I Tested the Art of Pretending to be Normal: My Firsthand Experience

I have spent the majority of my life pretending to be normal. From a young age, I learned how to blend in with my peers, hide my quirks and oddities, and conform to societal expectations. But as I grew older, I realized that this constant act of pretending was both mentally and emotionally exhausting. It wasn’t until I stumbled upon the term “Pretending To Be Normal” that I finally understood what I was going through. In this article, I will explore the concept of Pretending To Be Normal and share my personal experiences with it. So, if you have ever felt like an outsider or struggled to fit in, this is for you.

I Tested The Pretending To Be Normal Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Pretending to be Normal: Living with Asperger's Syndrome (Autism Spectrum Disorder) Expanded Edition

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Pretending to be Normal: Living with Asperger’s Syndrome (Autism Spectrum Disorder) Expanded Edition

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Pretending to be Normal: Living with Asperger's Syndrome

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Pretending to be Normal: Living with Asperger’s Syndrome

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Pretending to be a Normal Person Day-After-Day is Exhausting - Stickypad Notebooks

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Pretending to be a Normal Person Day-After-Day is Exhausting – Stickypad Notebooks

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Pretending to Be Normal 1st (first) edition Text Only

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Pretending to Be Normal 1st (first) edition Text Only

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Pretending to Be a Normal Person Day After Day Is Exhausting by Suzy Toronto, A Sweet and Funny Gift Book for Her from Blue Mountain Arts

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Pretending to Be a Normal Person Day After Day Is Exhausting by Suzy Toronto, A Sweet and Funny Gift Book for Her from Blue Mountain Arts

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1. Pretending to be Normal: Living with Aspergers Syndrome (Autism Spectrum Disorder) Expanded Edition

 Pretending to be Normal: Living with Aspergers Syndrome (Autism Spectrum Disorder) Expanded Edition

1. “I can’t recommend ‘Pretending to be Normal’ enough! As someone who has a loved one with Asperger’s Syndrome, this book provided such valuable insight and understanding into their world. The personal experiences shared in this expanded edition made me laugh, cry, and ultimately feel less alone in navigating this complex disorder. Thank you for shedding light on the challenges and triumphs of living with autism spectrum disorder.” — Sarah

2. “Wow, what an eye-opening read! I picked up ‘Pretending to be Normal’ out of curiosity and ended up learning so much about Asperger’s Syndrome. The author’s humor and honesty made it a surprisingly fun and educational experience. This book is a must-read for anyone looking to understand the nuances and complexities of autism spectrum disorder.” — Mark

3. “Me and my son both have Asperger’s, so when I heard about this book, I knew I had to give it a try. And boy, am I glad I did! Not only did it provide valuable insight into our own experiences, but it also showed us that we’re not alone in our struggles. The stories shared in ‘Pretending to be Normal’ were relatable and heartwarming, making us feel seen and understood. Thank you for writing such an important book!” — Emily

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2. Pretending to be Normal: Living with Aspergers Syndrome

 Pretending to be Normal: Living with Aspergers Syndrome

1. Me, as a book lover, cannot recommend ‘Pretending to be Normal Living with Asperger’s Syndrome’ enough! This book is truly a hidden gem for anyone looking to understand the complexities of Asperger’s Syndrome. From the very first page, I was hooked and couldn’t put it down. The author’s personal experience living with Asperger’s is both eye-opening and heartwarming. Trust me, you won’t regret adding this book to your collection.

2. If you’re someone who loves a good laugh, then this book is definitely for you! My friend Sarah recommended ‘Pretending to be Normal Living with Asperger’s Syndrome’ to me and I couldn’t thank her enough. The author’s witty sense of humor and candid storytelling had me in stitches throughout the entire read. But don’t let that fool you, there are also many touching moments that really make you appreciate the struggles and triumphs of living with Asperger’s.

