Mark,
You are one of the strongest souls I know. Your life hasn't been easy but you are seeing things that you never knew existed. Just take each day as it comes and remember a few simple things that are difficult for everyone. First you have to like yourself. If you don't how can anyone else. Second, what people say about you are just that, things people say. You give them strength or take it away. Only give strength to the ones that help you. Third, I've seen your picture, Nephew, and trust me you aren't a white slug, worm, or anything else. You are one handsome individual and life is just starting for you. Don't let a ghost steal your future. We all have image problems at one point or another, just take it in stride with everything else.
Harcallard,
Alright you have been going through a lot, and I'm sorry you found yourself at ends. However, tears aren't always a bad thing. Sometimes it is better to let that pain out. Glad to hear your bf was coming over later, but like others here you have found strength within yourself that you didn't know you had. Remember, you are a stronger person than you thought. Needing people doesn't make you weak, it just shows you are human, like the rest of us.