Insecurity

I'm 16 with a boyfriend, and we have been together for 9 months. I have this "problem" that I'm insecure. I always worry about not just what my boyfriend thinks, but what everyone thinks about me. When I see people look at me, I'm worried about them judging me. It doesn't happen all the time. And if I do something stupid, what would they think of me? Well, when my boyfriend gets too close to touching "down there," I'm worried about what he thinks if he did touch it, so I stop him. He said that I have nothing to worry about, that I'm beautiful, but I still worry. I know it may not make sense and all. Do you have any pointers on how to stop this from happening?
Angie

A.
Insecurity is part of the human condition, even in much older people than you. You're very lucky to have a boyfriend who tells you you're beautiful, and he obviously really believes it too. But self-esteem only comes from within, not from what anyone else thinks. This is an invaluable life-lesson which if learnt now, will hold you in good stead all the rest of your life. Give yourself time to build more confidence. The best pointer I can give you is to go easy on yourself, be an insecure teenager and don't worry so much. Self-acceptance sets you free.





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