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Growing up can be incredibly awkward. Our bodies are still developing. We’re covered in spots. And our fashion sense might just match our bad posture. Sometimes, looking awkward doesn’t automatically stop with our teenage years (my collection of baggy sweaters says ‘hi’) and can continue into our twenties and thirties, too.

However, some people have changed incredibly over the years, starting out as ‘ugly ducklings’ and turning into beautiful swans that barely anyone can recognize anymore. One of the places where they share their inspirational before-and-afters is the ‘Ugly Duckling’ subreddit. As you’re checking out these awesome transformations, remember to upvote your favorite ones, dear Pandas. When you’re done, have a look through Bored Panda’s earlier lists about the subreddit right here and here.

We all know that being a good person is more important than having the perfect looks. However, if given the chance, a lot of people would choose both. And there’s nothing wrong with wanting to look how you feel inside.

#1

From About 11ish(?) To 25. My Skin Cleared Up, I Got Braces, Learned How To Make Up And Fill In My Eyebrows. I Was Made Fun Of/Very Lonely Growing Up, And I Feel The Way That I Looked Had A Big Impact On Why I Am The Way That I Am Now. “Be Kind”

From About 11ish(?) To 25. My Skin Cleared Up, I Got Braces, Learned How To Make Up And Fill In My Eyebrows. I Was Made Fun Of/Very Lonely Growing Up, And I Feel The Way That I Looked Had A Big Impact On Why I Am The Way That I Am Now. “Be Kind”

FayeTealeaf Report

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varwenea
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I completely empathize. I was covered in pimples too, including a giant one on my cheek bone for the graduation photo in my yearbook. Luckily I too cleared up and learned to take care of my skin, my face. Very happy for her.

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    #2

    16-19 Or: How I Learned To Start Shaving And Escape The Neckbeard

    16-19 Or: How I Learned To Start Shaving And Escape The Neckbeard

    ampe_sand Report

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    Raine Soo
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I would not have realized that this was the same person. He now also has a haircut that suits him.

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    #3

    Age 14 To 19. Lost Some Weight And Gained Some Confidence Along The Way

    Age 14 To 19. Lost Some Weight And Gained Some Confidence Along The Way

    BismuthBi Report

    The ‘Ugly Duckling’ subreddit is a community of over 116k ‘enthusiasts’ who “turned into butterflies” over the years. The subreddit celebrates late bloomers, positive personal changes, and motivational transformations.

    Being a late bloomer is nothing to be ashamed of. It can happen at any time. And the process can be drawn out or happen nearly overnight, just like with Neville Longbottom’s actor Matthew Lewis who ‘Longbottomed’ and caught a lot of us unaware of what just happened.

    Scott Barry Kaufman writes on Psychology Today that a lot of human traits (including physical attractiveness) are under genetic control and can take “decades” to emerge. 

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    #5

    12 - 24 Even My Family Doesn't Recognize Me These Days, It's Nice

    12 - 24 Even My Family Doesn't Recognize Me These Days, It's Nice

    asionahaya Report

    #6

    Life Begins At 40! 25 --> 40

    Life Begins At 40! 25 --> 40

    Jbcarter77 Report

    “There is one way of becoming an early bloomer, but there are an infinite number of ways of being a late bloomer. Also, the more complex a trait, the more ways that a child can become a late bloomer for that trait. This means that the most appreciated abilities in society, such as creativity and leadership will rarely fully present itself at a young age, all at once,” Kaufman explains.

    He adds that even though society tends to celebrate child prodigies, being an early bloomer is no guarantee that you will continue to be successful. Dedication, hard work, and moving towards your goals step by step are just as (if not even more) important as talent.

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    #9

    Age 17-24, Was Bullied A Lot Growing Up

    Age 17-24, Was Bullied A Lot Growing Up

    Fonzevil Report

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    Janine B.
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I feel you. Gladly it made me a better person. Be kind everybody.

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    #10

    12 And 29. Still With The Short Hair And Glasses, Some Things Never Change

    12 And 29. Still With The Short Hair And Glasses, Some Things Never Change

    b_normal_y Report

    #11

    11 vs. 28, Lost That Baby Fat And Learned How To Smile

    11 vs. 28, Lost That Baby Fat And Learned How To Smile

    reddit.com Report

    #13

    2015 - 2019. Basically, I Cleaned Myself Up And Started Over!

