Why Being Neurotic Is Actually A Good Thing

There are too many annoying and condescending pieces of dating advice directed at women to count. But the advice I hate the most is that you shouldn’t let a guy see how crazy/weird/unique/neurotic you are on the first date. Society may see being neurotic as a bad thing, but I grew up in a family that I like to call “Seinfeld Jewish” and we’re all a little neurotic (in the best way). Here’s why your neuroses make you a better person, no matter what anyone else says.

1. You see the humor in the little things. Life is pretty funny when you stop to smell the roses every once in a while. If you’re a neurotic person, then you realize that the universe is always throwing tiny jokes and coincidences at you. This means you probably have an awesome sense of humor. If you don’t believe me, just watch a Seinfeld rerun or binge some old episodes of your beloved Friends.
2. Worrying can be good. The next time someone says you worry too much, you should smile and say thank you. Why? Because worrying means that you actually care. You want the best for yourself and everyone you love, and that can only be positive. How strange would it be if you never worried at all? There are always going to be situations in life that make you anxious or concerned, and at least you’re honest about it.
3. You’re an interesting person. We all have quirks and unique personalities. I’d rather be a bit neurotic than boring any day of the week. It’s definitely a myth that guys are not into interesting girls, so don’t be afraid of sitting down on that first date and chatting about all the funny stuff that has happened to you lately. If he’s a cool guy, he’ll laugh and find you super charming and endearing. Much better than staring at him blankly with zero conversation.
4. Your neurotic nature makes you more creative. If you’re a writer or artist of some kind, then congrats, you’re already there. It’s just possible to create and not worry all the time about every single little thing – you know, the whole tortured artist thing. Embrace yourself and be glad about all the amazing work you can produce.
5. Guys are sensitive, too. If a guy ever insults you by claiming you’re way too sensitive, you can throw that right back in his face, because guys can be super sensitive. If you happen to feel things deeply, there’s nothing wrong with that. Being able to process your emotions is actually healthy. Be proud that you don’t keep how you feel bottled up inside.
6. You have brilliant powers of observation. One of the best parts of having a neurotic personality is that you can see what others can’t. You’re amused by your brother’s unique favorite saying or the equally neurotic woman who work out at your local studio. People can say you overanalyze things too much but as far as I’m concerned, that’s not possible.
7. You’re the opposite of lazy. When it comes to your career, friendships, family ties, and your life in general, you always want to make sure that things are the way you want them to be. That’s a million times better than simply letting stuff happen to you and going along with it.
8. You know what you like. Your friends think you’re crazy because you hate when someone moves anything around in your apartment, but that’s okay. We all have our weird likes and dislikes and that’s healthier than having no idea who you are.
9. Overthinking is your default state. Only unintelligent people say it’s bad to think too much. Never be ashamed of how smart you are and how much research and planning and thought you put into everything that you do.
10. You’ll always keep yourself safe. Living in a big city, my biggest neuroses have to do with how late it’s okay to take the subway home. I usually air on the side of caution and call a cab from a friend’s place or bar even if it’s only 11 PM. Better to be safe than sorry, as they say. Wouldn’t you rather protect yourself and have people call you nuts than get into trouble? If you’re neurotic, you’ve always got your own back.