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This column was posted on 2/27/2003. Check back next week to see another "Tuff Talk!" question and answer. It could be yours!

Click here to Get  Advicedear Tuff Talk

I'm Unattractive!

I think I am unattractive. I skipped a grade so all my friends are older than me, but I am fatter than them. They all say that they love my body and wish that they could have my flat stomach, but that is the only thing I like about myself. I hate my thighs, and I think I look terrible in shorts and pants. Being self-concious is ruining me. I hate my figure but I am too afraid to tell anyone. Pleeeeezzze help me! - Annabelle, 12, Malawi, Africa

"Hey, Annabelle!" Everyone is made in different ways, shapes and forms. There is always a reason for everyone; how they look. Think about it; what if everyone looked alike; had the same shapes and features. This world would be the most boring place.

You said you think you have a problem about your body image and your afraid to tell someone. You've kind of have already, but you still must consult a doctor or someone you trust.

Many girls around the world have the same problem, not liking their body part(s). When you dwell on it your start to believe it and you view yourself differently; others think your perfect. When youdo this you develop something called negative body image. From the site
www.nationaleatingdisorders.org - they defined negative body image:

A distorted perception of your shape- you perceive parts of your body unlike they really are. You are convinced that only other people are attractive and that your body size or shape is a sign of personal failure. You feel ashamed, self-conscious, and anxious about your body. You feel uncomfortable and awkward in your clothes.

When you have a positive body image you:

You have a clear, true perception of your shape- you see various parts of your body as they really are. You celebrate and appreciate your natural body shape and you understand that a person's physical appearance says very little about their character and value as a person You feel proud and accepting of your unique body and refuse to spend an unreasonable amount of time worrying about food, weight, and calories. You feel comfortable and confident in your body.

************************************************************************

Negative body image is really serious and it could lead to other, more serious things fore instance: developing and eating disorder, feeling of isolation, low self esteem and obsessions with weight loss. Here are some things I would do:

Talk to your mother or another women which you trust. Talk to your doctor; your body could be perfect. Make a list of all the things your body allows you to do. Read and add to it everyday. Count your blessings, not your flaws. Be your body's friend and supporter; not its enemy. Tell yourself you're beautiful everyday, even your legs! Find some comfortable outfits.

I hope this helps you. My last comment is YOU'RE BEATIFUL!! EVERYONE IS IN THEIR OWN WAY. GO AND TELL SOMEONE THEY CAN HELP YOU MORE.

 

Laura, 15, Pennsylvania

 


Pssst!

Pssst! Our advice columnists can't answer every question personally. But we do our best to pick and answer questions representative of all our reader's problems. Is this an emergency? Need advice FAST?

  1. Here's a list of telephone help lines from PBS - Help's Around the Corner!
  2. Contact Teen Line Online: Teens Helping Teens
  3. Check out the National Runaway Switchboard
  4. Get in touch with other girls and talk it over - in our Circle of Friends PenPal Club!

 

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