Isn't it obvious, can't you see, What your criticism does to me? I try to express myself and snickers commence. I then clam up - It just doesn't make sense!

All it takes is a look, a rude tone of voice. I don't wish to be angry, but I'm left with no choice. I fall asleep, my pillow's stained with sorrow. Then the dreaded question: "Will it be the same tomorrow?"

I'm looked at differently, or not looked at, at all. Once again, between me and the rest is a wall. "What makes you so perfect? Who are you to judge?" This question remains unspoken - for my vocal chords won't budge.

You just smile and people like you. "You're so great," they say. You probably hear this line once an hour, I don't even hear it once a day. Call it paranoia, low self esteem. You're treated as an equal, you wouldn't know what it means.

Am I really that much different from you?

Am I that terrible?