Social woes fade after high school
By Dr. Robert Wallace ’Tween 12 and 20 January 15, 2013 1:44PM
Updated: February 17, 2013 6:07AM
Dr. Wallace: I relate to the young girl who sees her older sister as more attractive and more popular in high school.
I am the middle sister of five girls. I was always the “geeky” one. My appearance was mocked by boys and girls. I was frequently told that I would never have a boyfriend and eventually shied away from most social interaction. I entered college believing that my only value was my intellectual abilities. That perception changed during my freshman year of college.
In college, getting good grades and studying are much more valuable in a social setting. My willingness to help others in their studies also allowed me to find a great number of friends and acquaintances. I soon found myself balancing an active social life with my rigorous studies and succeeding in a way that many could not. In addition, I had a great surprise: I wasn’t as unattractive as the fellow students in my high school had led me to believe.
Please tell that young girl that beautiful women come in all shapes and sizes. She will only spend 5 percent of her 80 or more years of life in high school. Ask her to enjoy as much of it as she can and remind her that high school perceptions truly don’t last a lifetime.
Julie, Houston
Julie: Those who have “been there and done that” give excellent advice! Experience is a great teacher.
Write to Dr. Wallace
at rwallace@galesburg.net
