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Growing up can be incredibly awkward. Our bodies are still developing. We’re covered in spots. And our fashion sense might just match our bad posture. Sometimes, looking awkward doesn’t automatically stop with our teenage years (my collection of baggy sweaters says ‘hi’) and can continue into our twenties and thirties, too.

However, some people have changed incredibly over the years, starting out as ‘ugly ducklings’ and turning into beautiful swans that barely anyone can recognize anymore. One of the places where they share their inspirational before-and-afters is the ‘Ugly Duckling’ subreddit. As you’re checking out these awesome transformations, remember to upvote your favorite ones, dear Pandas. When you’re done, have a look through Bored Panda’s earlier lists about the subreddit right here and here.

We all know that being a good person is more important than having the perfect looks. However, if given the chance, a lot of people would choose both. And there’s nothing wrong with wanting to look how you feel inside.

#1

From About 11ish(?) To 25. My Skin Cleared Up, I Got Braces, Learned How To Make Up And Fill In My Eyebrows. I Was Made Fun Of/Very Lonely Growing Up, And I Feel The Way That I Looked Had A Big Impact On Why I Am The Way That I Am Now. “Be Kind”

From About 11ish(?) To 25. My Skin Cleared Up, I Got Braces, Learned How To Make Up And Fill In My Eyebrows. I Was Made Fun Of/Very Lonely Growing Up, And I Feel The Way That I Looked Had A Big Impact On Why I Am The Way That I Am Now. “Be Kind”

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varwenea
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I completely empathize. I was covered in pimples too, including a giant one on my cheek bone for the graduation photo in my yearbook. Luckily I too cleared up and learned to take care of my skin, my face. Very happy for her.

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#2

16-19 Or: How I Learned To Start Shaving And Escape The Neckbeard

16-19 Or: How I Learned To Start Shaving And Escape The Neckbeard

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Raine Soo
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would not have realized that this was the same person. He now also has a haircut that suits him.

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#3

Age 14 To 19. Lost Some Weight And Gained Some Confidence Along The Way

Age 14 To 19. Lost Some Weight And Gained Some Confidence Along The Way

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The ‘Ugly Duckling’ subreddit is a community of over 116k ‘enthusiasts’ who “turned into butterflies” over the years. The subreddit celebrates late bloomers, positive personal changes, and motivational transformations.

Being a late bloomer is nothing to be ashamed of. It can happen at any time. And the process can be drawn out or happen nearly overnight, just like with Neville Longbottom’s actor Matthew Lewis who ‘Longbottomed’ and caught a lot of us unaware of what just happened.

Scott Barry Kaufman writes on Psychology Today that a lot of human traits (including physical attractiveness) are under genetic control and can take “decades” to emerge. 

#4

16-20. Does This Count?

16-20. Does This Count?

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#5

12 - 24 Even My Family Doesn't Recognize Me These Days, It's Nice

12 - 24 Even My Family Doesn't Recognize Me These Days, It's Nice

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#6

Life Begins At 40! 25 --> 40

Life Begins At 40! 25 --> 40

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“There is one way of becoming an early bloomer, but there are an infinite number of ways of being a late bloomer. Also, the more complex a trait, the more ways that a child can become a late bloomer for that trait. This means that the most appreciated abilities in society, such as creativity and leadership will rarely fully present itself at a young age, all at once,” Kaufman explains.

He adds that even though society tends to celebrate child prodigies, being an early bloomer is no guarantee that you will continue to be successful. Dedication, hard work, and moving towards your goals step by step are just as (if not even more) important as talent.

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#9

Age 17-24, Was Bullied A Lot Growing Up

Age 17-24, Was Bullied A Lot Growing Up

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Janine B.
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I feel you. Gladly it made me a better person. Be kind everybody.

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#10

12 And 29. Still With The Short Hair And Glasses, Some Things Never Change

12 And 29. Still With The Short Hair And Glasses, Some Things Never Change

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#11

11 vs. 28, Lost That Baby Fat And Learned How To Smile

11 vs. 28, Lost That Baby Fat And Learned How To Smile

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#13

2015 - 2019. Basically, I Cleaned Myself Up And Started Over!

2015 - 2019. Basically, I Cleaned Myself Up And Started Over!

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Boopie Dew
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You look younger, did you age backwards. Glad you're doing so well now.

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#14

Then: 320 Lbs, Face Always Red, Angry At Dad, Ready To Die For Punk Rock. Now: 250 Lbs, Skin Healthier, Love My Dad, Punk Rock Is Pretty Ok But Being An Adult Is Pretty Ok Too

Then: 320 Lbs, Face Always Red, Angry At Dad, Ready To Die For Punk Rock. Now: 250 Lbs, Skin Healthier, Love My Dad, Punk Rock Is Pretty Ok But Being An Adult Is Pretty Ok Too

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#15

13, 15, 20 And 27 Years Old

13, 15, 20 And 27 Years Old

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Miss Cris
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Looks interesting and happy in all pics. It's beautiful to see how style is changing, too.

