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At school, movements and fine motor skills made academic participation slow; Alex would sit near the teacher’s desk, copying notes at a trudging pace, often feeling ostracized. A harsh comment from a teacher about his slowness further compounded his self-esteem. The environment was stressful, leading him to wish he could simply skip school altogether.

The Home Environment: Protective Parents and Limited Privacy

At home, Alex describes how his parents, traditional and conservative, were deeply concerned about his safety. Their vigilant watchfulness meant he rarely enjoyed complete privacy—locked doors and moments of solitude were hard to come by. This ongoing lack of privacy impacted his exploration of sexuality during adolescence, with assistance from his mother and domestic helper.