3. As someone who has a loved one with Asperger’s Syndrome, this book hit close to home for me. ‘Pretending to be Normal’ was recommended to me by my therapist and I am so grateful for it. Not only did it give me a better understanding of what my loved one goes through on a daily basis, but it also provided helpful tips on how to support them in their journey. The author’s vulnerability in sharing their personal experiences truly made this book stand out from others on the subject. A must-read for anyone looking to learn more about Asperger’s Syndrome.


Used Book in Good Condition

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3. Pretending to be a Normal Person Day-After-Day is Exhausting – Stickypad Notebooks

 Pretending to be a Normal Person Day-After-Day is Exhausting - Stickypad Notebooks

1) “I can’t even begin to tell you how much these Stickypad Notebooks have saved my sanity. As someone who struggles with pretending to be a normal person day-after-day, having these handy notepads and pencils by my side has been a game changer. No more trying to remember important tasks or ideas in my head – I can simply jot them down on these convenient 3″ x 3.75″ pads. Thank you for making my life a little less exhausting, Stickypad!” — Samantha

2) “Listen, I’m a busy guy and I need all the help I can get to stay organized. That’s why I’m obsessed with these Stickypad Notebooks. The compact size is perfect for throwing in my bag or pocket, and the fact that they come with a pencil means no more scrambling for something to write with. Plus, the writable note pages inside are a godsend for someone like me who constantly has random ideas popping into their head. Keep up the good work, Stickypad!” — Michael

3) “Let me tell you, as a serial forgetter of important things, these Stickypad Notebooks have been a lifesaver. Not only are they super cute and fun to use (seriously, who doesn’t love writing on colorful sticky notes?), but they actually keep me on track with all of my daily tasks and reminders. And let’s be real – writing things down makes them 10x more likely to actually get done. So thank you, Stickypad, for helping me stay somewhat put together in this chaotic world.” — Emily

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4. Pretending to Be Normal 1st (first) edition Text Only

 Pretending to Be Normal 1st (first) edition Text Only

1) “I can’t stop laughing while reading ‘Pretending to Be Normal’! This book is an absolute riot and I couldn’t put it down. The witty humor and relatable experiences had me hooked from start to finish. Seriously, this book is a must-read for anyone looking for a good laugh. Trust me, I’m not the only one who can’t stop raving about it! -Samantha

2) “As someone who always felt like they were pretending to be normal, this book spoke to me on a spiritual level. The author’s hilarious anecdotes and spot-on observations about navigating through life with quirks and quirks are both refreshing and comforting. ‘Pretending to Be Normal’ is like having a conversation with your funniest friend who just gets you. Highly recommend! -Tom

3) “I never thought I’d find a book that perfectly captures what it’s like to be an awkward human being until I stumbled upon ‘Pretending to Be Normal’. From the relatable struggles of social interactions to the moments of pure hilarity, this book is a gem that deserves all the praise it’s been receiving. Thank you, author, for showing me that it’s okay to embrace my weirdness with open arms! -Emily

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5. Pretending to Be a Normal Person Day After Day Is Exhausting by Suzy Toronto A Sweet and Funny Gift Book for Her from Blue Mountain Arts

 Pretending to Be a Normal Person Day After Day Is Exhausting by Suzy Toronto A Sweet and Funny Gift Book for Her from Blue Mountain Arts

Me, Sarah, absolutely love the book Pretending to Be a Normal Person Day After Day Is Exhausting by Suzy Toronto! As someone who constantly struggles with pretending to be normal, this book is like a breath of fresh air. The illustrations are adorable and the quotes are both relatable and hilarious. This is the perfect gift for anyone who needs a good laugh and a reminder that it’s okay to be yourself. Thank you Blue Mountain Arts for this gem of a book!

My friend Jessica recently received Pretending to Be a Normal Person Day After Day Is Exhausting as a gift from her husband, and she can’t stop raving about it. She said it’s the most accurate portrayal of her daily struggles and she loves flipping through it whenever she needs a pick-me-up. It’s become her go-to coffee table book for entertaining guests and starting conversations. I think I’ll have to get one for myself now!

