as insincere or forced.

Authenticity lies in being comfortable with who you are and not feeling the need to constantly prove your individuality.

After all, your uniqueness should be an inherent part of you, not something you have to incessantly point out.

So, let your quirks shine through naturally. People appreciate authenticity more than a contrived display of uniqueness.

2) Being a nonconformist…just for the sake of it

We’ve all heard the advice to “be yourself” and not follow the crowd. But what happens when going against the grain becomes less about individuality and more about simply wanting to stand out?

I once had a friend who always seemed to have an “unpopular opinion” (he actually often prefaced his social media posts with this).

If everyone was talking about the hottest new Netflix series, he would intentionally avoid it. If a song was trending, he’d refuse to listen. 

Basically, he just wanted to do things differently – and be seen while at it. He wanted the world to see how unique and non-conformist he was. 

The lesson here? It’s okay not to follow the crowd. But make sure it’s because you genuinely want to do something different, not just because you want to be perceived as unique.

Again, I’ll say this — authenticity always shines brighter than contrived nonconformity. This brings me to the next point…

3) Focusing on being different rather than being genuine

Sometimes, in the pursuit of being different, we lose sight of the most essential thing – being genuine. It’s like wearing a mask that might look interesting but hides our true selves.

For instance, imagine you’re at a party. You meet two people. One is wearing a flamboyant hat and spouting obscure trivia about ancient civilizations. The other is simply dressed and talks about their love for gardening.

The first person might initially grab your attention, but I’m willing to bet that it’s the second person who truly engages you.

Why? Because their passion for gardening is genuine and heartfelt, not just an attempt to be seen as different.

The takeaway is that being different is not about putting on a show. It’s about expressing your authentic self. It’s not about pretending to be someone you’re not, but being true to who you are. 

4) Adopting interests solely based on their uniqueness

Interests, hobbies, passions – they form an integral part of our identity. They’re usually a reflection of what we enjoy and what resonates with us.

But here’s the twist.

When someone is trying too hard to be different, they might pick up interests solely because they’re unusual or uncommon.

It’s like collecting rare stamps not because you’re fascinated by them, but because it’s a unique hobby to have.

Let’s get real.

Your interests should be something you genuinely enjoy, not just something you do for the sake of being different.

After all, what’s the point of having a hobby if it doesn’t bring you joy or satisfaction?

So the next time you’re tempted to pick up an interest just because it’s different, ask yourself: “Do I really love doing this? Or am I just trying to stand out?”

Your passions should come from your heart, not from a desire to be seen as unique.

5) Rejecting popular things simply because they’re popular

Another behavior that’s quite common with people trying hard to be different is that they tend to reject anything that’s popular or mainstream just because it’s, well, popular.

But here’s an interesting perspective.

Did you know that the Beatles, one of the most successful and beloved bands in history, were initially rejected by several record labels because they were deemed ‘too mainstream’?

Just imagine if we all dismissed them simply because they were popular!

The point is, popularity doesn’t necessarily equate to lack of quality or originality. Sometimes, things are popular for a good reason – they’re genuinely good!

So don’t dismiss something just because it’s well-liked by others. You might miss out on something you’d truly enjoy. After all, embracing what you love is the ultimate form of being yourself!

6) Overly quirky fashion or style

When someone tries too hard to be different, one of the most noticeable behaviors is how they dress.

Their style often screams “look at me,” not because they genuinely love what they’re wearing, but because they’re fixated on standing out.

This might mean bold, eclectic outfits, wild patterns, or mixing and matching clothing items in a way that seems more performative than personal.

Often, these outfits feel unnatural or over the top, and you can sense that the person is more concerned with making a statement than wearing something they truly enjoy or feel comfortable in.

What’s interesting is that this approach to fashion doesn’t always reflect who they are. Instead of expressing their true personality, it becomes about crafting an image that shouts, “I’m different!”

People who fall into this behavior often feel pressure to consistently push the envelope, even if it means stepping outside of what feels authentic to them.

Over time, this need to stand out can become exhausting, as they find themselves chasing trends or quirky pieces just for the sake of being unique, rather than embracing a style that genuinely resonates with them.

7) Being contrarian in conversations

Another common behavior among those trying too hard to be different is the need to be contrarian in every conversation.

No matter the topic, they instinctively take the opposite stance, even if it feels forced or unnatural.

It’s not always about having a strong belief in their viewpoint, but rather about showing others that they “think differently.”

This tendency can come across as argumentative or even exhausting for those around them, as it feels less like a thoughtful exchange of ideas and more like a performance of non-conformity.

While challenging conventional views can be valuable, being contrarian for the sake of it often backfires.

Instead of fostering deep, meaningful discussions, it can create tension or awkwardness, as others feel like their opinions are constantly being dismissed or challenged.

Final thoughts

There’s a very thin line between someone who’s truly quirky and someone who’s just highlighting it for the sake of image.

I guess you’ll know the difference by how the latter feels performative and inauthentic. 

In the end, striving to be different shouldn’t overshadow the importance of being true to oneself.

It’s not about adopting quirks or pursuing unique hobbies just for the sake of standing out. It’s about embracing who you truly are – quirks, interests, passions and all.

So, next time you find yourself trying too hard to be different, pause and reflect. Ask yourself – is this me? Or am I just trying to be unique?

At the end of the day, remember that being different isn’t about standing out at all costs. It’s about being true to who you are. And there’s nothing more beautiful than that.