Most people are curious about more things than they’ll ever admit, and a lot of the time, that’s because we’ve been taught not to ask certain questions, not to explore certain topics, and not to talk about anything that might make someone else raise an eyebrow. But the truth is, curiosity is part of being human, and being curious about something doesn’t mean you’re strange or odd or wrong, and it really just means you’re open to learning. With that in mind, keep reading to find out more about why it’s totally fine to be curious.

Photo by Noelle Otto

You Don’t Have To Act On Every Thought

When you’re curious, you’re more likely to work out what works for you, and you’re more likely to try something new, and grow a little, and maybe even have a better time doing whatever it is you’re doing – whether that’s reading a book, planning a trip, having a conversation, or exploring something more personal.

It’s also worth saying that curiosity doesn’t always mean action; you’re allowed to be curious about something and not do anything about it, meaning you can think about a topic, wonder about it, read about it, and still decide it’s not for you. And that’s fine too. The point is that curiosity is safe, and it doesn’t have to lead anywhere if that’s the right outcome for you. 

It’s All More Common Than You Think

In a lot of cases, what we’re curious about is totally normal, even if it feels taboo at first. Take something like anal beads, for example. Some people are curious about them, some people aren’t, and some people don’t know much about them at all, but none of that makes anyone wrong or strange or different. It just means everyone’s working out what they like in their own way and at their own pace.

Let Yourself Explore 

There’s no guidebook for being an adult, and there’s certainly no rulebook for working out what feels good or what brings joy or what’s worth exploring. Most of us are doing our best with the information we’ve got, so it makes sense to stay open, ask questions, and be kind to ourselves at the same time (which isn’t always easy, but really does make a difference in the end). 

So if you’ve ever wondered about something and then told yourself not to because you felt silly or unsure or awkward, maybe it’s time to stop doing that because wondering is allowed. Plus, we live in a world where it’s so easy to get information, so you should be able to find out everything you need to know if you need to know it and not involve anyone else if you don’t feel that’s something you want to do. 

You Can Understand Yourself 

Curiosity is what helps us learn more, know ourselves better, and maybe feel a bit more confident about the things that matter. Plus, you don’t need to label everything you’re curious about or have a plan for what to do with it, you just need to be honest with yourself, and that’s what curiosity gives you.