[U5pz6B71]

I think feelings of being misunderstood and of consequential feelings of loneliness are pretty common among aspiring Buddhists because I think when we start examining ourselves and what we do, it becomes disappointing for us that others don't seem to be doing the same. This means we are still judging them on our terms, not really accepting the fact that they want happiness and to avoid suffering in their lives just as much as we do but are lacking the opportunities the Buddhist practice brings and which you are so fortunate enough to have come across.

About your exam results - put them behind you and assess where you are now in the present moment and like Element advises, examine your intentions. Where do you want to go from here? And by you I mean you, not your friends - they will go their own ways, which might cross yours again some time in the future or may not. When I was 16 I took school exams in eight subjects and passed just one. I was as surprised as were my parents and my teachers and devastated. Fortunately my father advised me to go to a college of further education and study for the exams again and this time I gained another six passes, which led me to continue studying at that college and eventually go to and graduate from university. I don't know what your situation is with your family but on reflecting on your intentions and where to go from here, you should consider asking for your parents' advice and yes even he advice of these friends of yours.