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#17

Age 12 To Age 26... Still Feel A Lot Like The Kid On The Left

Age 12 To Age 26... Still Feel A Lot Like The Kid On The Left

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#18

11—>30 Braces Were Good To Me

11—>30 Braces Were Good To Me

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#19

19 To 20. I Would Like To Thank My Dermatologist

19 To 20. I Would Like To Thank My Dermatologist

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#21

17-24, Went Through Horrible Cystic Acne, Lost 50 Lbs, Got Braces, And Dropped An Emotionally Abusive Boyfriend

17-24, Went Through Horrible Cystic Acne, Lost 50 Lbs, Got Braces, And Dropped An Emotionally Abusive Boyfriend

meganam38 Report

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Boopie Dew
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

No, she says she was with someone who made her feel badly about her self worth. And she believed him. Sometimes it happens slowly and you don't know you're being abused until its too late. She got self confidence once she was out of the relationship and then worked on herself. Total respect.

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#23

Age 15 To 21. Lost Some Weight, It Sucks My Eyes Didn't Get Bigger

Age 15 To 21. Lost Some Weight, It Sucks My Eyes Didn't Get Bigger

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#24

12-27. Lost A Chin, But Gained A Smile

12-27. Lost A Chin, But Gained A Smile

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#25

Age ~11 To 20 - I Owe A Lot To Contacts, Braces, Filling In My Eyebrows, And My Hairline Somehow Growing Forward

Age ~11 To 20 - I Owe A Lot To Contacts, Braces, Filling In My Eyebrows, And My Hairline Somehow Growing Forward

MissBrightside13 Report

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Perfumista Perfumista
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Don't you wish when you were younger that you had a clue how you'd turn out? Beautiful.

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#27

10 Year Different. Ages 13 & 23

10 Year Different. Ages 13 & 23

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#29

Always Felt So Geeky In High School. I Even Went Through A Period Where I Wanted To End My Life In Middle School Because Of My Weight And Look. Now I’m In My 30’s And Feeling The Most Confident I’ve Been In My Life. Big Thanks For Braces And Lasik

Always Felt So Geeky In High School. I Even Went Through A Period Where I Wanted To End My Life In Middle School Because Of My Weight And Look. Now I’m In My 30’s And Feeling The Most Confident I’ve Been In My Life. Big Thanks For Braces And Lasik

trebor88 Report

#30

16 vs. 46. Took Awhile To Get Here, Lol.

16 vs. 46. Took Awhile To Get Here, Lol.

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#31

13-21 Puberty Really Hit Me Hard And Shot Me Up To 6ft8

13-21 Puberty Really Hit Me Hard And Shot Me Up To 6ft8

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#32

From 18 To 23. A Completely Different Person Now

From 18 To 23. A Completely Different Person Now

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#33

7 Years Can Make A Crazy Difference

7 Years Can Make A Crazy Difference

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Janine B.
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

He had to grow into his body. Nothing wrong with his teenage self.

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#34

Found An Old School Photo (14/29)

Found An Old School Photo (14/29)

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Miss Cris
Community Member
3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Beautiful in the old photo! And very nice natural hair colour, if I had it, I'd keep it forever.

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#35

12 vs. 20. Had To Stop Riding The Bus+change My Classes In Middle School Because I Was Bullied So Bad For "Being Ugly"

12 vs. 20. Had To Stop Riding The Bus+change My Classes In Middle School Because I Was Bullied So Bad For "Being Ugly"

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Iron Eddy
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I agree. You were never ugly. You were an absolutely cute child and now a beautiful woman!!! Hugs

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Janine B.
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Poor girl. There's absolutely nothing wrong with her. Kids can be assholes.

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BorPand8
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Her school was terrible. Kids aren't automatically assholes. Their elders teach them that and then let them get away with doing it.

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Claire Armstrong
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wow! This just makes me feel so sad! I can't stand bullying in any way but when it gets to THAT point - not riding the school bus and having to change classes! That's just wrong! I'd love to see your tormentors faces now! Arseholes! Why can't all parents instil decency in their kids so that, hopefully, they won't become bullies!

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pusheen buttercup
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wow that's so mean. They were wrong then. You looked pretty and look amazing now :)

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MiniMaus
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wow you were so pretty back then. But I hear you. I wish I could have changed schools. You are stunning !

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Kim Bush
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Remember, bullies are the damaged ones. They are weak, cowards, with no self-esteem, who are trying to pull you down to their level. Don't give them the satisfaction.

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More!
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don’t see ugly at all and apparently I’m too critical and judgmental according to my partner. Your bullies were total turds.

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b l a n c
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

you weren't ugly before. the braces are the only thing that make you look MAYBE a little awkward. i do love your bangs now though! still beautiful

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Donna Price
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why do kids. Have to so mean and cruel. To other kids. I feel so bad for her.

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Victoria Pitt
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

kids are so messed up. you were never ugly and omg your eyes are gorgeous.

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sharron lynn parsons
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Good heavens, those morons were so wrong, however, you have grown into your own beauty !!!

