[vouaobrasil]

For a variety of reasons I would say I am exceptional. (Since this account is anonymous I don't consider it bragging). I would say I am a happy person with some resilience, but that is because my upbringing had two facets, not just one:

(a) A lot of encouragemeent to explore things, and the benefit of family members in the sciences

(b) My family teaching me a healthy attitude of not caring what others think too much

I was never pushed. I was always told just to do whatever I wanted....so I think those two elements are crucial, since I grew up never caring whether I "succeeded" or "failed".