As Megan, 13, put it, “I’d be better off going to school with a bag over my head.” Megan hates her hair because she ways it’s too flat, her nose because it has a bump, and her ears because her friends have multiple piercings while she only has one hole in each lobe.

You may not believe this, but Megan is beautiful. Yet she spends so much time focusing on what she doesn’t like that she doesn’t even see her enviable eyelashes. Or that her “flat” hair draws her comparisons to Hayden Panittierre. And what bump on her nose? We don’t see any bump. But you can’t tell her that. She’s convinced herself she’s ugly because she tells herself she’s ugly—over and over (and over and over). Do you suffer a chronic case of the uglies? Whatever you don’t like about your appearance you can turn it around and feel good.

First, cut the mirror inspections. Spend enough hours scrutinizing  your face and you bet you’ll start obsessing on the tiniest of imperfections. Then, listen to your angel and figure out something you like about the way you look.

Maybe you have awesome long hair or textured hair that looks great in a sassy short ‘do. Or maybe your lips are shaped perfectly, or you have almond-shaped eyes or whatever. We promise there is something lovely about you. Focus on what’s pretty about yourself, and soon even your so-called flaws become great, unique features.

Case in point: Do you really think all those leggy models liked towering over boys as a teen? Now, they know how to work it. So there, good-lookin’.