I was bullied in grade school. I remember having a nervous breakdown in 5th grade in gym class where I broke down sobbing and had to be taken to the nurse and then being so embarrassed and ashamed when I had to explain to my dad why he needed to come pick me up from school. I didn't have any friends from grade school to high school because after that I just stopped talking to people.

I met some really great people in college and came out of my shell and had what you'd consider a pretty typical college experience. But I'm still pretty awkward socially and I hate small talk. I'm married with kids and I am hypersensitive about my kids being bullied. Luckily they are more outgoing like my wife and they all have a good group of friends.