I felt attractive as young as I can remember. I used to like to dress up in grown up clothes, costumes, and put on shows singing and dancing. People would say I was so cute.

Then I had a really homely stage from 7 to 13. I got made fun of. This did a lot of psychological damage to my self esteem.

By 14, I started getting shapely and better-looking. Boys started showing interest.

So, I guess I liked myself from the start, which was reinforced by other's approval. Then people's reactions to me dictated how sure I felt about myself.

I am not especially attractive, but when I do hair, make up, and clothes, and act with confidence and sensuality, people find me very attractive.

As for body shaming-- yes, hurtful things were said to me by people, even by supposed friends. But men didn't care about my flaws enough to not have sex with me. They even said they liked my features that I know are very unattractive.