Yeah, they dig confidence, but they hate cockiness. A fine balance which I have no worries over you, Pat, because I can't imagine you being cocky at all. You're far too resentful of humanity to be cocky.

I am still in love (I think; but what is love?) with a girl who is taken. I used to like her, she used to like me; we lost touch and now we're back in touch, as friends only (though I sense that she must feel something, depsite not revealing anything).

Anyway, enough with my problems, of which there are far too many. Life is difficult for an adolescent. Especially a bright one with prospects: pressure, expectations, talks from higher-ups about what to do with life.

It's all bullshit, and they don't seem to see it. I appreciate people are trying to help me get what I want from life, but educationalists are too traditional and patronising in their goddawful ways. I've decided to speak out against my teachers, in public; because I've had words with other students, the less vociferous ones, and they feel the same. And when I start speaking back, I get a real buzz from it. It's great to see a teacher shit himself.

Regarding the love angle, fear not. I've been hit by the thunderbolt too, and it couldn't have come at a worse time: upcoming exams, mounting school pressure, university considerations. The most important part of my academic life right now, and I've gone and fallen in love. Shit.

Holler if ya hear me - through PM if needed.

Regards,
Mick