Like all matter, we trend towards equilibrium. We subconsciously desire a life with the least amount of pain and the maximum amount of comfort we sense is possible. This is why we lower the temperature of our shower. This is why we adjust ourselves before we sleep. This is why we cry when we feel sad.

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Strength is our force against equilibrium. Unless we use our strength as a force, we're no different than the machines we're designed to be. Of course, our strength doesn't last forever. It's inevitable. I'd like to say that we're human, and so it's normal to be drained, but there is a far deeper, sinister answer anyone could run into as a result of searching for the truth.

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It strikes deeper than the blood in our veins, or the consciousness in our brain. These are laws that we were chained to by birth- slaves to the universe until even it loses the strength to go on.

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This is why humans have their limits. Not because we're human, but because we're slaves. Regardless, I'll keep fighting against the equilibrium that forces the desire of being "myself".

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Strength isn't limitless, but it can be sustained.

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Interesting how you anticipated my answer to getting better at math as "practice". Of course, the longer answer is always best because you know there's something more to it than just "practicing". I'm here to elaborate on that for you;

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This is my story.

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Firstly, I skipped Algebra I in high school. This was due to scoring high on a placement test in middle school. This put my math skills below where they should be in high school, as I didn't have the foundation necessary build other math skills. Algebra I is arguably the most important math that you need to take and excel at, mainly because it's the first official step into the competitive math environment. Furthermore, it rolls over into science. Without a strong Algebra I foundation, you'll often find yourself in situations where you can't finish a problem simply because there are rules you're not strong at/ never learned.

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That's where I was.

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Now, I'm in Algebra II. Out of all teachers, my teacher has the most rep in the school for her grading difficulty. Normally, kids that care for their grade switch out. But I chose to take on the challenge because I knew that if she pressured my grade, I would try harder.

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And that's exactly what I've been doing.

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My teacher made me find a hidden passion for math, so much that it's beginning to become my favorite subject.

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It's worth noting that I have three science courses a day, along with one math, so I do a ton of problem solving. I stay after school almost daily until 4 PM to practice.

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Anon,

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Even with my dedication, I don't feel like I'm good at all. My teacher has such high expectations for "good" that no one is there yet. She only told Tony and I that we have "potential" to become something great, even though others may look at us differently.

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Another reason why I don't feel as if I'm good in math is because I compare myself to people that are far better than me. For example, Tony. I look up to him as my inspiration. I've noticed that his math is way beyond anyone in my year, and it's even more apparent when I compare his math with mine. But I believe that if I keep trying my hardest, I'll catch up to him.

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Basically, my story is a simple one. If I were smart, then I'd say that I'm good at math, since that's how it seems to others. But I'm wise, which is why I'm saying that I'm not good at all. I got where I am by staying determined, asking the teacher questions about a problem when I need it. Especially after school- even if it's every question- so I could learn new strategies to add to my skill set. Never stop setting goals. And did you notice? I never let a setback like skipping the most important foundation take my hope away. Never let failure nor success be the end. Believing is half the battle, Anon. If you believe wholeheartedly that you can do it, then you'll shine. Show the world that with perseverance and determination, anything can be done.

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Actions speak louder than words.

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I saved a few lives in my lifetime. All that caring for those few people served as a reflection of how I wanted to be treated. Of course, when I lost everyone, I had no one but myself... So, that's who I decided to save.

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Crystal, I remember how you tried to stop me then. It was... practically the first time you genuinely expressed your care for me. I'm grateful for that.

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New Year's 2016-2017, I made a New Year's resolution to become emotionally stronger. Amid the determination of achieving the feat, I found myself lacking the capacity to care for others, developing a shell of solitude filled with arrogance. At first, I wanted to go back to caring for others. However, no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't find it in me to care for people that didn't interest me.

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Eventually, I accepted it, putting on a positive façade on my old ASKfm page to further my ego.

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Deep inside, I wanted someone to save me, too. But it was too late.

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Thank you for showing me the light. It's been over a year since I fell in love with you. And to think that we had the power not only to maintain the resolution I made two years ago, but to tackle it in a different fashion than arrogance. Bravery speaks volumes- more than dictionaries ever could. Your words of love reverbed inside of my shell to break it open like a spoon on a prison wall.

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Thank you for your patience, your efforts, and your love. Thank you for saving me.

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One day, I'll marry you.

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Answering this question means going with stereotypes, just be aware. I hope you're not offended.

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I'm sure that girls are more open to crying than boys are, but I cry whenever I feel like it. Most of the time.

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I was a feminine kid. I think that's why I might've been given a feminine nickname, and why I'm soft and open to people close to me.

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Does it count to say that I like pink? More males are being open to pink nowadays, but I thought that it'd be important to put this up here regardless.

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I can be picky at times, and I can take long to shop. But I think something that I see more in girls than in guys is that they're observant, and that happens to be me as well. Many guys act on impulse- that's not me.

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I have an odd typing style. I have a clean room. I dislike hurting others.

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All of these things accumulate to the point where other people assume my gender and get surprised when they realize that I'm male.

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Not that I mind it. I think it's really important to have people like me in the world to shift the perspective on gender stereotypes, and to allow others to see people for who they are on the inside- not for their gender, nor their race nor ethnicity, et cetera.

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