Assert yourself...

Dear son,

Always be true to yourself and stick up for yourself. Nobody else can do it for you. If you don't believe something is right, don't go along with it. Don't let other people tell you something's wrong, when you know it's right. I'm not saying be obnoxious or violent about it. Avoid violence whenever possible, and always try to conduct yourself with personal dignity, which includes not being obnoxious. But don't let other people make your mind up for you. It's always easier to go with the flow rather than swim against the current, but it's your right as a person to say, "Nope. Sorry, I just don't agree." Depending on the situation, sometimes you'll win and sometimes you'll lose, but the key thing to remember is that you only really lose when you do or say nothing. After all, nobody can read your mind. Except me.

Love,
Dad