This is one of those things where as a mom, I'd never seen Sparkle identify herself or show awareness that she is "different" from others until now.

Half of me is amazed at her perception. The other half cringes because she has become aware enough for it to be a noticeable difference.

Now, my older boys are aware that they are geeky and different, but they also know my circle of geeky, fannish friends, and don't think it's an awful place to be. They are aware they are apples from the same tree as me. It remains to be seen whether Sparkle identifies with us, or with other.