>>32
Wow, friends like that sound really tough! I know what you mean when you talk about friends like that. However, they sound like nerds, and them insulting you for doing thigns like learning C++ is somewhat contradictory. Am I right to guess that they're probably also the insecure, elitist types? From your description, they seem quite immature. I have a nerdy friend who thinks it is cool to go around calling other people "noobs" (irl, yes it's very lame). He is serious about his 'leetness, and takes it with him. Today, he said "lol" at the teacher. He thinks 4chan's /b/ is funny because the people are like him. In any case, I can tell he's insecure in his life because he's unpopular, his parents put heavy stress on him, etc, so I pity him a bit. My other close friends (a jock, as well as some of the stereotypical "semi-popular" kids) are all more confident with who they are, and that makes them more able to respect others and listen to others.
However, I still haven't found a place to talk about more intimate thoughts (other than online anonymity). I can't talk to them about the finer points of life, but I can talk to them and be respected at least. I can talk about how I thought Haibane Renmei was a good series, or how I liked Chobits.
Are you learning C++ for yourself or for them? So while your family is difficult to change, you can always find new friends who respect you! This might be difficult, however :( But you always have 4-ch!

But don't pay me much heed! I'm just ranting away too :D And I'm not an expert myself. The best piece of advice I can give to anyone in this thread is what I once learned from Anonymous, "Anything you do is inconsequential." If you think about this, it can give you an infinite amount of courage. So what if a girl laughs and turns you down? So what if you don't get that job interview? Apply yourself, or do nothing at all, because in the end it doesn't change much! Live life, and enjoy it :) I know I've been able to more readily enjoy life adhering to this philosophy~~