I just recalled a memory from when I was in 6th grade. I knew there was one girl in the school who had an interest in me. Her name was Aimee. I was tempted sorely to like her back because she was lovely and athletic and kind, and her sisters told me all the time how much she liked me.
But I was afraid of what the other kids would think. I thought Aimee was cute, but I knew a few other kids who didn’t. And looking back now I despise myself for trusting their judgement more than mine. They teased her (she handled it very well, I thought, and never lost her composure or grace) and while that bothered me (and I never teased her) I don’t recall standing up for her either. I had my own problems being teased, which made me timid. If only I had known who I was back then, I would have been a different boy.
© 2008 Scott Wiersdorf