19 Of The Weirdest Things People Have Done (And Why)
The line between “normal” and “weird” can sometimes be blurry. What qualifies as “weird” may vary widely from one person to another. You might find yourself wondering, “Am I weird, or is this normal?” while performing some quirky, strange, or oddly specific habit. And don’t worry—you’re definitely not alone! Here’s a look at some of the weirdest things people do in private, at school, or even in public, and the possible reasons behind these unusual behaviors.
What Makes Something Weird Or Normal?
Is there such a thing as normal and abnormal? In a world filled with diverse personalities and cultures, distinguishing things from “normal” to “abnormal” can get quite difficult. What qualifies something as “weird” can depend on various factors like cultural norms, personal beliefs, or societal stereotypes. People might also just think you are strange if your behavior is different from what they were expecting.
On the other hand many habits might seem strange, but they’re actually quite common. For instance, things we think only we do might actually be quite common (though we may not often talk about them) like singing in the shower.
Strange things that are attractive to some might be downright weird to others. It all boils down to perception and personal preferences. In fact, many weird things are just harmless quirks that we all do on a regular basis. But sometimes, these quirks can be so unusual they leave people questioning the logic behind them. And that’s exactly what we’ll explore here.
19 Weirdest Things People Do (And Why Do They Do Them)
Humans are weird who do very weird things that have no explanation. When weird things keep happening on a regular basis, they become less weird and more normal. Let’s have a look at the weirdest things people can do in their daily lives.
1. Having conversations with pets
Talking to pets as if they’re human might seem odd, but for many, pets are like family. Conversations with pets help people feel connected and less lonely, especially in stressful times. According to research, talking to pets can even have health benefits like lowering blood pressure and loneliness.
Pets are great listeners, and let’s be honest—they rarely interrupt and don’t spill your secrets to anyone. Conversations with unusual pets can also be a unique and interesting thing to do.
2. Talking to inanimate objects
Now talking to pets might still be acceptable, talking to inanimate things is where things get a little weird. But let’s face it—we have all been there. Yelling at our computers for freezing or asking our cars to “please start” are weirdest things people have done at some point in their lives.
According to statistics, over half of adults admit they have conversations with inanimate objects. People actually find it oddly satisfying to communicate with inanimate objects (probably because they cannot say anything back). Believe it or not, some people even marry inanimate objects.
Talking to inanimate objects is common amongst celebrities as well. Winners of the Stanley Cup claimed to talk to their beloved trophy—just one of the many weirdest things people have done with the stanley cup.
3. Pick your split ends
Okay, I accept it—I am guilty of picking my split ends. Honestly, there’s something oddly satisfying about finding and removing split ends. I never thought of it as “weird” until my husband observed me do it between a meeting at work. That made me wonder how common it is? A quick search told me that I was not alone.
It is a common habit that is often unconscious, as people get lost in thought while inspecting their hair. It might even be calming for some.
4. Pick your toenails
As strange and disgusting as it sounds, picking toenails or fingernails is a habit many people develop. Removing the bits of lint or socks fuzz stuck between your toenails can be oddly satisfying.
It can be a way to relieve stress or simply pass the time, but maybe wash your hands after?
5. Pretend you are in a music video
Remember this? You are at home listening to your favorite music and decide to mimic the video to live your best rockstar life? Or you’re walking down the street as a teenager with your earbuds in, imagining the world as your music video set.
Pretending to be the star of a video is a common thing that mostly everyone has done at least once in their lives. It can make even the dullest commute feel cinematic.
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6. Eating in the shower
Some people find joy in munching on a snack in the shower. From quick snacks to a slice of pizza, those who have tried it claim that shower-eating can feel oddly relaxing. It combines the comfort of warm water with the satisfaction of food, turning a shower into a mini-spa experience. Eating in the shower is more common than you would think. According to a study, one in five people regularly eat in the bath.
Can’t imagine what’s satisfying about mushy, dripping food? If you ask me, this is something I would only do as a part of a bet for money.
7. Peeing while taking a shower
As disgusting as this sounds, it is surprisingly common and many people confess to occasionally peeing in the shower. Unlike peeing in the swimming pool or the ocean, the shower washes away the pee and is even said to conserve water.
For those who don’t get disgusted so easily, it’s simply a matter of convenience and a benefit of showering everyday.
Fun fact: Did you know that it’s illegal to pee in the ocean in Portugal? There is no way to actually monitor if one does making this one of the weirdest illegal things and laws.
8. Pick your nose
Most people have done this on a regular basis, even if they won’t admit it. Picking your nose might be considered a social taboo, but in private, it’s seen as a simple, effective way to clear out nasal congestion. It’s weird, yes, if someone catches you with your finger up your nostrils.
