When adopting the "Ask Abby" tab this quarter, I didn't realize just how touching it would be. I set up a Twitter account and invited the students of B-U to ask me anonymous questions, which I would then answer in our school paper. After an overwhelming amount of feedback, I received many questions. The one that stuck out to me most? A freshman girl who asks, "I'm having a hard time loving my body. Where do I start?"

 

     Dear Anonymous,

 

     You are not alone. You are never alone. Let me tell you this, that you are beautiful. We all have some sort of struggle with self-love. It is inevitable. But I believe, as a woman, that it is especially important to have a positive and healthy relationship with yourself. A few ways of doing that? You should treat yourself to bubble baths, shopping sprees, and red lipstick. Stare in the mirror for way too long, and get comfortable with what you see. Pick your favorite parts. Wear things that make you feel confident; don't worry about pleasing others. Take time to pay attention to yourself. Build up your fellow women and watch it empower you. Motivate yourself to do what it takes to love your body! 

 

     I asked a female in your grade what her advice would be. Freshman Jenna Ramirez suggests, "Forget about what people think. Go out, buy some clothes that make you feel good, and work them. Look in the mirror and recognize that you look good." 

 

     Hannah Queen, 16, also had some advice to share. "In my opinion, you've got to be single. That's the most important. But other than that, you have to look in the mirror. You have to learn to love the way you laugh, the way you talk, and the way you are. You're unique. That's it."

 

     I hope more than anything that this helps you. I’m being honest, this has really helped me.

 

     Best wishes, 

 

     Abby