You're Not Special

Let me tell you about something I hate.  Something that comes up on an unfortunately regular basis.  I hate when people say things about themselves that they think are incredibly unique but that actually are quite universal.  For example, facebook interests.  What?!!  You like hanging out with friends!?  You're into shopping and spending time with your family?!  Don't even tell me - I cannot believe you like to just chill out sometimes.  You have got to be joking.  That is WILD!  I totally hate just chilling out!  I also hate spending time with friends and family!  It also comes up in terms of learning styles.  You're a -- a -- visual learner?  It helps you to SEE something when you learn it?  That is the most absurd thing I've ever heard!  You must be the only person on the planet!  Wait a minute - you find it hard to concentrate on something that doesn't interest you?  Outrageous!  Unparalleled!  Someone also told me recently that music calms her, that she has to listen to music to stay sane.  Now.  I think we can all agree that music is pleasant and can go all the way up to necessary.  For most, if not all, of us.  To tell me that as if it's inconceivable, as if you and you alone discovered music's calming effects, fills me with terrible rage. 

It angers me when people tout these facts and qualities about themselves AS IF they are the first.  Sharing those facts and qualities are fine.  But you have to do it in such a way that acknowledges the commonality, the naturalness, of your fact or quality.  Not in that GET THIS I AM ONE OF A KIND way.  Because you are not.  You, my friend, are not special.