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Savs Dreams
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You've always been beautiful. Those other people are ugly on the inside

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Vytas Navickas
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

you had some seriously half blind a@##$#$les riding that bus with you....

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eezycheezes101
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

She was so pretty in middle school and I would kill to have eyes like hers! I've got to admit, she's even more pretty now, and I'm glad the bullying stopped!!

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Wendy J Shores
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Kids in middle school can be such d***s... You were pretty then and blossomed into beautiful!

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Bunny
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Awww, now this is one I can really say was never really bad looking. Just looked like a kid.

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Marina
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You like like you're from fairytales! In both pix, just at different stages ♥️

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GrumpyCat7
Community Member
3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Gorgeous...would love to see THEIR before and after pics! Bet they wouldn't even come close. 😊

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Tala Koala
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You were way better as a tween, now you’re just a dog, whereas as a tween you had some potential. Eyeliner skills and closing your mouth doesn’t equal pretty, lol.

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Mo Poppins
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I love how she does her makeup--she really understands her face. Perfect hair color for her skin tone, as well. Adorable. <3

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Jo Firth
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Geez kids are tough on each other. I certainly don't recall this happening during my time at school in the mid-70s in Australia. Judgement is out of control these days - assume it is a result of the proliferation of social media platforms where photoshopping is the norm ... makes me sad to think that so many people these days feel so much pressure to conform to some unrealistic form of "beauty".

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Lisa Chambers
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You were bullied because someone didnt teach their children better manners and how to cope with who they are and what they looked like. It was never about you.

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Julia Daxenbichler
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ah yes, the designated ugly kid that's not even ugly. My twin sister and I were bullied for being "ugly" and "fat" too. (Never been overweight, just asshole children doing their thing)

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JD Lee
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Except you were not even remotely ugly; their insides were. It’s a side effect of jealousy.

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Ashley Wright
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You were hardly ugly. Bullies are so insecure. You looked cute then, beautiful now

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Wendy Simmons
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think you must have been unlucky with the people around you as you could not be called ugly before either! Some people are just born mean and others are sheep who follow what the mean ones start. You were always pretty and now you are beautiful!

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Emyo Jennifer Nakayama
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You are beautiful. And as the person below noted, you were never ugly. I understand, because I had the same experience. Looking at the old pics now I can see myself more realistically, if you know what I mean. I love your hair color now! It fits so well with your eyes and skin tone.

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Johanne Trudeau
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You were never ugly. I hope you go to your high school reunion and look down your nose that those bullies!!! You look great and I bet the person under the skin was a fantastic person and still is...

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Zelda Jones
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Those bullies must have been jealous. You were not ugly at all.

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COL(R) Mike T Panda
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Too bad you weren't smiling in the last pic, you have a great smile. And I understand about being bullied, luckily I didn't have to stop taking the bus and change classes - but I did move, which definitely changed my outlook on life

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Tina Bobina
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

How is that ugly??! to be 100% honest, I actually thinks she looks better before and without makeup.

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Toea Muresan Iulia
Community Member
3 years ago

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stop the eyeliner, do nothing in the eyes zone, they are already very big

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#36

3 Years With A Lot Of Time In The Gym And Taking Care Of My Skin

3 Years With A Lot Of Time In The Gym And Taking Care Of My Skin

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#37

Me, Early 20’s Looking Troll Man To More Normal Looking Dude In His 30’s

Me, Early 20’s Looking Troll Man To More Normal Looking Dude In His 30’s

7fingersphil Report

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Troux
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Guy on the left looks like a young Andre the Giant. Inconceivable!

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#39

Nearly Two Years Of Hard Work And Dedication. I Won’t Ever Stop!

Nearly Two Years Of Hard Work And Dedication. I Won’t Ever Stop!

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#40

My One Regret Is Losing The Hat

My One Regret Is Losing The Hat

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#42

15 → 26, From Strange Genderbender To Recognizable As A Woman

15 → 26, From Strange Genderbender To Recognizable As A Woman

amewsings Report

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Paper A
Community Member
3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's okay to be gender queer, you being more comfortable with your body and style now, that's the win here. 👍

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#45

21 vs. 29.. Losing 100lbs Has Definitely Helped!

21 vs. 29.. Losing 100lbs Has Definitely Helped!

TinyNugggins Report

#46

One Year Transformation. 23 To 23 (Almost 24 Hahaha). What A Gym Membership, Self Love And A Skincare Routine Can Do For You

One Year Transformation. 23 To 23 (Almost 24 Hahaha). What A Gym Membership, Self Love And A Skincare Routine Can Do For You

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Jumilicious
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Before and after morning coffee :D You look great. Awesome smile!

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#48

18 To 23. Puberty Hit Me Like A God Damn Freight Train.

18 To 23. Puberty Hit Me Like A God Damn Freight Train.

limthekid Report

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Hannah M
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Is it just me or does he look a bit like Elijah Wood in the first one?

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#50

14 To 20, Lost Weight, Took Care Of Myself And Stopped Cutting My Hair

14 To 20, Lost Weight, Took Care Of Myself And Stopped Cutting My Hair

illutree Report

Note: this post originally had 81 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.