(((((((Rainbow))))))))

I'm glad you posted!

I definitely, definitely never felt like I fit in. I *knew* that something about my life was different from other people's (although I didn't understand what until I was in jr high/high school). Just that made me feel different.

My mom was NOT interested in helping me look "pretty" so I had UGLY clothes, shoes, etc. I remember on the first day of 5th grade I walked in and everyone made fun of what I was wearing

When I was in high school, I didn't understand make up at ALL, so I just didn't wear it, because I thought I looked stupid for trying. I *just* started wearing eyeliner like ONE MONTH ago. Seriously!

And now that my son is in high school, there is this whole world of parents I have contact with and I really don't feel like I "fit in". I live in a really small, basic house...I don't have fancy decorations or want them. But my son has friends who live in these huge houses that look like they were decorated by a design team. I feel SO "different" from the parents of those friends, and it's hard not to feel "less than". It's something I've been struggling with.

BUT, I have a group of close friends who accept me and love me exactly how I am. EXACTLY how I am. In my little house, with my lack of makeup and my jeans and t-shirts. And really, that's all I *need*. I do wish I could feel more comfortable with myself in general, but even if I never do, being accepted by my friends is enough.

So, yeah, I can SO relate. I still struggle with it, but I think it's slowly getting a little bit better. I still have a long way to go, though.