Self Esteem: Dealing with low self confidence

Image from Buzzfeed

A lack in self confidence throughout teen girls is common in this day in age. Some girls are constantly comparing themselves to others and making themselves feel bad for it. This is called having a low self esteem. From talking to some girls who have experienced this, I have learned that the most common  things girls are worried about is their appearance.
 
Media plays a huge role in how girls compare themselves to others who are fake and considered perfect. Juliana, an 8th grade student at Asheville Middle School said, “It makes me feel self conscious when I look at models and fashion icons with perfect bodies.” Society has taught us a different meaning to beauty and even little girls are being taught at a young age. Dolls such as barbies are a prime example of what is the ideal body shape in some girls minds. This might just be the beginning of girls being self conscious for the rest of their teen years, and even adult life.
 
It certainly happens that at times girls could be teased for their appearance or the way they look. When you are constantly being told a lie that you're ugly, fat, or wear ugly clothes, it becomes a truth in a sense and you yourself begin to believe what others say about you. A lot of the knocking of confidence that girls have to deal with develop from other people or themselves. Whether it be tearing yourself down by judging yourself or it is through being told mean comments.
 
It’s really helpful to establish thick skin to combat the haters. The more you care about and listen to people's opinions, the more it hurts. It’s harder than it sounds, but once you learn to ignore the snotty things people have to say to you, they will stop. All they want is attention and to be noticed, once you take it away they will pick a new victim.
 
A lot of girls have a hard time understanding that everyone is different, but more importantly everyone is gorgeous in their own way. A wise girl from AMS said, “I think everyone has dealt with being self conscious about themselves in some way shape or form. But everyone's different and everyone's beautiful.” This is a lesson all people need to know. 

Story by Hazel Scully

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