At the end of the day I would prefer to be called "lame" for not doing something than to wake up the next day full of the shame that follows most bad decisions.

I can live with not being socially accepted by other people. It will be hard and I will probably get invited to less things but I can deal. I can't live with the deep emptiness that comes from letting down yourself and those who truly care about you. I can't continue to accumulate more and more personal regrets in exchange for a few moments of acceptance.

Instead of continuing to be mocked, heckled, or peer pressured it's probably better that I spend some time surrounding myself with people who have similar values, beliefs, interests, and that make me feel loved and comfortable rather than to continue outcast and alone.

I wish I could go back and tell this to me in high school or college.