I want to feel attractive & content with myself but I don't.

[Aaliyah]

Ever since I was a child, I suffered body image issues. I was teased at times as a child because of how I looked and it carried along until adulthood. However this didn't stop people from telling me that they thought I was beautiful and I've dated guys and have been hit on by them. However I don't feel that way & I'm tired of feeling self conscious all the time when I'm out. I want to feel content with myself but I don't know how. I've tried buying sexier outfits,changing hairstyles.. even exercising but I don't know. I just think I look funny. I have skin issues on my face, I did have severe acne back when I was in high school & now at 23.. I still get them but it's not as bad as when I was in high school. I can't afford going to a dermatologist right now. I have a very uneven complexion.. I sorta have these bags under my eyes that I've had since I was 11.. they don't seem to go away and I don't know what it's from. I have bad teeth from sucking my finger when I was a child. I have an overbite. Can't afford braces either at the moment. Though people tell me that my teeth aren't really that bad..

 

It's getting borderline obsessive that I'm constantly worrying about these things. I think about it 24/7, while I'm at school,work whatever. I'm wondering & constantly paranoid if I'm looking strange to people. With my confidence low, it makes me sorta depressed & not feel good. I see beautiful women everywhere and I just wish I could look as stunning as them. I have horrible skin, I'm too skinny & I feel inadequate all the time. The only time I really feel secure ironically is when I'm at home & sometimes I don't feel fine there. I don't know.. I think I need help.

[Jes_31_C]

Stop focusing on what you think is wrong with your body. Find something you like about yourself, even if it's something as small as liking the way your hair looks that day (that's usually mine) and keep that thought in your head. I have some of the same problems myself, not liking who I am and wishing I could be as beautiful as other people. Hope you can overcome these insecurities, I'm working on mine.

[Aaliyah]

That's the problem, there are days that I feel I look decent but their often short lived and I spend more days feeling like beauty & the beast & I'm the beast. I don't understand, people say I'm beautiful all the time and I'm very attractive, not just saying that for an ego boost or to make me look good. However no matter how many people tell me that, my mind just can't stop focusing on the negative thoughts or the things people have said to me in the past. How can I get out of this negative thought pattern?

[duppy_conqueror]

there are practical steps you can take to improve your appearance. i have used these sites in the past for natural skincare that is free, pretty much, because you use stuff in your own kitchen

 

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also, i went through a major 'im so ugly' phase as well, mid-2008. i found this great little article which i bookmarked so i can look at it whenever i feel down about body image issues (an unhappiness our own misconceptions are responsible for) link removed. im happy to say those ugly days are not so many anymore. think about the people who inspire you: are they constantly scrutinising their appearance, or are they the movers and shakers of life?? only you can really change your attitude and mindset, and i really hope you come to realise how its the internal beauty you possess (and for that matter, all of us) that will attract happy, liberated people into your life and so on. without wanting to sound sappy. if you think you need help, or you cant really cope alone, seek help. hope that helps

[LightbulbSun]

I just wanted to bump this, for the great link at the bottom especially.

 

I've been going through a 'I'm so ugly' phase recently, too, and reading that article really helped. It's true that true beauty is on the inside.

[Someday_Soon]

Have you ever triend proactiv solutions? Worked wonders for me. Also, for skin tightening, when you get out of the shower press a hot cloth against your face, then rub in your favorite moisturizer, and them put some ice cubs in a zip lock back and press it against your face. That will tighten and tone ur skin and give it a fresh look.