DUFF: Designated Ugly Fat Friend #AtoZChallenge

Nope. This is not a review of the famous book turned movie. This is actually a story of me...when I was a DUFF. 

 

I just thought I'll share my "journey". It's not that inspiring so please don't get excited. Deep breaths people.
 

So I grew up with no female influence. My mother was in another country and I was left with my older (by 12 years) brother, my aunt who's lesbian, and my uncle (my mother's younger brother). Obviously I had no idea what being a girl was like. I didn't care what I looked like or how people think of me. I was pretty much turning into a lesbian at the time too. Not a joke.

I got taunted a lot when I was in high school because I didn't fit in -- physically. I had naturally thick and curly hair, I was tan because I swim and play tennis, my body wasn't stick thin because I love food and everyone in my family cooks real well, and I didn't know how to fix myself up.

(Pictures of me when I was 14)

But then, my older brother married his high school sweetheart and she lived with us. Yes, we all lived under one roof. My mother wanted it that way. Anyway, basically she introduced me to the world of women.

Truthfully speaking, I did succumb to the pressure from people around me. Social expectations, if you may. I had my hair straightened and thinned, I let my skin go back to being pale, I learned to put on makeup and be fashionable, and I made myself skinnier.

(Me at 18)

I was almost unrecognizable. People thought I had work done, but no. It was all natural. Well, almost -- I became bulimic. I'm not proud of it nor am I ashamed, because I found out a lot about myself. Whatever that is, is a story for another day.

Moral of the story: Love yourself. Improve BUT don't change. Don't try to fit in, rather stand out. *nod* I think I made my point. *smiles*
 

Yours truly now. (With my daughter)