As children, those of us who are bullied or teased are often told to ignore the thoughts of others. It shouldn’t matter what they think, so long as we are happy.

So I put on my sunhat, even though it rained and went out to play. Mother said I was silly, and took the hat away. “I don’t care!” I told her, “I’m happy!” But she didn’t listen.

It shouldn’t matter what they think, so long as we are happy.

So I wore my two favorite socks, even though they didn’t match. Father said I looked ridiculous, and told me to change them. “I don’t care!” I told him, “I’m happy!” But he didn’t listen.

It shouldn’t matter what they think, so long as we are happy.

So I started to wear a veil, or a cap whenever I prayed, which was most of the time. Everyone said I was crazy, and told me to stop. “I don’t care,” I wanted to say, “I’m happy!”. But I couldn’t find the strength.

It shouldn’t matter what they think, so long as we are happy. But happy is hard, when people don’t approve of what you’re doing to get to happiness.