My neighbourhood does a regular Labour Day picnic every year. I'm the oldest 'kid' on the block (everyone else is at an out-of-state school or younger than I am), and I ended up talking with some of the younger boys. I've known them since they were in diapers and I was a little kid myself; we've grown up together. But some of the parents with their children whom I've never before seen kept giving me awkward glances and cautious reactions, as if I was somehow a threat to their children.

I should be able to enjoy myself and have fun with the other boys (they certainly were enjoying themselves and my company, asking me about Uni, all that) without having to watch my actions to see if any little thing could be misinterpreted. I got odd reactions from many parents, a few whom I've known for long over a decade. I don't understand this constant fear of teenagers around kids. I'm getting closer to 20, but still. It upsets me that when I'd like to spend time with my neighbours and have fun I instead have to feel distrusted and monstrous, as if all eyes are on me.

So fuck you, fearmongering parents, you've just ruined my Labour Day.

(Disclaimer: Yes I live in the US. Yes I say 'Labour Day'. That is all.)