Am I Normal?

This is a question I am asked a lot as a college instructor of Human Sexuality.   If you've found your way here, you may have a similar question:  "Am I Normal"? 

My first response is usually, "Normal is a Myth".  The rationale behind this response is that it depends on how you define normal.  It depends, for instance, on what you are basing your definition on:  Statistics, Context, Mood?    For example, if you look, act and dress like a Goth and you are hanging out with other Goths, then from the outside in, you sure appear normal.  However, if you wear your Gothic garb to your grandma's religious service, are you still normal?  Contextually, based on appearances alone, likely not, unless your grandma and all her religious peers are Goths too.  However, beyond appearances, you may very well fit in quite well once people get to know you and lo!  You are normal again. 

When we are speaking about Human Sexuality, normal needs to be addressed in context.  I will do my best to base my topics and responses to your questions in research (not boring research, just verifiable facts). 

The title of this blog is "Pending Normal".  When people aren't sure of an answer to their question, then their question is pending.  Please feel free to ask away and we will hopefully move you from pending status to an accepted status.  Ask away!  My students call me Ms. Flores, or Heather and you are welcome to do the same, should you choose!