Fuck what others will think of you, be your nerdy self and your people will find you.

It is painful to let your gaurd down but I’d rather that then live in constant fear. I’d rather be hurt again then to have never given things the chance to be better.

It really says something about our collective culture that people equate pessimism to realism. In saying that things “are just like that” you are avoiding the role you play in creating that reality. Is it hard and sometimes unrewarding to be hopeful or kind, yes. It isn’t always as pleasant as it might look, but it is worth it. I can’t imagine being okay with living in a world as terrible as the ones some of you see every day. The world can be down right awful to live in at times, but accepting it doesn’t make it any better. I will always make the effort to be kind, help others, and hope in the world and humanity, because the potential for a better world dies the moment we stop believing in it.

You will find people who are happy to hear you talk about your interests, people who are happy to take the time to understand you. No matter who you are, or how long you have felt like you have no role other than being the outsider in a group, that feeling is not eternal. You will find your place, your purpose, and your people. As scary as it is to give them a chance and look past the fear of rejection it is worth it to put forth the effort to catch yourself in the moments of irrational resentment and fear rooted in the past, so you can take a step back and remember that while all the pain in the past is very real and valid, it is not here and now. You do not need to defend yourself forever. You do not need to live in fear. This world can be kind, gentle, and accepting in time. Don’t do yourself the disservice if viewing the present through a lense of the past. When you’ve found people you know are worth your trust, give them the chance not to hurt you. The “next blow” isn’t always coming. Sometimes things are just okay, and one day, even if it’s not today or for a long time, you’ll feel okay too.

You know what y’all? I’m gonna say it. Humans with a vampire kink 👏 are 👏 valid!! 👏