Teen needs to learn to like herself

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Updated: March 12, 2012 8:01AM

Dr. Wallace: I’m 14 and down on myself. I feel like all the girls at my school are prettier and smarter than I am. I know they have more money to spend than I do, and they always wear nicer clothes than I have. When it comes to dating, I don’t think I’ll ever be able to compete, and I probably won’t have a boyfriend. My mother and grandmother keep telling me that I’m beautiful, but I think they are just trying to make me feel good. I don’t feel beautiful; I feel like a failure, and there is nothing I can do about it.

I know that “money isn’t everything,” but if I had a million dollars, I would buy trendy clothes. Then, I would go to a plastic surgeon and have a nose job and make my face look like a movie star. But I don’t have a million dollars. Can you tell me how to be happy with what I have and not always dream about what I don’t have? I am a good athlete.

Stacey, San Antonio, Texas

Stacey: First of all, do not compare yourself to others. Every human being is different and gifted in some area. You are beautiful! Keep a smile on your face, and just be yourself. Don’t compete to have the “coolest” clothes or to be the most popular. Do what you do best and enjoy every minute of it. Be kind to every living thing and help those who are not as fortunate as you. This will make you feel extremely good.

Write to Dr. Wallace
at rwallace@galesburg.net