Man do I know how you feel......I was never one who fit with "the norm" in school. I've never had the money to keep up with the latest style and use the best beauty products or go to the salon. Its easy to get intimidated by that.

I'm not in school but I've got a similar group of girls in my life. All beautiful and rich with nice cars and perfect clothes/hair/skin. Its really easy to get envious and wish they'd talk to me.

But one of things I've realized about this group of girls (I'm gonna try and say this nicely because I really work on not talking smack about people).....they don't have what I want. They have their looks and their money. They don't have the kind of life experiences I've had and I wonder what will happen to them if they ever get in a bind. They appear fake....they don't appear to have real compassion or any sense of selflessness. I look at the inner qualities I have and I like my qualities much better.

When I start feeling ugly in comparison I have to remember that everyone is so different and I wouldn't want to look and act just like everyone else. I remember that my true friends love me for I am. And I like not being plastic. =)

Look into yourself for empowerment. Look at the things you like about yourself and also celebrate your flaws. We all have them, and they make us who we are. I've learned that I project what I feel....if I'm feeling unattractive, thats what I project. If I'm depressed, thats what I project. Yet when I'm feeling confident and happy, I'm more fun to be around and even I like to be around myself lol.

There's always going to be people who appear to have more than us, on the outside. But what do they have inside that compares? I mean sure, Paris Hilton is beautiful but I wouldn't want to sit and chat over coffee with her!

As women we have to empower ourselves. I've worked hard on that over the last couple of years and I falter all the time. But I'm the only person I can count on because others are fallible. If I believe in myself, no one else can sway me.

Welcome to PC; I hope you find good support here!