    2015 - 2019. Basically, I Cleaned Myself Up And Started Over!

    a_midlo Report

    #14

    Then: 320 Lbs, Face Always Red, Angry At Dad, Ready To Die For Punk Rock. Now: 250 Lbs, Skin Healthier, Love My Dad, Punk Rock Is Pretty Ok But Being An Adult Is Pretty Ok Too

    Then: 320 Lbs, Face Always Red, Angry At Dad, Ready To Die For Punk Rock. Now: 250 Lbs, Skin Healthier, Love My Dad, Punk Rock Is Pretty Ok But Being An Adult Is Pretty Ok Too

    vicebjj Report

    #15

    13, 15, 20 And 27 Years Old

    13, 15, 20 And 27 Years Old

    PUSSYFiED Report

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    Miss Cris
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Looks interesting and happy in all pics. It's beautiful to see how style is changing, too.

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    #17

    Age 12 To Age 26... Still Feel A Lot Like The Kid On The Left

    Age 12 To Age 26... Still Feel A Lot Like The Kid On The Left

    tylerjkillion Report

    #18

    11—>30 Braces Were Good To Me

    11—>30 Braces Were Good To Me

    u_bit Report

    #19

    19 To 20. I Would Like To Thank My Dermatologist

    19 To 20. I Would Like To Thank My Dermatologist

    ezmi Report

    #21

    17-24, Went Through Horrible Cystic Acne, Lost 50 Lbs, Got Braces, And Dropped An Emotionally Abusive Boyfriend

    17-24, Went Through Horrible Cystic Acne, Lost 50 Lbs, Got Braces, And Dropped An Emotionally Abusive Boyfriend

    meganam38 Report

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    Boopie Dew
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    No, she says she was with someone who made her feel badly about her self worth. And she believed him. Sometimes it happens slowly and you don't know you're being abused until its too late. She got self confidence once she was out of the relationship and then worked on herself. Total respect.

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    #23

    Age 15 To 21. Lost Some Weight, It Sucks My Eyes Didn't Get Bigger

    Age 15 To 21. Lost Some Weight, It Sucks My Eyes Didn't Get Bigger

    AcuteYellowFever Report

    #24

    12-27. Lost A Chin, But Gained A Smile

    12-27. Lost A Chin, But Gained A Smile

    emergencyx0x Report

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    #25

    Age ~11 To 20 - I Owe A Lot To Contacts, Braces, Filling In My Eyebrows, And My Hairline Somehow Growing Forward

    Age ~11 To 20 - I Owe A Lot To Contacts, Braces, Filling In My Eyebrows, And My Hairline Somehow Growing Forward

    MissBrightside13 Report

    #27

    10 Year Different. Ages 13 & 23

    10 Year Different. Ages 13 & 23

    caffeinequeenxo Report

    #29

    Always Felt So Geeky In High School. I Even Went Through A Period Where I Wanted To End My Life In Middle School Because Of My Weight And Look. Now I’m In My 30’s And Feeling The Most Confident I’ve Been In My Life. Big Thanks For Braces And Lasik

    Always Felt So Geeky In High School. I Even Went Through A Period Where I Wanted To End My Life In Middle School Because Of My Weight And Look. Now I’m In My 30’s And Feeling The Most Confident I’ve Been In My Life. Big Thanks For Braces And Lasik

    trebor88 Report

    #30

    16 vs. 46. Took Awhile To Get Here, Lol.

    16 vs. 46. Took Awhile To Get Here, Lol.

    reddit.com Report

    #31

    13-21 Puberty Really Hit Me Hard And Shot Me Up To 6ft8

    13-21 Puberty Really Hit Me Hard And Shot Me Up To 6ft8

    mrphenylalanine Report

    #32

    From 18 To 23. A Completely Different Person Now

    From 18 To 23. A Completely Different Person Now

    Miss_Keys Report

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    #33

    7 Years Can Make A Crazy Difference

    7 Years Can Make A Crazy Difference

    redditsucksdiscs Report

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    Janine B.
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    He had to grow into his body. Nothing wrong with his teenage self.

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    #34

    Found An Old School Photo (14/29)

    Found An Old School Photo (14/29)

    kitakel Report

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    Miss Cris
    Community Member
    4 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Beautiful in the old photo! And very nice natural hair colour, if I had it, I'd keep it forever.

