WOW! thanks for the forwarded zaps! I feel warm, fuzzy thoughts at having inspired you but also somewhat surprised.

I have had similar interactions with other people. I find myself genuinely wanting to have an interesting conversation or perhaps even philosophical debate about something. The non-conformity not only confuses but angers a lot of people. Like you, I want to ask them why they think a certain way and express my thoughts also but it is often misconstrued as looking for an argument or a fight. It usually ends with them realising my opinion on something is completely left field (to them anyway) and they are confused or stunned. I'm left feeling very awkward and misunderstood, whilst they usually completely misinterpret me, can't grasp the left field thinking, think I'm cookoo and I seriously wish I'd just sat making small talk instead.

I read in an article that up to 75 percent of people tend to go along with the decisions of a group (I suspect it might be more) even when the decision doesn't make any sense. It said this is because of our strong drive to achieve social conformity. It’s hard to disagree when everyone else is singing from the same song sheet - apparently. I don't get this same feeling to go along with everyone and most of the time have the strong urge to disagree! XDDD

I have learnt to appreciate peace by choosing when to say something and when to just leave it. I leave it most of the time! XD

One of my kids is very similar and when he was younger he came across as quite arrogant and a knowitall. I had to teach him the zen practice of just letting people be right, whilst encouraging the quirkiness at home :))