Eve,

I cannot help but sympathize with your struggle. Learning to love myself has been (and continues to be) a lifelong process. What I do know is that it starts with learning to adjust your inner monologue. Stop criticizing yourself. Stop comparing yourself to your supposed “prettier friends”. I would recommend exploring the technique of mindfulness and then learning to use it everyday.

Also, take some time to “date” yourself. Rediscover what makes you feel good about yourself. Try and focus on what you like about yourself. Be grateful for the things you do have. And take part in activities that bring you joy.

It seems to me you are an intelligent, thoughtful young woman. It would be a shame to waste the rest of your life trying to fix something that ain’t broke! Good luck and take care.