You are so right about mean words. no matter what you logically think, they hurt. the old sticks and stones saying just isn't true. You will be treated right by us. Hang on as tough as you can, but don't turn into a hardened soul. I don' think you will. One thing being mistreated does for you is let you learn compassion for others who suffer the same. I used to tell my kids this, and it is true: there are a LOT of jerks in the world, but there are also a lot of wonderful people. Don't let the jerks spoil it.

Bumper sticker: Wherever you go, there you are