An incredibly intelligent friend with ADHD and Asperger's told me that he often, after leaving a social event, asks himself: was I too weird?

I think he's asking the wrong question.

The people that stick in your memory are those who stand out. Of the thousands of Uber journeys I've taken, I remember the drivers with the stories. Of all the books I've read, it's those that are different that stay in my mind. Same with podcast formats, concerts, even an eccentric waiter can enhance your evening.

"Weird" is just a negative slant on exceptional, remarkable or memorable. Given that normal is not the goal, I'll take being called weird any day of the week.

If you're naturally intense, intelligent or inquisitive, lean more into it, not less.

Rather than: was I too weird, ask: was I weird enough?