One reason I try not to seriously call myself ugly anymore is actually for the sake of others, not myself. A couple years ago, I was talking to a friend who I perceived as being gorgeous and absolutely attractive. She glanced in the mirror, and frowned, saying “ugh, I look awful today” and she meant it. I proceeded to look in the mirror, and thought “if she thinks she’s ugly, then what does that make me?”. You never know who looks up to you, or who sees you as adorable or attractive or gorgeous. I don’t want my negativity to make someone else feel self-conscious.

That being said, body acceptance doesn’t come easy. It’s a process. Though it’s a process worth pursuing, for yourself, and for the people who love you so much that they wish you could love yourself just as much.