I was picked on in school a fair amount. Some of it quite violent, and pervasive. At some point I got really fed up with one particular kid, and got myself a big stick. Luckily for him that stick broke cleanly in two upon first impact, otherwise i&#x27;m not sure what would have happened. After that things subsided somewhat. That kid threatened me more, but never did come after me again.<p>Growing older I realise two things. First, those &quot;jocks&quot; that get all the girls, have (generalizing here) other very serious problems, are often emotionally stunted, angry at their dads, or whatever. So we all get weathered differently by life, and actually it&#x27;s kind of heartbreaking to see. Second, I just think too much! It drives people crazy when i do that, and instead of that, I just need to turn my attention outwards, and feel what is going on outside of my own head. Then things become relational, and people can also sense that I am here too.<p>Wish I could tell all of this to my 14-year-old self.