As a kid, I had very low self-esteem. I was not ugly, nor did I have acne like you, but I was always worried about how I was perceived by others. If someone gave me a mean insult, it would completely ruin my day, and sometimes my whole week.
I think confidence is boosted by having interesting, challenging goals and achieving them. I definitely do think that looks mean something, as they are a part of what makes a person, but I think of it now as a just a piece of the puzzle. I believe if a person feels like all they have going for them is their looks, then they will place too much value on that facet of themselves.
Obviously I don't know what your childhood was like, or what talents you had, but for me personally, I would get home from school, and play video games. I didn't make any good friends, nor did I step out of my comfort zone and challenge myself while I was a teenager. I didn't have any role models, and no one pushing me to get excited and motivated for something.
I've improved my life a lot since I graduated high school, and can deal with people's bullshit/insults much better than before. It could be said that I "grew up" , but I think it's deeper than that. I decided enough was enough. I wanted to get out more to meet people, and learn things.
I think children in particular are sort of "thrown to the wolves" in our society. Kids need more guidance and perspective so they can find their strengths and push themselves so that they can feel what it's like to grow as a person.
P.S. I don't mean to downplay the problems you faced. I know our society places enormous pressure on girls and women to look pretty and sexy. I'm not a woman, so I can only offer my perspective.
As a kid, I had very low self-esteem. I was not ugly, nor did I have acne like you, but I was always worried about how I was perceived by others. If someone gave me a mean insult, it would completely ruin my day, and sometimes my whole week.
ReplyDeleteI think confidence is boosted by having interesting, challenging goals and achieving them. I definitely do think that looks mean something, as they are a part of what makes a person, but I think of it now as a just a piece of the puzzle. I believe if a person feels like all they have going for them is their looks, then they will place too much value on that facet of themselves.
Obviously I don't know what your childhood was like, or what talents you had, but for me personally, I would get home from school, and play video games. I didn't make any good friends, nor did I step out of my comfort zone and challenge myself while I was a teenager. I didn't have any role models, and no one pushing me to get excited and motivated for something.
I've improved my life a lot since I graduated high school, and can deal with people's bullshit/insults much better than before. It could be said that I "grew up" , but I think it's deeper than that. I decided enough was enough. I wanted to get out more to meet people, and learn things.
I think children in particular are sort of "thrown to the wolves" in our society. Kids need more guidance and perspective so they can find their strengths and push themselves so that they can feel what it's like to grow as a person.
P.S. I don't mean to downplay the problems you faced. I know our society places enormous pressure on girls and women to look pretty and sexy. I'm not a woman, so I can only offer my perspective.