I need a few opinions and some advice

[MorbidChild]

I can't stand to look in the mirror sometimes. I hate myself due to severe lack of self esteem.

I hate the way I look. I always want to be thinner, prettier, etc., and probably always will.

How do I learn to accept myself? Sounds like a dumb question, but every time I try to like who I see in the mirror, or think positivly about myself, I simply can't.

And is thirteen too young to go on a diet?

[2shy]

Dieting is not good at any age. You must have read the magazines so you know: most people gain back the weight. Best advice I ever got and which helped me to lose weight, is to only eat when I'm hungry (v difficult to figure out at first) and to eat what I like most, first. It is easier to stop eating everything in sight if all that's left is stuff you don't like so much. And then the really annoying bit: unfortunately you have to exercise.

If I were you I'd start by making sure that you really need to lose weight. I've lost a lot and people tell me I look skinny but when I look in the mirror, I think there is plenty that can go. First thing is to make sure that the weight issue is not all in your head and for that you'll have to trust someone. Ask your therapist and make yourself believe what she says.

As for looking in the mirror, I know this is going to sound like even dumber advice, but start smiling before you look in the mirror. I know, I know, sounds stupid but you want other people to greet you with a smile, grin at yourself when you come face to face.

[Twice-Shy]

Body image is a massive cause of people having a low opinion of themselves. I was thin all throughout school and I hated looking at my naked body. As I have grown older, I'm not so worried now. I have learnt to like myself the way I am. As 2 shy said, smile as you look at yourself. Pick out something you like about yourself. Something that makes you unique.

[robini123]

"I can't stand to look in the mirror sometimes. I hate myself due to severe lack of self esteem."

I know exactly how you feel.

shane mckay said "Body image is a massive cause of people having a low opinion of themselves. I was thin all throughout school and I hated looking at my naked body. As I have grown older, I'm not so worried now. I have learnt to like myself the way I am. As 2 shy said, smile as you look at yourself. Pick out something you like about yourself. Something that makes you unique."

shane mckay's story is much the same as mine.

Fat or thin.

Attractive or not.

Young or old.

Shyness knows no bounds.

Being is a state of mind.

I have met many beautiful people that were ugly inside.

And I have met many unattractive people that were beautiful inside.

Which would you rather be?

I would rather be physically unattractive but BEAUTIFUL on the inside!!!

"I hate the way I look. I always want to be thinner, prettier, etc., and probably always will."

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.


"How do I learn to accept myself? Sounds like a dumb question, but every time I try to like who I see in the mirror, or think positively about myself, I simply can't."

Quit basing your self-esteem on your physical appearance!!!

Are you good to your family and friends.
How do the people that LOVE YOU speak of you?

Looks are not everything my friend... (although they seem to be, to teenagers)

Your friend... Robert.

[Boblouie58]

Morbid, we "all" worry about things that we think are of consequence. I've looked at myself in the mirror for a long time never thinking I was particularily nice looking. Then one day I looked at some photos taken of me and came to the conclusion that what I was seeing in the mirror was not what I looked like at all. I felt I looked better than I previously thought. I am male and I do know females usually don't think they are pretty enough.
Besides, if your friends like you what difference does it make, what you feel you look like? Young people get caught up into looking at movie stars, pop singers, etc. in magazines, etc. and don't feel they measure up.
Go to a mall, somewhere and sit on a bench and watch people. People come in all shapes, sizes, colors and looks.
None of us really need to go on a diet per se; we just need to eat a balanced meal and to eat less. You probably have been looking at models and they are thin as that is their job. Personally I feel these girls are too thin and need some more meat on their bones. ;D

[firelight]

i don't think dieting's a good idea UNLESS the doctor says you need to. as for the mirror, here's what i do: i look into the mirror, slap on a bright smile then blow myself a kiss. sounds silly i know but it helps a little.

[Chester8o5]

ive gotta agree with 2. dieting isnt an option. you might try riding a bike. i lost almost 50lbs. riding in just over 7 months and i have kept it off. just dont let how you think you look take over. greet every day with a goal. remove the stress in your life at the source. just be careful how you do it.

[spitzig]

Exercise is effective at getting a person in shape(starving oneself usually is not). It also makes you feel better.

[Shypuppy17]

;D Exercise and cut back on fatty foods. I used to think I was ugly because I felt that I couldn't measure up to celebs and models. Unfortuntly, the media focuses on those with the perfect bodies. I learned to see myself the way others see me. I consider myself attractive. We have to learn to accept what have and pick out a positive thing and focus on that.