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    #35

    12 vs. 20. Had To Stop Riding The Bus+change My Classes In Middle School Because I Was Bullied So Bad For "Being Ugly"

    12 vs. 20. Had To Stop Riding The Bus+change My Classes In Middle School Because I Was Bullied So Bad For "Being Ugly"

    himechans Report

    #36

    3 Years With A Lot Of Time In The Gym And Taking Care Of My Skin

    3 Years With A Lot Of Time In The Gym And Taking Care Of My Skin

    gorbakim27 Report

    #37

    Me, Early 20’s Looking Troll Man To More Normal Looking Dude In His 30’s

    Me, Early 20’s Looking Troll Man To More Normal Looking Dude In His 30’s

    7fingersphil Report

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    Troux
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Guy on the left looks like a young Andre the Giant. Inconceivable!

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    #39

    Nearly Two Years Of Hard Work And Dedication. I Won’t Ever Stop!

    Nearly Two Years Of Hard Work And Dedication. I Won’t Ever Stop!

    rryanchow Report

    #40

    My One Regret Is Losing The Hat

    My One Regret Is Losing The Hat

    FuturisticUterus Report

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    #42

    15 → 26, From Strange Genderbender To Recognizable As A Woman

    15 → 26, From Strange Genderbender To Recognizable As A Woman

    amewsings Report

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    Paper A
    Community Member
    4 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's okay to be gender queer, you being more comfortable with your body and style now, that's the win here. 👍

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    #45

    21 vs. 29.. Losing 100lbs Has Definitely Helped!

    21 vs. 29.. Losing 100lbs Has Definitely Helped!

    TinyNugggins Report

    #46

    One Year Transformation. 23 To 23 (Almost 24 Hahaha). What A Gym Membership, Self Love And A Skincare Routine Can Do For You

    One Year Transformation. 23 To 23 (Almost 24 Hahaha). What A Gym Membership, Self Love And A Skincare Routine Can Do For You

    heyhaydae Report

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    Jumilicious
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Before and after morning coffee :D You look great. Awesome smile!

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    #48

    18 To 23. Puberty Hit Me Like A God Damn Freight Train.

    18 To 23. Puberty Hit Me Like A God Damn Freight Train.

    limthekid Report

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    #50

    14 To 20, Lost Weight, Took Care Of Myself And Stopped Cutting My Hair

    14 To 20, Lost Weight, Took Care Of Myself And Stopped Cutting My Hair

    illutree Report

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    #51

    15 > 21. A Lot Has Changed (For The Better).

    15 > 21. A Lot Has Changed (For The Better).

    PapaPigtails Report

    #52

    From Being The Weird Kid To Owning My Weirdness

    From Being The Weird Kid To Owning My Weirdness

    toolongforyoutoread Report

    #54

    Puberty Was My Best Friend

    Puberty Was My Best Friend

    blueschuys Report

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    DDmaybeandor
    Community Member
    4 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yes, but you were so young in the before pictures. You were adorable! So what if you were plump? It makes me sad that you felt ugly at that age.

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    #55

    13 vs. 24, I Looked Like A Brown Peter Griffin

    13 vs. 24, I Looked Like A Brown Peter Griffin

    brownie_waffle Report

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    La Petite Morte
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That's a sad level of self awareness. You look great and happy in both pictures.

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    #57

    12->25. Took Some Time, But Im No Longer A Cabbage Patch Kid. Cheers To Glowing Up, Everyone!

    12->25. Took Some Time, But Im No Longer A Cabbage Patch Kid. Cheers To Glowing Up, Everyone!

    graezgames Report

    #58

    16 vs. 25. It's Always Crazy To Look Back Every Once And A While

    16 vs. 25. It's Always Crazy To Look Back Every Once And A While

    anamaltic Report

    #59

    Brace Yourself For A Couples Edition (11-23)

    Brace Yourself For A Couples Edition (11-23)

    intensetoucan Report

    #60

    Sometimes Wish I Still Had That Hat. (11-24)

    Sometimes Wish I Still Had That Hat. (11-24)

    boddah666 Report

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    Hooked
    Community Member
    4 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    No regrets, you have a blouse now ! You look great.

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    #61

    You Don't Have To Be Young To Glow Up. I'm 36 On The Left And 25 On The Right

    You Don't Have To Be Young To Glow Up. I'm 36 On The Left And 25 On The Right

    arsenicookie Report

    #62

    23-33. Went From Eating Pizza Everyday To Just Every Other Day.

    23-33. Went From Eating Pizza Everyday To Just Every Other Day.

    hammers145678 Report

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    Ann Rii
    Community Member
    4 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I wish I could eat pizza even once a month without gaining weight.

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    #63

    Think I Was About 14 Or 15 Referred Too As The Ginger Owl. Highschool Was Bitter Sweet

    Think I Was About 14 Or 15 Referred Too As The Ginger Owl. Highschool Was Bitter Sweet

    travcan21 Report

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    Hooked
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Not an ugly duckling at all, but in all fairness you are gorgeous now.

