What does bother me a bit is when people say "I can't do math." I am a shitty mathematician, pretty good at the overall concept, but it takes me forever to go through a long string of calculations. I'm positive that the two instructors in my life who really challenged and enlightened me in mathematics would both say that I was challenged, but hard working. Despite lack of innate ability I persevered and learned more math then the average bear. Almost everyone is able to learn college level algebra. Also. I know a few people who have/are pursuing graduate level degrees in mathematics. Most of them seem to ride a roller coaster of emotional well being that is a direct function of how well their understanding of the maths they are working on is progressing, I'd even say that they often feel like math sucks.