I Don’t Fit InOthers have girlfriends or boyfriends.I’ve never had a girlfriend.Others date.I look to be friends with girls. I hope that a friendship will evolve into romance.Others think it’s okay to have sex before marriage.I believe in waiting until marriage.Many women are comfortable exposing cleavage in public.I’m uncomfortable seeing exposed cleavage. I want to save that until I’m with my life partner.The average heterosexual guy isn’t very expressive of his emotions.I’m very in touch with my feelings and am sensitive to others’ words and actions.Others are okay with— and enjoy— drinking alcohol.I don’t like the taste of alcohol, and I try to stay away from mood-altering substances in general. Moreover, I don’t like to be around people who are drinking. I’m uncomfortable with the concept of putting into your body a substance that you know will make you lose consciousness of what you’re saying and doing, and of what’s going on around you.Many people like going to bars.I dislike bars. Beyond the alcohol, it’s the smoke (though in fewer places these days), the noise, the checking one another out, and the dificulty in establishing deeper connections with others.When others hear really loud noises (at a concert, in a subway station, etc.), they don’t cover their ears.I’m sensitive to loud noise and cover my ears when it bothers me. I’m often the only one in a crowd who does so.Others watch TV regularly.I watch hardly any TV these days— only a couple of series. I used to watch a lot, and I don’t feel a need to go back to spending my time that way.Other heterosexual guys like sports.In general, sports don’t interest me.When it’s really bright out, many others don’t wear sunglasses.I often wear sunglasses during the day, as my eyes are (relatively) sensitive to sunlight.Others my age earn their own living.I’ve never earned my own living— not entirely. I want very badly to, but I don’t know when it will start.Many people use G-d’s name in vain.I have become devoted to G-d. Though I used to be, I’m no longer comfortable saying (even) “Oh, my G-d”; I say, “Oh, my gosh.” Also, I write His name with a dash (in keeping with Jewish law regarding not writing His name in a place where it might be erased or discarded).This is how I am. In large part, I don't fit in.