Formative life experiences

The only thing I'd add that I experienced in a town where we had to drive 45 miles to the nearest Red Lobster (my consolidated school district has multiple Dollars General and municipal bars though) are the nonconsensual sexual encounters experienced by a boy who was too afraid to speak up.

In 6th grade, a girl without a dad at home decided she needed to try kissing and that I wouldn't fight back. I'd never spoken to her and never have. I think she now has 3 kids who don't have their 3 dads at home.

In 8th grade, the richest girl in 3 towns who hated her dad decided to sit next to me and feel me up to see if she could noticeably excite me while her friends watched. I think she's mellowed after some wild high school and college years.