Perfection isn’t necessary to achieve self-confidence. You can be flawed and be more confident than someone society thinks is perfect. In fact, many celebrities surprisingly hide many insecurities. But we wouldn’t know that because the media paints them as the people that set beauty standards.
For that reason, many children grow up believing that their flaws make them less attractive. It doesn’t help that other kids tease them for those imperfections, too. They’ll bring their childhood insecurities into their adulthood, potentially affecting their social interactions and relationships.
In this situation, you have two choices: embrace your imperfections or change them. Embracing your flaws is something that’s being normalized these days, with beauty standards starting to diversify. But changing your imperfections is also an empowering move because getting rid of insecurity can also be a way of letting go of your past.
As long as the flaws in question are within your control — unlike height, race, or family background — you can change them and feel better about yourself. Below are the common imperfections insecure people get altered:
1. Weight
Being overweight doesn’t make you any less beautiful. However, it unavoidably leads to body image issues. Excess weight can make you compare yourself to your slimmer peers, causing frustration, anger, and even depression on your part. The prolonged habit of comparing yourself to others can affect your social interactions, as you’d tend to worry about what others think of you.
These feelings are common among teens. Since they’re experiencing major bodily and hormonal changes, they become extra sensitive. As such, their weight becomes a big deal in their lives. Moreover, their parents usually urge them to lose weight by exercising or eating less. Even though they mean well, they still hurt an overweight teen’s feelings.
If the teen is teased or bullied, then they may shy away from people altogether. This can impact their lives after high school, as they haven’t been practiced the art of making friends.
If you can relate, know that your weight doesn’t define your self-worth. Being overweight doesn’t automatically mean you’re unhealthy either. But you might be at a higher risk of developing certain diseases, so try to see the positive side of your parents’ words of advice. They care more for your health than your physical appearance.
Besides, being teased or outcasted and doing nothing about it also feels tiring. Why stay passive when you’re perfectly capable of managing your weight?
By taking steps to get fit and healthier, you’ll feel more in control of your life. Social interactions will feel less intimidating. Plus, losing weight doesn’t make you body-negative. It’s in fact the opposite, because you’re doing it for your mental and physical well-being, not to shame other overweight people. If you know what it’s like to struggle with your weight, the last thing you’d want to do is make other overweight people insecure.
2. Acne
Acne is another common insecurity of many teens. Adults who develop acne can also lose self-confidence, but the case tends to be more severe among teens. Their at the phase of their life in which physical attractiveness matters highly. Hence, an imperfection such as acne can make them feel unworthy of positive attention.
Like excess weight, acne can also affect social interactions. Individuals with acne can feel shy about making friends with the opposite sex. They might even have difficulty making eye contact with anyone.
If your acne makes you feel this way, remember that your problem is only temporary and doesn’t affect your other qualities. Acne doesn’t make you less competent in your job or studies. It doesn’t make you unattractive either. But since acne can cause pain and discomfort, it’s totally understandable why you’d be desperate to have them treated.
Some types of acne can be cured by home remedies. If yours are rather severe, consult a dermatologist. You’ll be given prescription drugs or intensive facial treatment.
3. Crowded Teeth
Crowded teeth don’t just ruin self-confidence. It can affect your speech and chewing, too. If the problem goes as far as your jaws, your sleep may also feel uncomfortable.
Thankfully, braces can solve most oral problems related to crowded teeth. Severe cases may require surgery, which would definitely be worth it. Consult an experienced orthodontist if your crowded teeth are starting to affect the quality of your life. Perfecting your smile can boost your attractiveness and confidence, as well as make everyday activities easier for you.
Correcting these flaws doesn’t mean you don’t love yourself for who you are. It just means you want the best quality of life you can give to yourself. Indeed, life is so much more enjoyable when you’re free of insecurities and limiting flaws.
