Every human being craves understanding. And naturally, so do I. I want you to understand my hopes, my failings, my feelings, my joys and sorrows – because you matter very much to me. Couched in my need for understanding is a powerful need to be accepted in my own right: to be respected and loved.

If I do something that, to my thinking, ought to raise questions in your mind, I hope and pray that you will believe in the purity of my motives.

How I wish that you could get into the skin of my soul with me: into my past and present experiences, into those reactions and responses with me. If you but knew what I bear, how I perceive life; what motivates me; what my strengths and weaknesses are! You would know what makes me laugh, what makes me cry, what frustrates and what elates me; when I need your love and sympathy – and when I want to be left severely alone ….

I want to prove myself to you: to count for some- thing in your eyes, but not at the expense of being myself!

Do I expect you always to agree with my actions and points of view? Certainly not! That’s childish. You may not agree with my outlook, but my individuality deserves your respect.

I know I’m not perfect, and with time I’ll mature, but try to appreciate me, respect me, understand and accept me – just as I am.