Are you comfortable in your own skin? Do you accept or reject your looks? I've seen a lot of discussion (both here on DU and elsewhere) about body image and how girls are made to feel "fat" at earlier and earlier ages these days. Media, especially magazines, portray fantasy images of women that are unrealistic and unattainable for most women. Hell, even models don't look that good naturally---why else would they need heavy makeup, lighting, etc.???

I love my body. Yeah, it may not be someone else's idea of perfection, but so what? I make the most of it, and I enjoy it and take care of it. I wear clothes that play up my best features and don't worry about the rest. Long ago, when I was in my teens, I really wanted to be tall and willowy, but the genetic hand I was dealt made me short and curvy. I came to realize that short and curvy has a lot of advantages, and these days, I'm glad I'm not tall and willowy.

I remember when I was 11 years old and hit puberty, I gained 25 lbs. in a year. However, I also grew three inches in height, which corresponded to the gain in weight. My mother nearly had a stroke and asked my doctor (right in front of me, no less) why I was "fat". My doctor said, "She's NOT fat. She's well-proportioned for her body type." I'm glad he had some sense! I've had some weight issues here and there, but I've had them under control for a long time now and am happy where I am. I'll never, ever be skinny, but that's just fine by me. I'm medium-sized and very happy about it!