Hi, Simon.

I am not a drinker, either. I never was much of a drinker, and the doctor told me years ago to lay off the stuff, due to a liver problem. Quitting something you hardly do is not that difficult. Nonetheless, some people don't think a person can have fun if they don't drink. I went through that a lot in earlier years. I am now 55, and I find that people respect me for not drinking.

As for cutters being "mental", self-harm is a psychological condition, as is OCD, ADHD, and many others. My daughter went through that in her early teens, along with a list of other problems. Her psychiatrist has helped her immensely. She lives a much more normal life now at 26.

I grew up with an older sister who was developmentally diabled. Although whe went to special ed classes for a few years (they were all experimental at that time), she was incapable of academic learning. Physically, she was as normal as anyone, but mentally she could not compete. My other sister and I learned early that not all people are really created equal. A lot of kids laughed and pointed at her, which really upset me I think today's young people are more understanding of disabled people, both mental and physical, because they are exposed to it more. Most of the schools have special ed programs, and they interact with the "normal" kids regularly.

If you are outraged by the people in your life, get different people in your life. I know that it is easier said than done, but make an effort to meet new people.

As for your family, they are like all others, not perfect. They love you, and they probably respect you greatly for abstaining from alcohol.

GW