[campem2]

Generally when I meet people, they think I'm gay. I am not gay, but this sort of thing has gone on since middle school. In middle school the kids were more harsh about saying I was gay and now people just sometimes ask if I am. I tell them I'm not but I get kind of self conscious... what is there that I can do about this?

[RubyPitbull]

Campem, socially speaking, school can be such a traumatic and hurtful time for young people. There really isn't much you can do about it except continue to tell them they are wrong when they make comments or ask questions. You can tell them that when you meet a girl you think is cute and who has the same interests as you do, you will ask her out on a date, but so far, you haven't found anyone like that and you know one day you will.

I am sorry that I thought you were a girl from your other posts. You have a sensitivity about you that is rare in a young man your age. One day, you will find love and your partner will know that she is very lucky to have you. You are very compassionate toward others. I believe that is one of the greatest assets we can find in others and it does my heart good to know that there are young people out there that are as caring and generous as you are. Just continue to be true to yourself and your beliefs. Don't let anyone undermine your self-confidence. You appear to know who you are and what you believe in. At your age, you are one step ahead of other teens. The kids who say hurtful things to you in school are the ones that are lacking in self-confidence and maturity. They have a need to show others that they are worth being friends with by picking on someone else that appears to be an easy target. They don't understand that it won't boost their popularity by tearing someone else down. There is a major disparity between your maturity level and theirs. You will find years from now when they are adults, they will regret the cruel things they have said and done in their past.