Different is as different does...

[kywmccabe]

I think the most difficult times in my life are when I enter groups of people. One thing that has always been hard for me is the fact that I've always said what I thought- I don't have the types of inhibitions that others have- I think because I was homeschooled. As a teenager most people considered me strange but quirky- now as I'm in my mid-

Comments

[kywmccabe]

that's so true- it's just on those particular days that happen once in awhile where I forget that there are people who do see me for me!

[nessalew]

i know how u feel..and even though we dont know each other that well i feel like we are alot alike. my husband doesnt even get me..so how can anyone else? hell i dont even get myself sometimes. as long as u are true to yourself who cares what everyone else thinks... as long as ur kids love and respect u i think u will be fine!

[irelandsgoddess]

YOU are the one who decides when its okay to be yourself, no one else.
When I'm wearing shoes, I'm a six foot redhead with super broad shoulders and I'm very curvy. I have a loud voice and I walk with my shoulders back. I'm stared at like I have two heads everywhere I go. I just got used to it after awhile.

Just be confident. :) They'll get over it.

[shuju_the_red]

"When will it be okay to just be myself?"

It always was, always will be. The thing is to be yourself, for yourself. The friends you make while doing so may still give you "You're retarded" looks later, but you know they like you anyway, and it won't hurt. (and they'll let you give them "You're retarded" looks back. )

At least that's how it is for me and my friends. They run the extremes of thinking I'm brilliant and thinking I'm retarded, so it evens out. :P

PS: Also, there is the chance that you're only being too self-conscious, and projecting judgment because they aren't quite as unexpressive. Please remember, some of us want to, we just can't, and admire those who can. :)

[shuju_the_red]

Er, I meant "aren't quite as expressive or uninhibited"