I'd say I'm too young for the whole "viewing your friendships objectively" thing, but I've totally been doing that. I think I thought people liked me in high school more than they did. I was impervious (with my glowing optimism!) to what others might call bullying! Wow!!
I think some of the folks are still Blocking together, but, like, there are so many new servers and little corners that everyone is dipping their toes into, rather than focusing in one area. It's thrown me for a loop!
Caleb, I cannot imagine you were not loved, even in those notoriously awkward high school years. I thought NOBODY liked me but 30+ years later, I've learned of a few people who actually did think I was all right. I was born weird. A misfit. Naturally I escaped into fairy tales and sci-fi and fantasy. At 17 I left the rural community and started college and discovered a new world full of fellow weirdos (intellectuals). Oh, I got trampled again, but eventually, I learned to like myself, to the point that I think I'm cute, funny, and fun to be with--but you'd be amazed (or not!) at how few people think the same way of me. :) If in fact you were impervious to bullying, that kind of "ignorance is bliss" would be a great launch for a story. Somewhat like the Pink Panther movies with Peter Sellers having no idea how incompetent he is, or how lucky. :)