Oh man, I'm sorry - kids can be such assholes. Went through some of that s**t, too. I still hate my nose after all these years (unfortunately I've got my father's) since I've been called names about that (and many other things) at school. Some days I kind of like my face in front view but I'm always quite shocked when I happen to see myself in profile on a picture or on webcam (yikes!). Add my mother's jowels to my father's nose and there you go. But - last autumn I took what was a small but important step for me and got my nose pierced. Now I wear a ring in my big af nose and everyone who says that it's too big for that ... well... can just stare at my mask becauses nobody really sees it anyway these days. :D

This sounds like severe bullying.I've had a few things said about me that still stick but nowhere near as bad as you describe.If I had been in your shoes, I'd be a total wreck! good on you for getting to where you are now!

Well, Foxxy, we all know none of that is true. And even if it is, who gives a f**k? You’re a wonderful, kind, caring, amazing human being. Edit: I’ve never been renowned for my tact.

Foxy, I am beyond sorry to hear that. Kids really can be little monsters. You are so strong to post your experiences and to have come as far as you have. I wish you all the best.

The first person to tell me I was horribly irredeemably and unrelentingly worthlessly UGLY? My older sister. She made sure I knew, almost every other day, till she died. She got her friends to add to the "You suck!" chorus. Their younger siblings joined in. I'm married 30 years and still not sure I'm good-looking enough to warrant my spouse's compliments. I mean, my own sister said it, right? (IIRC, I was about 3 years old first time I heard that, based on my mom recalling when she punished my sister, who was about 9 years old.) YES WORDS HURT.

Foxxy that is just f****d up, I’ve seen bullying get extreme but that is beyond anything I’ve even heard of, kids are assholes and don’t even consider anything they’ve said about you. Not only am I sure you weren’t very ugly back then I’m sure that you are a new and wonderful person now. As you can see you have the support of everyone on this site and good luck on your journey back to confidence

This is completely and utterly story of my life. Except no matter how hard I try to love myself, my self-esteem is so low I don't belive I'm worthy of anything. I can't even believe when someone pays me a compliment these days. I'm always looking for ulterior motives.

When you're different, and you clearly are, judging by your reactions, in the way you're smart, sensitive and all around funny and nice, people pick on you. In the worst ways ever. They will find one thing that's even the slightest out of the ordinary and blow it up so you don't shine too much and put them down in the process. For me, as a kid, I was bullied for being fat. I always believed it (I was bigger after all) and couldn't get rid of that image. Nice vicious circl too with emotional eating attached. And now that I'm actually fat (two kids put some weight on me) I like me so much better. I like to think we persevere in staying good people, even if they try to put us down. It's not about your gums, it's about the smile they're part of.

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I'm sorry your were tormented as a child. It is awful (and the reason that many people I know homeschool their kids). You now have a nice life and a loving spouse, yes? We all know you are caring and have a delightful sense of humor. I would wager that you are not as unattractive as you think. And that the author is correct - you weren't an ugly child either. But, if you are truly unhappy with how you look, do something about it. Get plastic surgery. Don't let the taboos bother you. Find a way to be happy with yourself - even if it seems drastic to some. Because at the end of the day - you deserve to be happy with yourself - including your looks. Though I think you are probably much more attractive than you realize (nice eyes and lips are lovely).

There are many things about self esteem and self realisation that should be taught to kids. Might not stop the bullying but it would make it harder for them to break anyone down. Might also make them question their own actions sooner.

Yes, finally finding my beauty in my 40's, still no clue how to deal with the idea a man I like, might like me. No idea if I'm just that scarred my boys jokingly asking me out, or if I'm actually just not that into the idea of a relationship. Sadly I can't tell, and wonder what I missed out on.