I feel like I had no childhood and it is holding me back?

Basically I group up as an outcast, I only had one friend from the age of 8-12. Once we changed schools, I couldn't really keep in contact with him and I never really branched out to make new ones.





My family being my Mom, Dad and brother didn't ever really treat me with respect, I was by no means a bad child. As I grew up I never really had a relationship with anyone in my family, but I could see them having one with eachother.





Anyways, near the 8th grade I figured no one really cared for me any more, So I started looking in all the wrong places. Later on in the year I joined a gang, feeling compelled to do all the wrong things while i was in it, I tried to get out before it was to late, but I got my first felony at the age of 13.





After all that was cleared, I tryed to start my life over, I changed schools, and looked for friendship. But me being me, found it in the wrong place again. I thought these people liked me for who I was, but again they just used me and treated

I feel like I had no childhood and it is holding me back?
In the end just tell yourself what others think doesn't really matter.Will what they say hurt, yes but does it matter not really; it's what you make of it that really counts.





There is a big difference between on-line chat and talking to people in well, person. If you don't have confidence on-line is a good place to start but be careful there too, as people can just as often use you for their own purposes. I suggest you look to what you like (your hobbies) and try to find people who like those hobbies too.





There is a really good book by Dale Carnegie called "How to Make Friends and Influence People" it give lots of examples which can sometimes get tiresome but what is says is in general true he has published another book that I haven't gotten around to read yet called " How to Stop Worrying and Start Living" (again) by Dale Carnegie





*The source section has a google book link and the overview of his books
Reply:I know to a minor extent how you feel. People suck. Sadly, I got a confidence through playing world of warcraft online lol. Met lovely people and was myself and they liked me for it. You just need to find something that will give you confidence... or try and get in contact with that old friend?
Reply:I am so sorry to hear about your experiences and your lack of self worth. I know one who really loves you and cares for you more than you can ever understand. His name is Jesus! Just ask Him to help you to find a new direction for your life, and tell Him that you really need His help. Believe me when I tell you that He totally changed my life and He will do the same for you. You don't have to know any formal prayers to speak to Jesus. Just tell Him how you feel in your own words and see how He will help you.