It’s not at all strange, for people to assume I’m at least half my age in chatrooms, because of my interests. Alot of people act as if, once you turn 18 you’re supposed to stop liking what you liked as a kid. That’s just plain BS.

Nintendo is one of the few game companies, that doesn’t ignore female gamers who for the most part, tend to like cute. I think it’s because in Japan, where Nintendo is from, their culture doesn’t put an age limit on when you should stop liking kid stuff. There’s a Anime series called Azu Manga Daioh, where the girls are in high school. It wasn’t considered weird at all that they still liked stuffed animals.

I think alot of women idealize Japan, because they don’t see being like a kid, or liking cute things as horribly childish, or immature. Perhaps you might want to get more involved with Anime, or other aspects of Japanese culture. Perhaps your friends were into Anime, because what is considered being socially immature in America, isn’t considered to be as bad in Japan.

My psychatrist said it’s because the Japanese are more socially aware than other cultures, because they’re very close to each other. I mean, living on a island in that sense.

I’m cool with whatever path you choose to take. What I’m trying to say is this is what worked for me, and made me feel less weird about liking what is considered kiddy stuff. Watching cartoons in general is a good idea too, there is alot of great adult in-jokes in them that people tend to discount.

Also if you decide to get a Nintendo DS. I’ve been hooked on playing Tamagotchi Corner Shop 3. Most people would say that game is for little kids, or repetative. It can be challenging, as well as it being extremely cute. Actually, most people who like the game say it’s relaxing because you’re not having to strain your brain to get past levels or things like that, it’s just having fun.

My friends are a group of mostly Asians, which, oddly enough, were not chosen by race. We all just happened to clump together. They are extremely different from me. They love manga and anime and love all these indie bands. Alternative, perhaps? Or pseudo-punk?

I guess I’m extremely nerdy to the majority of my grade. I have honors classes. It isn’t a problem, though. Nobody around me gets teased for body issues because it always sparks some drama. But everyone gossips.

I guess I’m always on the defense (‘bitchy’) because of the environment I grew up in. A sister who could bully me and argue her case. A stubborn father. “Roastings” about my not-so-desirable traits in front of extended family, who were only so glad to join in.

Oh, and I have body image issues now. When I see those tiny girls walk by, I get jealous, even though I’m pretty average.

I remember it being very difficult to find cool clothes in my size. I mostly wore frumpy, ripped men’s stuff and band t-shirts. I probably would’ve worn frumpy stuff even if I was able fit into short plaid skirts and fishnets.

If you’re in a “girl-oriented” sport that focuses on either appearance — figure skating, gymnastics, or dance (mostly ballet, and to a certain extent, jazz/modern) — or speed (like swimming or track).

See, for starters, “Little Girls in Pretty Boxes” for a beginning primer on what pressures coaches, families, and the need to win can impose on girls’ body image, and the damages those pressures can wreak.

Maybe the person who did this study, should realize that most people who don’t fit in with the popular group, have alot more to deal with than just worrying about weight issues.

And I agree: sports aren’t the end-all, be-all. One of my childhood friends was in softball her whole life, and now, years later, she can finally admit how much she hated it and how much pressure there was for her to consistently lose fat and gain muscle. I’d much rather see schools spend money on academics. In my high school, we had to drive ourselves to debate meets, but the sports teams got whatever they wanted. I call shenanigans!