*** Trigger warning: mentioning body insecurities, bullying, and assault ***

A note in front of the changing rooms for sports classes

Dear Random Stranger,

Have you struggled with being who you are, or have you been mistreated in any way?

Let me know at 3rosToB3@xxx.

I hope one day we can all be green flags.

Yours,
3rosToB3

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Inbox of 3rosToB3:

Message 1:

Dear Eros,

I have been struggling with my body. It's hard to explain. Some days I really like my body, I know I am quite pretty and during those times I feel good in my body. But sometimes, I can't stand my body. I feel uncomfortable with everything: I feel like I'm not good enough.

For a bit, it has been going fine.

But I liked a boy and he told me I'd be prettier if I dressed up more. If I didn't wear glasses and went for contact lenses. That me feel even worse about myself. It took me quite some time to see that he definitely wasn't the right match for me.

I hope you are at ease with your body or can be one day.

Yours,
L. E.

***
Message 2:

Hi 3ros,

I have been lucky in life: loving parents, great siblings, secure home, good health. I'm grateful I can have all this. The only problem is me.

I'm never satisfied. I always want more... to be better or more perfect. I can't decide on anything. 

I'm thinking of seeking help. But I might be too proud for that. Or too insecure. You see: overthinking and indecisiveness really are a pain in the ass!!

P.

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Message 3:

I'm sick of it. I'm the only girl in that one class and people look down on me. I feel like I need to prove myself all the time.

***
Message 4:

Hello,

I've been starting to go for a run regularly. I also joined a club. It's wild how much stress flows out when I exercise. I'm honestly feeling so much better now.

K.

***
Message 5:

Dear 3rosToB3,

I have been looking for a flat to stay at after graduation. I posted my search online. I made the mistake of putting my number in it. One morning, I received a call from a stranger. I thought it was a reply to my flat search, but it was a disgusting person who told me exactly what he wanted to do to me and my body... in a sexual way. I just woke up and was terrified. I hung up quickly, but since then, I'm afraid of answering a caller with an unknown number.

I thought of notifying the police ... but I wanted to destroy the power it had over me, so I blocked the number and deleted the call.

Now I feel guilty. Maybe that might have allowed this person to mistreat someone else...

D.

***
Message 6:

Dear Eros,

I have scars. They make me insecure. But someone told me: scars show how strong you are. What doesn't kill you makes you stronger, you know?

I kind of like that thought.

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Message 7:

This is really hard to write. But, like, I get messages from someone I know who tells me I am the worst ... regularly. I blocked him. But now he also tells me face to face when no one is watching.

I don't know what to do ...

***
Message 8:

Dear 3rosToB3,

This is the counsellor. Please forward me any messages that you deem urgent that need special attention or intervention with the writer's consent. With reach comes responsibility.

Should they not want that, please let them know that this opportunity exists and that privacy will be respected.

Best regards
The head counsellor

***
Message 9:

Thank you for asking, 3ros. I'm fine. But it took a long time.

Last month, I told my best friend and parents that I'm gay.

I was so afraid.

Literally.

Like I thought I'd lose everything.

But, you know, they didn't make a big thing out of it.

I'm so happy.

I've seen more and more activities supporting the LGBTQ community at school and... I feel safer.

Best,
O.

///