—I made the grave mistake of posting a note on Instagram yesternight. It wouldn't mean much except that immediately after hitting post, I received a response from an old classmate that I have not talked to in a long time. —The conversation in it's most general form, felt nothing short of an AAA meeting; not like I would know what that's like, I've never been to one. But I imagine the feeling is akin to being a battered animal cornered by bipeds prodding sticks at your skin. No amount of teeth-baring on my end was enough for people to just leave me and my issues alone. —Now, I do recognize that he messaged me with the most kind-hearted intentions but the topic was definitely more of a sore spot and I'm definitely not one who is welcome to unsolicited encouragement. —One conversation was enough to make me rethink everything that I've ever done for the past two years. All the glories I've chosen to keep within myself, feted victories, and all my labors seem to have completely vanished. It keeps me wondering if successes gained from treading a different path will never be looked upon in an equal manner...ever. Finally, a mistake made a mistake in choosing the latter (Thank you, Finn Wolfhard) —I no longer post my achievements but they do exist. I'm thinking I probably should because the gap years are not a good look, and I'm realizing now that my exceptional skills at being lowkey is making me look like a total loser.