I don’t know why people don’t like me, whether it’s my family or my classmates. I just moved to a new school recently and I’m shy and quiet, but if we’re close I’m very open. Though I wait for others to approach me first because I’m socially awkward when it comes to being in a new environment. I was a very social person in my old school…

The thing is I’m good to my classmates and friends but they criticize me almost everyday. I’m tired of it. When I told them I’m a Buddhist, they make fun of me and tell me stuff like “Oh you’re the worst Buddhist”. I study in a Catholic school and some classmates told me I should not study there because I have different beliefs. And they even call me “Buddhist” in a very disrespectful manner. I’m not against Catholics but they make me really feel mad about their religion because they’re so racist.

I’m also being bullied everyday with unkind words. My “friends” tell me I’m ugly…honestly they’re not even pretty but I don’t want to tell it because it’s not nice and I know the feeling. But why can’t they just shut their mouth if they have nothing good to say? I don’t understand they’re logic. And I don’t know why they don’t want to be alone with me. If they’re with me, just me, they’ll say they are losers and loners. I’m really hurt. Even those who are not close to me make fun of me. Am I being too “good”? I didn’t even do them wrong. I’m just new and adjusting I certainly won’t be mean to them with no valid reason. I just smile and laugh when they make fun of me, but yesterday I stood up because I can’t control my temper. I have an anger management problem. That’s why I always try meditating to give me peace of mind.

My family is Catholic. I was baptipzed Catholic but as I explored my life, I realized Catholic is not the religion for me. Two years ago, I stopped going to church in search of my true self. I stopped believing. And when I read the bible, I realize how biased they are. But my family even criticize Buddha and say that being a Buddhist is wrong… 🙁 and they’re mad because I go to temples and I have my own altar at home. They say that I’m foolish and constantly criticize my religion.

• This topic was modified 9 years, 8 months ago by Annie Lin.