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There are moments in our puberty, aka blunder years, that we are not exactly proud of. Like that one school pic in your parents’ photo album that you dread equally much as falling ill ‘cause your health insurance policy may tell you "see u later, alligator."
But hey, we’ve all been there and it’s totally fine and honestly, quite cute. And there’s even some real-life evidence that shows that some people have literally blossomed so much that they're now beautiful swans both inside and out.
So this time, we are looking at some of the most incredible “ugly duckling” transformations that prove there’s some justice after all in the looks department. Shared on the "Ugly Duckling" subreddit, these crazy before and afters will make you think twice about that shy boy in baggy sweater and braces who you sat next to in the 8th grade. And after you’re done scrolling through this post, be sure to check out more jaw-dropping transformations in our previous posts here, here, and here.
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#1
Age 18 To 23, Used To Look Up In Photos To Try To Hide My Substantial Double Chin
RELATED:
#2
23 vs. 31 - Lost The Weight (160lbs) 7 Years Ago. My Hair Moved From The Top Of My Head To My Face And I’m Still Trying To Find My Look, But I Felt Good Today
#3
Mid 20’s To Mid 30’s
Being an ugly duckling, which takes its name from Hans Christian Andersen’s tale, refers to glowing up and developing into an attractive and successful person as opposed to what one has been before in their early days. But many people grew up with the idea of being an “ugly duckling” when they were kids and for some, it still follows them into their adult life.
As a result, even if this is a positive and celebrated transformation, many people can suffer lasting emotional effects. For example, ugly duckling syndrome can be a reason why so many of us can’t take compliments and see stares from people of the opposite sex as insults.
#4
19 To 27 - 220lbs Down Due To Gradual And Sustained Change Over A Long Time
#5
15 - 19 I’d Like To Thank Accutane And Losing 90lbs
#6
[16-17] Two Selfies, Before And After Double Jaw Surgery
![[16-17] Two Selfies, Before And After Double Jaw Surgery](https://static.boredpanda.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/050-5fe051b64a3f6__700.jpg "[16-17] Two Selfies, Before And After Double Jaw Surgery")
Moreover, those who have ever seen themselves as ugly ducklings can struggle to realize the power of their natural beauty. It may also be a good thing, since it helps to develop an inner strength that later carries us in our lives.
Most importantly, people who glowed up later in their lives are now much more likely to judge a book by what’s inside rather than its cover. Appreciation of inner beauty is a beautiful thing that enriches humans in profound ways.
In the end, looks come and go, and if you build your personality solely on your outer traits, you may well struggle to cope with your identity in the event that you lose them.
#7
18 To 28 - Lost The Glasses, Found Some Hair, Kept The Nerdiness And Over-Optimism
#8
2019-2020. Went Through A Bad Year After A Horrible Failed Toxic Relationship (2014-2018) Gained A Bunch Of Weight Then Got It Together Finally
#9
14 vs. 18 M / Used To Get Bullied So Hard I Still Get Insecure
#10
Lost 100lbs And Now I Model Full Time!
#11
22-31 Gained A Pair Of Glasses, Some Weight, And A Few Tats
#12
12-27. Childhood Was A Rough But It Makes For A Good Personality
#13
19 -> 25 Found An Interview I Did At My First Internship About 6 Years Ago
#14
14-26 I’m Becoming More Comfortable With Myself Now, But I Still Have A Lot Of Work Left To Do. Learning To Love Myself Has Been Hard, But I Like The Person I’m Becoming
#15
15 To 27. Was Bullied A Lot
David K 3 years ago
She looked lovely at the age of 15. People who bully someone are just hiding the fact that themselves are missing something and such display of their behavior makes them in fact look ridiculous and weak (which they however do not realize until after few years, sometimes never).
#16
19 To 23
#17
(15-31) Got Mildly Better At Grooming Over The Years
#18
Grades 2,4 & 6 To Age 27 And 28
#19
17 To 22
#20
Always Dreamed Of Owning A Motorbike, Made It Happen 14 Years Later And Had A Glow Up Along The Way [14-28]
![Always Dreamed Of Owning A Motorbike, Made It Happen 14 Years Later And Had A Glow Up Along The Way [14-28]](https://static.boredpanda.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/008-5fe04c827893c__700.jpg "Always Dreamed Of Owning A Motorbike, Made It Happen 14 Years Later And Had A Glow Up Along The Way [14-28]")
#21
18-26: I Finally Figured Out What To Do With My Hands!
#22
My Body And Style Have Changed From 12 To 30, But I Still Listen To An Embarrassing Amount Of Brand New
#23
13 To 26. For The First Time In My Life I Feel At Peace With Myself
Anita Marx 3 years ago
Feeling the peace inside is always the best thing! No matter what you look like.
#24
2010 (18) vs. 2020 (28)
#25
May, 2019 To Me Just Yesterday. Lost 65lbs This Year Since February
#26
Freshman Year - 6th Year Senior
#27
From Senior Year Of High School, To Senior Year Of College
#28
17 To 26 - I Kept That Bob For 7 Years Unfortunately. Got Lasik, Cleared Up The Acne And Gained Confidence
#29
(17-22) To Be Fair, I Did Have A Great Time Fishing
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What do you think ?
Vincent Philippart 3 years ago
Individually, those are nice tales of affirmation. Together, they tell the story of our society where harrassment forces people to build a "good looks" shield just to feel the right to exist in peace. It is not heartwarming.
Eirik Johnsbråten 3 years ago
Again with this labelling of "this is ugly" and "this is beautiful". Can we please stop feeding this?
Vincent Philippart 3 years ago
Individually, those are nice tales of affirmation. Together, they tell the story of our society where harrassment forces people to build a "good looks" shield just to feel the right to exist in peace. It is not heartwarming.
Eirik Johnsbråten 3 years ago
Again with this labelling of "this is ugly" and "this is beautiful". Can we please stop feeding this?
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