Running with the Wolves

What's your question?
I’m going through a phase right now I love werewolves! I have a notebook full of drawings! But I can’t draw them as often as I used to because I’m getting judged for it. My friends keep calling them furries and sorry to any furries. I just don’t like getting teased about it. I act like it’s just a stupid joke, but it really hurts. I don’t know what to do.

Mr. Bobcat:
Dear Running with the Wolves,
 
Thank you so much for reaching out. First off, I just wanted to preface this by saying that werewolves are a quality thing to like! I’m glad you are so passionate about what you love. I think that your friends judging you is wrong, but you can’t control what they say. You can only control what you do. A little bit of distance goes a long way. There are different levels of friends, and maybe these friends do not belong in the level they are at. By giving them a little bit of distance, you can feel a little better and happier. And I am not saying to cut them off or refuse to talk to them, but just be a little more conscious in what you say and do around them. You don’t even have to change the way you talk to them, but realize that they might not be as close friends with you anymore. And these friends might be great friends that you would like to keep in your life, you just might need to find the boundary that works for you. 

When things like this happen, you want to do what’s best for you, but you also need to be able to express yourself. Maintaining healthy boundaries is key. Maybe you might find that someone else may be a better person to be a closer friend with. Surrounding yourself with people that appreciate you, no matter the quirk, is also a great option.
 
If they are true friends, you should be able to confront them about how you feel; they should then respect your choices and the way you acted. I know this might be hard to do, but talking to them about it is an excellent way to get your feelings across. And they also might have no idea that they are hurting you. They might think that they are having fun or that you don’t mind it. I encourage you to talk to them about it. True friends accept you for who you are and wouldn’t mind that you like werewolves.

I wish you luck!