I always tell my kids to just be themselves because if you aren’t the real you, you can’t form a real relationship with someone. If you’re weird, own it. You’ll attract the other weirdos out there.

The hurt feelings tend to bubble up sometimes but I have to remind myself that their poor behavior is on them and not me. I didn’t make them treat me like that. I allowed it, yes, but their behavior is a reflection of their worth, not mine.

It is what it is. I played the hand that I was dealt in life. I learned from it and I just keep going. At this point in life I don’t care if I make friends. I refuse to be something that I am not.