A black sheep is someone that doesn't fit in with the rest of the group either because they have a different system of beliefs or they just don't want to be like everybody else. The term black sheep is often used to describe a family member that is completely different than everybody else.
Oprah says "The black sheep of the family is the most sensitive person in the family. The person who takes on, absorbs, all of the energy and dynamics of the rest of the family"
So it got me thinking... What exactly are the requirements for becoming a black sheep? After giving it some thought, I came up with 5 strategies, guaranteed to make you a black sheep:
- Find something that your group feels strongly about and start an argument against it. Politics or religion is usually a good choice. Arguing on sensitive subjects will make you an outcast very quickly.
- Look different than everybody else. If you make yourself look different from the group you are more likely to become an outcast. Much like the black sheep born in a litter of white sheep, the more outrageous that you look the quicker you will become the black sheep.
- Disobey rules. The quickest way to be the black sheep in your family is to be the rebel. This is easier if you come from a family with very strict rules, you can just break minor rules and look very rebellious. Having different values than your family will isolate you very quickly. When you are comforable breaking rule in the home, then you can upgrade to breaking rules in the workplace, at school, protesting etc etc etc
- Develop an unusual hobby or interest that most people in your family or circle of friends don't understand. Being artistic is a good choice. Having an unusual interest will help you look mysterious.
- Play hard to get & harder to get hold of. Let them complain you never answer the phone, or that they seldom hear from you. The black sheep of the family is usually the family member that only spends time with the family on holidays or at reunions.
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