I have always been that friend that no one bothers to ask out on a party night, because they knew I wouldn't go. I don't have a problem with this. I am that friend that they can call at 3am because they need a way home, though. I have always had a lot of friends that do the stereotypical high school and college things, but I was able to be myself while they did their own thing. I don't regret not being the "fun" friend and let me tell you why.

My goal has always been to be able to have children and tell them that they can't do something and them not respond with "But you did it when you were younger."

A lot of my friends lost their virginity young and many of them regret it. I have only had sex with my husband. While we started dating in high school, I was in college before we ever took that step. I want to be able to tell them that they are worth saving themselves for that one special person instead of feeling pressured to keep up with what their friends are doing.

I was severely bullied when I was younger, to the extent that I had two suicide attempts. I have always tried to stand up for people who can't or don't have a voice, because I know how they felt. I want my kids to know that I understand them, and I wasn't that mean girl that they face in school. I made it, and they can, too.

I don't choose to wear short shorts or low cut tops. Not because I think it's degrading, but because I choose not to. I love seeing people express themselves through clothing. This lets me show my kids that I had authentic relationships even though I didn't dress to the latest trends or show certain parts of my body.

The list goes on and on but that isn't what is important. What is important is that my decisions make me who I am, and I am consistant. My friends respect me even though I don't do what they do, but they can still come to me when they are having problems and I can lend a listening ear as well as a shoulder. I made a lot of decisions in order to avoid the consequesnces. I can say "I didn't do that." but my friends can say " I wish I didn't do that because..." which doesn't make them any less of a person. Our decisions make up who we are as people.

Don't degrade people for the choices that they make just because you wouldn't make them. That is what makes you a prude, not making safe choices. Everyone has their own story, every story is different, and so is every chapter. Be kind. Be yourself. Write your story and help others write theirs.