Hi everyone, Another week, another nerdy post! I had a pretty good week, but I’m hesitant to call my current job a permanent position. I still find myself in competition with my co-worker, Gustavo, who seems to view me as a rival rather than someone to work collaboratively with. I get the same feeling from the rest of my colleagues; it’s as if they want to outdo me in some game I’m not even aware of. This has been a recurring theme throughout my life, so I’ve grown accustomed to it. It’s sad because I genuinely want to get along with people, and I’m not competing with them. Yet, whenever I clock in, it feels like the rest of the staff congregates together while I end up alone in another area. It's as if they don't like me but keep it under wraps. I’m rarely included in casual conversations, and I’m left out of their personal lives, which they openly share with everyone else. I feel like I’m just there to work, and nobody wants to connect with me. It’s disheartening that my life has become this way. As kids, we grow up envisioning getting married, raising a family, and being able to care for our parents as they age. However, the older I get, the more isolated I feel. People seem to ignore me or keep their distance. Just the other day, a worker at Starbucks sat next to a customer and struck up a conversation, and I couldn’t help but wonder, “Why don’t they do that with me?” I sense a lingering hostility toward me wherever I go. While they may not openly express their dislike, it’s palpable, and it’s lonely being the target of this negativity. Thankfully, I haven’t developed any substance abuse habits. I know that those who direct this hatred at me, who isolate me, would likely struggle with such loneliness, but I’ve managed to maintain my resilience. Still, it’s tough to face each day knowing I’m on my own. No immediate family or friends are there to support me; I have to navigate this life alone. It’s daunting and sad, especially because if the hostility at work intensifies, I risk losing my job. Then what? It’s challenging being a “Chosen One.” I know that some people look at me and wish they were in my shoes, which leads them to treat me the way they do. But believe me when I say I wouldn’t wish this kind of intentional, lifelong isolation on anyone. Anyways! Till Next time! MAHALO!