Reply #119: Ava, take comfort in the fact that it's not a function of the era

[GrpCaptMandrake]

But the area.

As a guy, I went through the same-thing-only-different growing up in Alabama thirty years ago. I guess it's worse for you, though, given the "southern belle" culture and all the freight that carries.

Here's a hint, just the same: the odds are that he's not on the football, baseball or basketball teams just as in my day she wasn't likely to be a cheerleader, or in church. The guys whose company you'll enjoy are much more likely to be writing for the school paper, in the A/V club, Thespian Society, Young Democrats or some such. I know you're home-schooled, but just sayin'.

Best of luck! I'm sure you're gearing toward not going to college in Alabama, which is the one way you'll best find out that a lot of what you're talking about is cultural.

It's hard being an intelligent young person. It's even harder being an intelligent young person in the Deep South. The system is distinctly geared away from you.