Anyone know a good therapist?
I went back to my friend's house for the weekend; my "Rancho Relaxo" of a previous entry. Her daughters are both in their early teens, and are cheerleaders for the football team @ their high school. Well, my friend took them to one of their pre season games, and I tagged along (we were getting ice cream after). As we approached the bleachers, filled w/ parents and jock kids and their bitchy young teen girlfriends, I began to feel a bit apprehensive. Could it be that I was suddenly experiencing the feelings I thought I had left behind so many years ago? Yup! I am sure it is no surprise that I was tortured back in my high school years. I was called a nerd, and from then on I became a "fag". True, I was one, but was still so unsure and not quite aware of who I was to become (welcome to high school right?). Denial. I even dated a girl for 2 years, but that did not stop the teasing. Not that a cover was my reasoning. I did care for her. Perhaps there was some subconscious covering up. Anyway, it was a tough 4 years, and being taunted for that long and at such a delicate age, really took its toll. I guess my present day reactions have to do w/ what frame of mind I am in by the day, or what I had to eat 2 hours ago. Who knows? Well, this weekend, I ran into some old friends called insecurity and fear. How sad was this? I am at least 13 years older than these punks, and I am sure they could have cared less that I was in their presence. Luckily, we did not stay long, so I was able to stash away these feelings for a later review. I guess it is not only this situation, but many that I face each day. If I am out and about, and I have to pass by a group of people, as they stand on the side of the street, I will have a moment of fear and I can literally feel my head lower...only slightly. I am waiting for something to be muttered under their breath. How f***ed up is this? I am over 30, and I am still dealing w/ insecurities that came about when I was in high school. To the bullies of LHS...congrats, apparently you did what you set out to do. But I guess I have the last laugh, cuz chances are I am doing much better in my life, including emotionally. It is only every now and then that I recall the demons that haunted me each day. I guess they are a part of me, so I have to acknowledge them and pay tribute to them, cuz they formed me into who I am today. Each day brings a new challenge, it just sucks that some of the old hurdles still dig and itch away @ your innards. I guess you just can't let 'em. Easier said than done.


2 comments:
Be happy and hold your head high, Mike... Many of the "bullies of LHS" are working construction jobs, developing beer guts (and lining themselves up for drug rehab), and cheating on the high school girlfriend (or boyfriend) that they married. Seriously-- saw it firsthand at the reunion. We are the 'winners'-- we actually graduated from college, found rewarding careers, live with the ones we love, and understand that the world doesn't end at the border of our home state. (Culture to them is a foreign beer.) Don't think you need therapy-- just understand that the cycle continues as the bullies reproduce...
Thank you Kathy. Those were awesome words. Please know that I don't have these feelings of insecurity very often, but when I do, they come as a great shock. "You mean I still have these things roaming around inside of me?" I value your friendship, and your reassuring comments are a good illustration of why. So, thanks!
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