Actually, I think Twilly has the right idea: be proud of what you are and just let everyone else deal with it. At 41, I'm probably one of the older members on this site, but--despite a rough-and-tumble background that might seem to suggest otherwise--I still love watching cartoons and anime. As well as reading and writing poetry, attending the ballet, cooking, etc. My point is, it took me 41 long years to become what I am at this very minute, and I'm actually d_mned proud of it. I am my own life's work. This is me--I'm happy with myself, and don't much give a flying fig what anyone else thinks about me. And I've encouraged my children to develop this same attitude. Yeah, I was called "gaijin" while in Japan, but I've been called a lot worse over here, and so what? A little hot tea and Gunslinger Girl (and great Fan music, of course!), and my world is good again. Remember, the world is full of small-minded people--just don't be one of them.

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