Let's talk about bullies.

I know this may come as a shock to most of you (a-hem), but I was a weird kid. I was awkward. I had funny hair and bad skin. I liked creepy things. All those "mean" teachers who seemed like they hated everyone? They loved me. Meanwhile, some of the really popular teachers were calling my parents to express concern over the stories I wrote (for which I can't actually blame them. Subtlety, like pimples, takes time to master). So, yes, I got my share of bullying. Every day. Everywhere. And the sad part is? There were kids who had a rougher time of it than me, but I didn't feel like I could stand up for them without making my own situation worse. It shouldn't be like that, but it still is. You can tell kids "It won't be like this forever" but it's impossible to see that far ahead when just getting through each day without being noticed is an impossible feat. Just when you think you've had a good day, some well-meaning Home Ec teacher gives you an award in front of the whole school for Best Improvement in Lemon Meringue, and it starts all over again.

That's why I've signed the Choose Kind pledge. We can all help to end bullying. If you're an adult, listen to kids when they talk to you. If you're a kid, be kind to your peers. Kindness will make you feel far better about yourself in the long run than teasing someone less fortunate than you now.

Anyway. Sermon over. Go sign the pledge. And don't stop at adding your name to a list. Be there for someone.

P.S. Tip to other Weird Kids: your classmates probably don't have every Hitchcock movie memorized. I know, I know. I'm just saying, be patient with your peers.