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    #64

    I Was Told That This Might Be Appreciated Here. The First Picture Is Me In My Duct Tape Dress At 16. The Second Picture Is Me Now, At 21 After Losing 100 Pounds, Cutting Off My Frizzy Hair, And Actually Putting Effort Into My Appearance

    I Was Told That This Might Be Appreciated Here. The First Picture Is Me In My Duct Tape Dress At 16. The Second Picture Is Me Now, At 21 After Losing 100 Pounds, Cutting Off My Frizzy Hair, And Actually Putting Effort Into My Appearance

    Astyyria Report

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    DDmaybeandor
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Awesome before, and awesome after! I love the duct tape dress and what it says about you too.

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    #65

    2010-2020. Never Really Took Care Of My Health Nor My Looks Until Well After High School. Thankful For The Gym, Healthy Eating, And Some Good Ol' Makeup!

    2010-2020. Never Really Took Care Of My Health Nor My Looks Until Well After High School. Thankful For The Gym, Healthy Eating, And Some Good Ol' Makeup!

    goldengiraffe999 Report

    #66

    13 To 19 Y/O...5heads Where Y’all At?

    13 To 19 Y/O...5heads Where Y’all At?

    chromasphere Report

    #67

    I Guess You Could Say I've Changed A Bit Since I Was A Good Charlottle Loving 12 Year Old. I'm Now 25 And Can Still Laugh At My Tiny Brass Knuckles Necklace.

    I Guess You Could Say I've Changed A Bit Since I Was A Good Charlottle Loving 12 Year Old. I'm Now 25 And Can Still Laugh At My Tiny Brass Knuckles Necklace.

    logicalnifty Report

    #68

    Thank God For The Orthodontist, Me At 10 & 18

    Thank God For The Orthodontist, Me At 10 & 18

    reddit.com Report

    #69

    October 2012 (Age 20) vs. October 2018 (Age 25). Freshman Year Of College Was...not My Best :-/

    October 2012 (Age 20) vs. October 2018 (Age 25). Freshman Year Of College Was...not My Best :-/

    cinnamon_pita_chips Report

    #70

    12-23 Puberty And Private Dentistry.. And Let’s Not Forget Fake Tan And Makeup Get A Lot Of Credit Here!

    12-23 Puberty And Private Dentistry.. And Let’s Not Forget Fake Tan And Makeup Get A Lot Of Credit Here!

    selinaf910 Report

    #71

    15 To 22, Traded In The Braces And Acne In Exchange For A Healthy Dose Of Self Confidence And The Ability To Smile

    15 To 22, Traded In The Braces And Acne In Exchange For A Healthy Dose Of Self Confidence And The Ability To Smile

    unic0rnism Report

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    #74

    12-20. Losing Weight And Learning How To Do My Hair Helped A Bit

    12-20. Losing Weight And Learning How To Do My Hair Helped A Bit

    feistaspongebob Report

    #75

    Age 10 - 18! Thank God For Braces (My Teeth R Straight Now, I Swear)

    Age 10 - 18! Thank God For Braces (My Teeth R Straight Now, I Swear)

    dampsock137 Report

    #76

    11 vs. 26: I Suspect That I Might Be Benjamin Button

    11 vs. 26: I Suspect That I Might Be Benjamin Button

    reddit.com Report

    #77

    14 - 21 R.I.P Bushy Eyebrows, Big Nose, Greasy Hair And... Coontails?

    14 - 21 R.I.P Bushy Eyebrows, Big Nose, Greasy Hair And... Coontails?

    XtremeBreen Report

    #78

    13 To 20 (My Mom Gave Me That Haircut)

    13 To 20 (My Mom Gave Me That Haircut)

    Tapioca-Cat Report

    #79

    12-18. Most People Can Tell I’m A Girl Now.

    12-18. Most People Can Tell I’m A Girl Now.

    imxhyl Report

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    #80

    Age 17 On The Left, Age 34 On The Right

    Age 17 On The Left, Age 34 On The Right

    ChippyLipton Report

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    #81

    12>22 First One Is Cringe Pure, I Know. I Was Bullied A Lot Back Then Haha, Felt Like I Needed To Change

    12>22 First One Is Cringe Pure, I Know. I Was Bullied A Lot Back Then Haha, Felt Like I Needed To Change

    ognirenca Report

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    Janine B.
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Kids are cruel. There's absolutely nothing wrong with her teenage self.

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