[Epona]

SomeGuy, I can relate.

I went through it at school, similar to what you describe. The reason was I looked and acted like a victim. I had no self-confidence whatsoever, was quiet and shy (ppl I know now would find that very hard to believe), and walked round mostly looking at the floor and looking miserable. I seriously over-reacted when I got teased, which made it all the more fun for those teasing me.

Believe in yourself. This is so important. If you generate an air of confidence, others will believe in you too. I didn't for so much of my childhood and teens. I really felt I would fail at everything I tried. Bullies can sense that feeling of defeat. One day (a while after I had left school) I decided enough is enough, and started to find things to do that made me feel good about myself. There was no major event in my life that brought me to this conclusion, it was just something I consciously tried to do for myself. I now have the utter confidence in my ability to handle anything that comes my way. I can be myself, totally, and if other people don't like that, then screw them. Even when I feel scared I never show it or give in to it.

Your friend is not a friend if he does that to you. Ignore him. Forget the popularity he brings you when you are part of his crowd. You have to believe in *yourself* and your own ability to make friends and be popular in your own right. Force yourself to be outgoing, find those bits of your personality or things about yourself you like, and concentrate on those. Be yourself - it's the only way to be truly happy IMO. Might not be easy at first, but it soon becomes second nature. If other people don't like who you really are, that is *their* problem, don't make it yours! They don't matter if they are that shallow. And keep smiling [img]smile.gif[/img]