I know my family must have been mortified at times with some of my outlandish hairdos and clothing I would wear in my younger days.

I remember one time when I came home from college, I had started wearing short skirts with white stockings.

My maternal grandfather, being one who always spoke his mind, sarcastically asked if I was trying to look like a nurse.

For those of you who are younger than me, nurses have not always worn scrubs.

I tried to explain to him that it was in style to wear white stockings, but like many, he knew it was only the style of a few.

Most my age were into the preppy look that directed men to wear Ralph Lauren Polo shirts, khakis and the traditional blue blazer. Ralph dictated women’s fashion, too.

Initially, when I began my freshman year at college, I bought into the preppy class, and I know there were surely some members of my family who had to have been elated to see me “fitting in.”

But alas, deciding on whether to wear a pink button down shirt or blue button down shirt with a khaki skirt or possibly khaki slacks became too boring for me, so I reverted back to my old self.

The Cambridge dictionary defines mainstream as one who is normal and having or using ideas, beliefs, etc. that are accepted by most people.

Obviously, I did not fit the bill for being mainstream.

My personality comes closer to those who are a bit more outspoken and or have nuzzled up to pushing the envelope.

I mean, marrying a man nearly 10 years my junior is certainly not the norm!

For the longest time, doing my own thing and being a bit quirky never seemed to bother me.

It had its consequences, but none I could not handle.

Being left out sometimes by friends who were on a more “normal” path stung, but fortunately there were always my colorful friends who loved me no matter what hairstyle or piece of clothing I wore.

When the kiddies came along, however, I decided it was time to try and fit in.

I did not want them to be in my shadow for fear they would not be accepted.

But like they say, the apple does not always fall too far from the tree, and a couple of my children don’t always feel the need to conform.

Their diversity has been exciting to witness, but as a mother, I have also cried many nights when they were excluded from the group.

But like me, my children have also had wonderful friends who appreciated their uniqueness.

Sometimes I wish I could have been mainstream, but then if I was, I may not have been cheeky enough to write a column!
Terri Cowart Frazier is a staff writer for The Vicksburg Post. You may reach her at terri.frazier@vicksburgpost.com. Readers are invited to submit their opinions for publication.