I almost became a hikkimori
The recent spurt of news articles on teenage withdrawal got me musing about my own teenage years.
I used to try locking myself in the toilet or in my room when I felt angry or upset. I would yell at my mom and tell her to shut up and leave me alone if she scolded me for it. Unfortunately, like most older Chinese parents, my mom got furious. She would break the lock, drag me out and give me a good beating. So I didn't become a hikkimori, but up till my first weeks in university, i locked myself up in the toilet during break time because i didn't know what to do. I retreat to my room if strangers knock on the door, unless they are postman bringing my parcels in. even recently, I often feel like going away somewhere on my own where I don't have to speak or answer to anyone. Maybe kendo saved me.