This is just one of the many normal things that are actually weird. Although normal, some weird things are better when done alone and this is one of them.
9. Pretend you didn’t see someone you know
I bet this sounds familiar. Just the other day I spotted an old colleague at the mall. I immediately turned around, hoping they wouldn’t see me. Spotting someone you know but pretending not to see them is something many people do to avoid awkward interactions.
People also try to avoid eye contact or pretend to do something else to avoid any conversation. This can be due to social anxiety or simply not feeling like talking.
10. Practise poses in the mirror
Remember in school when selfies just became “in”? Mirror selfies were all over social media and you just had to perfect your pose. Whether it’s a smile or a pout, many people practiced poses in front of a mirror to feel more confident.
It’s a way of “rehearsing” how you want to present yourselves in front of their friends or social media. Thinking back, this craziest thing you did as a teenager might seem cringe-worthy or hilarious now but back then it seemed very normal. And hey! If it makes you feel any better even Kim Kardashian has famously admitted to practicing poses in the mirror.
11. Imagine scenarios that will never happen
We’ve all found ourselves daydreaming about scenarios that are unlikely to ever happen. Maybe you’ve imagined bumping into your favorite celebrity or living a double life as an undercover spy.
Creating these imaginary scenarios is more than just wishful thinking; it’s a way to escape reality and let our minds wander into exciting “what if” possibilities. It serves as a creative outlet, allowing us to explore thrilling or meaningful encounters and indulge in fantasies without any real-life consequences.
12. Google yourself
We all Google ourselves to see what comes up. This weird habit is so common that it even has a name: egosurfing. Surveys suggest that around 47% of people who surf online look themselves up on Google.
People are naturally curious about how they’re perceived, and googling yourself is an easy way to check.
13. Pretend to be on phone while waiting for someone
When waiting alone, some people pretend to be on the phone to avoid looking awkward. It’s a common tactic to make waiting less uncomfortable, especially in busy places, giving the impression that they’re busy or important.
14. Check mirror every time you pass one
Can you pass a mirror without looking at yourself? I know I cannot. Now I am not self-obsessed but I do want to catch a glimpse of myself in every reflective surface I come across. This is something that many people do instinctively.
Mirrors offer a chance to check appearance, adjust hair, or even give yourself a confidence boost with a smile. If nothing else, it’s just reassuring to know that you are looking presentable.
15. Faking a yawn to smell your breath
Faking a yawn to get a whiff of your own breath is a sneaky way to check if it’s fresh. This discreet habit can help people avoid embarrassment before social interactions, although it might look funny from the outside.
16. Laughing alone
Everyone has seen people talking to themselves or laughing randomly, especially in public. Whether it’s from remembering a funny memory or laughing at a random thought, laughing alone isn’t as strange as it seems. It’s a form of self-amusement and can even lighten up one’s mood.
Talking to oneself or laughing while thinking about something is quite common, even if it appears strange on the outside.
17. Reducing the car volume to ‘see’ better
Sometimes you subconsciously do things that don’t have any logic or explanation. This is one of those. How is reducing the radio volume going to help me park better? I don’t know, but it does!
It sounds silly, but many people turn down the car’s volume when trying to concentrate or find an address. Lowering background noise can improve focus, so while it seems weird, there’s actually some logic behind it.
18. Searching for your phone while holding it in your hand
You’re looking for your phone, only to realize it’s in your hand—sound familiar? It’s a moment many of us have experienced, and it never fails to feel a little ridiculous. This classic case of absent-mindedness often happens when our minds are on autopilot, juggling a million little things.
It can happen when you’re lost in a thought or just distracted. But this weird thing that humans do is surprisingly common and very relatable.
19. Keeping tabs on your ex
You don’t necessarily classify as a “stalker” if you are checking up on your ex’s social media occasionally. It turns out that this is something many people do out of curiosity or nostalgia.
According to a survey, 36% of respondents keep tabs on their exes. It’s not always about lingering feelings but maybe you simply want to know what they’re up to or who they are dating now?
Humans are weird who adopt unique ways to entertain themselves. If you find yourself doing any of these things, don’t worry—you’re not alone!
These are just some of the many weirdest things people do. These strange things not only add a touch of humor to everyday life but also reveal how fascinating humans are. While they may not all be “normal,” they’re just part of what makes us human. So the next time you find yourself talking to a pet, googling yourself, or practicing poses in the mirror—you might just be more “normal” than you think.
What are some weird things you do? Tell us in the comments.
