((((((((((( DutchGirl ))))))))))))

I too have low self esteem. It took me many years to work on it and become comfortable with what I look like. Every now and again I still have to battle the poor self image monster but for the most part, I am ok with my looks.

I would say that the man you become close to was a mental midget and very immature. I'm sorry he hurt your feelings and opted out of what could have been a beautiful relationship.

A very important part of increasing your self esteem is to smile. When you smile, it releases happy little endorphines in your brain. You begin to feel happier, and you look happier. You begin to believe that you are happy...and things just don't seem as bad as you once thought. The next thing is to look in the mirror every single day and tell yourself outloud that you love yourself. It's a hard thing to do sometimes. Tell yourself that you are a beautiful woman with much love and compassion to give the RIGHT person. There were days when I would scream that stuff to myself because I hated how I looked and who I was. But I kept telling myself those things none the less. Soon I began to believe it.....and I lived it and I learned I am me.....take me or leave me...your choice. No one will make me feel less of a person unless I allow them to do so.

From this you gain a confidence in yourself. It shows inside and out and people respond to it. It will not matter one iota what your face or body looks like. They will not see it......they will only see the beautiful woman you truly are.

Hold on tight to yourself. Somewhere out there, a man who is loving and compassionate will cross your path and you will be ready to see him and he you for the true people you are.

Wishing you all the self esteem you can handle and love for who and what you are!

Hugsss
sabby