Being Different

All I can say to this is: Amen. But, with qualifications.

Most of us here have, at some point, seen something or realized something that
wasn't societally acceptable. We don't think in the same way our parents do,
our classmates do, or maybe even the same way anybody else does. And because
we're "mentally divergent" (I *love* that phrase), we become a threat. The rest
of the world will try to squeeze the creativity out of you, try to quench that
little spark of madness.

It can hurt. It can hurt like hell to be different, to not be like anybody
else, and why the hell doesn't anyone *understand*? And sometimes, just
sometimes, a little bit of physical pain is what's needed to banish the mental
pain. I should know; I acquired a reputation for being able to survive any kind
of blunt head trauma after last year. Long story. (Handel, just be quiet. I was
trying to protect you from that vampire cleverly disguised as a chair.)

But there does come a point where hurting yourself isn't going to help. The
world is going to try and break you, and it doesn't need assistance. The best
way to get revenge is to survive and succeed. And, of course, should you get
sufficiently rich and powerful, go back and completely ruin the lives of
everyone who made your life hell way back when. A little bit of vengeance does
a body good.

I wouldn't say that holding on to hate and anger is bad, either. Hatred can be
a very powerful motivating force. If your hate keeps you going and helps you to
do what you want, then by all means, use it. Get angry at people. But don't let
them see they've got you angry. Just stay cool, then get them back later. It's
much more fun that way.

Alik