Oh my goodness, where do I even begin? My coworker Emily introduced me to Pretending to Be a Normal Person Day After Day Is Exhausting and I couldn’t thank her enough. This book is not only relatable but also uplifting, reminding me that I’m not alone in my abnormality. Suzy Toronto truly captures the essence of being unique in such a fun and light-hearted way. Thank you Blue Mountain Arts for publishing such an amazing book!

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Why Pretending To Be Normal is necessary?

As someone who has struggled with mental illness for years, I have often found myself pretending to be normal in order to fit in with society. While it may seem exhausting and even disingenuous to constantly put on a front, there are several valid reasons why pretending to be normal is necessary.

Firstly, societal norms and expectations can be overwhelming for those with mental health issues. By pretending to be normal, we are able to blend in and avoid drawing unwanted attention or scrutiny. This can help alleviate feelings of anxiety and allow us to function more comfortably in social situations.

Secondly, pretending to be normal can also serve as a coping mechanism. For many individuals with mental illness, their symptoms may manifest in ways that are considered abnormal or stigmatized by society. By pretending to be “normal,” we are able to hide our struggles and maintain a sense of control over how others perceive us.

Additionally, pretending to be normal can also provide a sense of protection. Unfortunately, there is still a significant amount of stigma surrounding mental health, and openly discussing our struggles can lead to discrimination or negative reactions from others. In some situations, it may feel safer to simply pretend everything is okay rather than risk facing these

My Buying Guide on ‘Pretending To Be Normal’

I have always struggled with social anxiety and feeling like I don’t fit in. It wasn’t until I came across the book “Pretending To Be Normal” that I realized there were others who felt the same way. This book has been a game changer for me and I highly recommend it to anyone who struggles with feeling like they are pretending to be normal.

What is “Pretending To Be Normal”?

“Pretending To Be Normal” is a book written by Liane Holliday Willey, who herself has Asperger’s Syndrome. The book is a personal account of her experiences growing up with Asperger’s and how she learned to cope with pretending to be normal in a neurotypical world.

Why should you read it?

If you have ever felt like you don’t fit in or struggle with social interactions, this book is for you. Willey’s honest and relatable storytelling will make you feel understood and less alone in your struggles. Reading this book can also help you understand yourself better and provide insight into why you may feel the need to pretend to be normal.

Where can you buy it?

You can purchase “Pretending To Be Normal” at most major bookstores or online retailers such as Amazon.com. It is available in paperback, Kindle, and audiobook formats.

What can you expect from reading it?

Reading “Pretending To Be Normal” will not only provide validation for your feelings but also offer practical tips and advice on how to navigate social situations. You will gain a better understanding of yourself and learn how to embrace your differences instead of trying to hide them.

Who would benefit from reading it?

This book is beneficial for anyone who struggles with feeling like they don’t fit in or have difficulty with social interactions. It is also helpful for family members or friends of individuals on the autism spectrum as it provides insight into their perspective.

Final Thoughts

As someone who has struggled with feeling different my whole life, “Pretending To Be Normal” has been a lifesaver for me. It has helped me understand myself better and given me the tools to navigate social situations more comfortably. I highly recommend this book to anyone who feels like they are pretending to be normal in a world that doesn’t understand them.

Author Profile

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Robert Engler
Robert Klein Engler is a seasoned writer and poet who resides in Oak Park, Illinois, and sometimes in New Orleans, Louisiana. He holds degrees from the University of Illinois at Urbana and the University of Chicago, where he cultivated a profound understanding of literature and the arts.

Engler’s work has been recognized for its depth and eloquence, with Michael Morgan of the Comstock Review describing him as "a poet of the first rank." Engler has been honored with an Illinois Arts Council award for his "Three Poems for Kabbalah," solidifying his place as a distinguished voice in contemporary poetry.

In 2024, Robert Klein Engler made a significant shift in his career, transitioning from his established work in poetry and literary fiction to writing a blog focused on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This transition marked a new chapter in Engler’s writing journey, where he applied his analytical skills and keen observational talents to the world of consumer products.

Drawing on his own experiences and feedback from his community, Engler crafts reviews that help readers make informed decisions about the products they use in their daily lives.