I'm 15 years old but constantly mistaken for 18. I'm tall with blue eyes light brown hair, and a pretty face. What makes me different is my weight. But I don't see myself as "different". I think I look fine. Sure I wouldn't mind being skinnier but until I loose the weight is it so bad to have some confidence in myself? I'm a size 10. When I go shopping Im just greatful that I'm not a size 20. So the question is, do you think im in denial?

I don't think you're in denial. I think a girl/woman should feel confident about themselves no matter what thier weight - especially when they are in the healthy range - as you are. I also am a size 10, but i am not tall (only 5'5) and I feel pretty good. I think I look pretty though I rarely say that because it's seems as if in this culture if you feel good about yourself then somehow you are concieted/stuck-up/a ***** - and it's a shame and ironic and not fair, since this culture puts so much pressure on woman to look good. It's as if the message is "Do everything you can to obtain an unnatural and unhealthy "perfect" body but don't feel confident." It sucks.

But anyway, back to your question....it is great that you are confident, and that you feel pretty. And depending on your height, you may not need to lose any weight. Unfortunaley, this culture seems to think that health is far less important than looking good. What I don't understand is why a healthy body isn't considered beautiful. It's absolutely ridiculous.

Also keep in mind, that by culture I mean models/ads/etc. Most women and even more men think a healthy woman is beautiful. Most men (though there are jerks who want skin and bones - but they are immature and stupid and definately not worth being with) like girls who look strong and feel confident about themselves. They don't place the importance on looks as women do. They don't notice if you gain or lose 10 pounds and they don't notice if you dye your hair a slightly different shade. A good example of this men/woman difference is this - i'll look in the mirror and think - oh my gosh, my eyebrows are so thick and bushy, I look ugly, and so I wax them, make them really thin, and then think I look pretty. Do you think anyone notices but me? No, lol. Once I even just did one eyebrow and asked how I looked, he couldn't guess, I said it has something to do with my face....he still couldn't tell, lol. So then i did the other one ofcourse, but the point is - we put more pressure on ourself and see ourself under a microscopic lens that no one else sees us under.

So continue to feel good about yourself. Eat healthy. Exercise 30 minutes a couple times a week and if you don't lift weights, start - it will give you the toned athletic look. But most of all, continue feeling pretty, because you are pretty, and don't let anyone make you feel any differently.

I'm 5'7", but I see what you're saying. It's true that guys dont notice the little things. It's the girls im usually worried about though. My "friends" or a better term would be aquaintances are soo critical. Thats what gets me down sometimes. But thanx for the advice, it helps alot and puts everything in perspective.