Cynical, I'm in your age group, and I agree -- we are few and far between, and that's why we need to make sure we stay strong within ourselves. I have a difficult time keeping friendships with these people because, sorry, I just don't care about all that bullshit.

Believe it or not, I don't have a cell phone, don't shop unless I HAVE to, don't love shoes, wear very little makeup, have no tattoos to "brag" endlessly about, etc. etc. I break every stereotype that the media has fed to women (and the weaker ones have bought).

Still, there are people like you and me under 30. My sister is another one, at 23. We exist, you just have to keep those eyes sharp and OPEN. Like attracts like, and that fear is understandable -- but it's also holding you back.

And you are NOT an asshole, so don't call yourself one. You are cynical because that's what this life and this environment and these people have demanded. It's understandable, but don't let that sway you from upholding the code that wonderful older generation taught you.

We teach the next generation, remember how powerful a position that is.