"At least it also goes both ways. They're usually the first to tell you that you're doing a great job on something or that they're proud of you when no else notices. Sometimes it's nice to just pause and appreciate the people 'round you a little. Tell them how much they mean to you... even show them, if you can," Mercedes responded. "Hell, for awhile there in my life, I felt so low and like I didn't mean nothing to anyone, but my darling gay guy was there to tell me I was beautiful and worth it, and his opinion to me was worth a billion random guys who only want one thing of me."

She raised her eyebrows. "You coulda played with the team," she corrected. "Ain't none of us ever cared to be patronised by you, girl. You had yourself so far up on a pedestal, we just all gave up trying to bother with you after awhile. Not through lack of trying though, I might add. People just don't lie getting kicked in the teeth when they're trying to make an effort. Makes you wanna not make an effort even more. And if you wanna play it isolated, fair enough. Whatever does it for you. Personally, I prefer people 'round me. They remind me I have something to keep working for."