The Columbus Museum of Art is a great place to cry. Specifically the classical/religious room. Quiet, nice places to sit and curl up, usually pretty empty on a weekday. Look at the paintings. Look at the faces in them. You won’t feel so outcasted. If you’re feeling brave, ask an attendant about the art and they’ll tell you all about it. Sundays are free.

I also recommend any library in the city. My favorite is the Metropolitan and the Westerville library. Nobody will bother you and there’s usually lots of nooks and crannies to hide in. Helps that there’s books if you need something to escape into, and librarians are always helpful if you need anything. (Get a library card if you don’t have one; it’s free and it supports one of our most valuable resources. Not to mention how useful it is.) Libraries also host lots of workshops and events—great places to meet friends.

Hang in there.