Originally posted by jeffbert@Jan 16 2005, 09:22 AM
I can relate to being an outcast or outsider. I was crippled at age 3, but was ok with other kids until they were old enough to realize that not only was I different, but inferior. I was tormented by them from the 2nd to the 10th grade & beyond. They ridiculed me, mocked me, used me, but worst of all, they took pleasure in my pain.
The thing about the plush toy is that it will never criticize you. I am 46 & still suffer from an inferiority complex (perhaps I should call it something else, but what?), wondering if people, even my parents really love me or merely tolerate me. My advice to you is that you do not allow this to alienate you. Regardless of the pain, you must not take the easy way out. Do not become a hermit. The more people you know, the better the chances that someone will accept you. I sometimes wish I could be a little kid again, & enjoy my mother's tender loving care and reassurance when I am sad. But fantasy can only take you so far. Even if people are cruel to you, do not even think about it. Rather, you should try to ignore it & get along as best you can. Because if you become alienated now, you very likely will be for life. My brother is able-bodied, good-looking, and has a great job. But he took after me, and felt that he was inadequate. at 40 he is single & does not even know any single women. Hence, you must deal with it now.
Please feel free to send me a personal message anytime you need someone to talk to.
I had no idea that you were crippled. It's good that you're okay though. Thank you for the advice, and if I ever feel sad, I'll send you a private message. If I knew you way back when, it would have helped when someone made fun of me because my favorite actor, who's picture I had all over everything, has Parkinson's Disease. I can't beleive how people laughed at his comment. It made me cry.
I guess in life we have to live with what these people say to make is feel bad. I never met my brother. 
The problem was, however, that I simply could not laugh at myself. Because others laughed at me, I was extremely self-conscious. Everywhere I go, little kids' heads turn as I walk by, "mommy, why does that man walk funny?" I just wanted to blend in with the crowd, but there was no way that would happen. I have since gotten over it, but sometimes I am still bothered by it. 
I never thought i'd get THIS many replies. And to think, I actually hesitated in postingn this for awhile. 
But I'm sure you all also tried to imagine what it would be like to fly! :wahah:
