People Who Used To Be “Ugly Ducklings” Share Their Transformations, And We Can Barely Recognize Them
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.
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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”
16-19 Or: How I Learned To Start Shaving And Escape The Neckbeard
I would not have realized that this was the same person. He now also has a haircut that suits him.
I'm so bad at telling if it is the same person. These look like different people to me.
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Great transformation! I hate beards unless they're short and trimmed properly. I have never understood neckbeards - does anyone actually think they look good?
I absolutely positively totally agree with you!
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I would say far more than just "i learned to shave". Hair cut, shave, and contact lens.
Beard doesn't look good on young men. Aby beard "style". Never. Ever. By young in this case I mean under 60. Sorry.
Last two also avoid photographing his nascent potbelly which first two have --- changes perception two.
Those kinds of beards are never a good look. Glad you ditched and went clean-shaven. Handsome dude
I kinda like the neck beard boy better. Looks like he's fun and like to just hang out. The other guy looks like a dude bro.
It is known that when you have a shave after so long you always look younger. I had a work mate the same. One day this man said "Hi Rob" I looked at him not recognizing until he said "its me Brian" It looked like he had got younger by 10 years
Don't ever underestimate the power of a shadowy stubble to a man and a pomade for his hair.
As a hairstylist/barber, I love doing men's makeovers. They're easy and the result is usually immediately visible. My only problem is that he needs to take that shirt up a button...this isn't the '70s
As a hairstylist/barber, I LUV doing men's "makeovers". They're easy and the immediate results are quick! This guy looks great but button up the shirt one more hole.
Thank you so much for shaving all that off! I've never been able to understand why some men seem to think beards area a sign of masculinity... to me they've just always looked dirty and scuzzy... You are looking great now!
So glad you got rid of that awful neck beard. You actually have a very nicely shaped face.
I dont mind the look in the top pics but the bottom right is hottttttttt
Not the same guy in the after photos. If it is him he got a nose job.
I loathe beards...on anyone. It hides what lies beneath. Here is a perfect example. He's movie material now ,and I work in the business. Perfect!
Holy Moly!! He could've been a bad guy with a beard then shaved it off and hidden out in the same house/hood without anyone recognizing him!! Definitely went from "Meh..." to "Hubba Hubba Hubba Handsome!!"
Clearly he's lost weight as well as the beard. It's amazing how much weight we carry in our faces. I've looked at pictures of myself from 20 years ago, and now. I look like a different person, because I've gained so much weight.
As a kids church leader who hung around youth, this happened a lot. A podgy or pimply guy wouldn’t get any ladies, and Id think, “oh girls, just you wait.” Then at 21 suddenly they’re gorgeous and married by 25. I see more people in happy committed relationships that never dated in high school than the reverse.
Yeah and by the time their second kid is born, they're banging their secretary while in that happy marriage.
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Looks great BUT just my opinion but I think your hair would look better shorter and sticking straight up
Age 14 To 19. Lost Some Weight And Gained Some Confidence Along The Way
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.
16-20. Does This Count?
12 - 24 Even My Family Doesn't Recognize Me These Days, It's Nice
Life Begins At 40! 25 --> 40
“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.
Left-13, Right-34
Age 17-24, Was Bullied A Lot Growing Up
12 And 29. Still With The Short Hair And Glasses, Some Things Never Change
11 vs. 28, Lost That Baby Fat And Learned How To Smile
Left 12, Right 24
2015 - 2019. Basically, I Cleaned Myself Up And Started Over!
You look younger, did you age backwards. Glad you're doing so well now.
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
13, 15, 20 And 27 Years Old
(Spoiler Alert) I Didn't Peak In Highschool Lol
Age 12 To Age 26... Still Feel A Lot Like The Kid On The Left
11—>30 Braces Were Good To Me
19 To 20. I Would Like To Thank My Dermatologist
A Slight Change
17-24, Went Through Horrible Cystic Acne, Lost 50 Lbs, Got Braces, And Dropped An Emotionally Abusive Boyfriend
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.
4 Years Later (16-20)
Age 15 To 21. Lost Some Weight, It Sucks My Eyes Didn't Get Bigger
12-27. Lost A Chin, But Gained A Smile
Age ~11 To 20 - I Owe A Lot To Contacts, Braces, Filling In My Eyebrows, And My Hairline Somehow Growing Forward
Don't you wish when you were younger that you had a clue how you'd turn out? Beautiful.
Mother’s Day With My Momma 2014-2018
10 Year Different. Ages 13 & 23
Not really an ugly duckling transformation as you were never ugly.
From 17 To 18, I Don't Even Know
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
16 vs. 46. Took Awhile To Get Here, Lol.
13-21 Puberty Really Hit Me Hard And Shot Me Up To 6ft8
From 18 To 23. A Completely Different Person Now
7 Years Can Make A Crazy Difference
Found An Old School Photo (14/29)
12 vs. 20. Had To Stop Riding The Bus+change My Classes In Middle School Because I Was Bullied So Bad For "Being Ugly"
3 Years With A Lot Of Time In The Gym And Taking Care Of My Skin
Me, Early 20’s Looking Troll Man To More Normal Looking Dude In His 30’s
15 To 23. No Makeup For A Better Comparison
Nearly Two Years Of Hard Work And Dedication. I Won’t Ever Stop!
My One Regret Is Losing The Hat
7 Years Apart
15 → 26, From Strange Genderbender To Recognizable As A Woman
18 vs. 23 Just A Late Bloomer I Guess
18 To 24
21 vs. 29.. Losing 100lbs Has Definitely Helped!
One Year Transformation. 23 To 23 (Almost 24 Hahaha). What A Gym Membership, Self Love And A Skincare Routine Can Do For You
Grew Into My Face A Little(19 vs. 26)
18 To 23. Puberty Hit Me Like A God Damn Freight Train.
11 To 21. Wear Your Sunblock, Folks
14 To 20, Lost Weight, Took Care Of Myself And Stopped Cutting My Hair
Note: this post originally had 81 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.
I don't like the word "ugly" in this context at all. These people were never ugly. Some of them were somewhat overweight, some had acne (didn't we all, at some point?), some had glasses and now have contacts, some just learned to use make up and fixed hairstyle... Are overweight people, people with freckles and people with glasses ugly? Are we automatically beautiful if we put ton of make up or lose like 10 lbs? While I think people absolutely should make changes on their appearance if it makes them feel good, I simply don't how this was put.
I never got over the bullying as I was an ugly kid. Bad clothes, bad haircut, acne. Even now that I've changed I still have confidence issues. Don't bully, people. It can affect someone their entire life. I'm 62 now.
Same. Even a teacher commented that I was awfully ugly. I'm told that I am now quite good-looking, even model good-looking, but I look in the mirror and I don't see that at all. All is see is the child everyone called ugly looking back at me.
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I was an ugly duckling growing up. I was bullied for having a big nose. I was called so many different names from Pinnochio to Big Bird. I had numerous people make comments like “if you didn’t have a big nose u would be so pretty” or “I would date her if she didn’t have a big nose.” It was all throughout my childhood and partially into adulthood. I had very low self esteem. I had depression. I had no confidence. I saved up money from age 16 to 24 to get my nose and chin done. And it changed everything for me. It raised my confidence and self esteem tremendously. I’m finally happy with how I look. I’m 28 now btw.
I was at a bar one night and a guy I went to high school with came up to me and said, "Hi." I had hair down to waist. He said, "Wow! You remind me if that fairy tale...I can't think of it." I said, "Rapunzle?" He said, "No. The Ugly Duckling! You were so ugly in high school but you are HOT now!" I almost punched him. I told the bartender he was taking care of my bill and I ordered the most expensive drinks I could think of. Top shelf all the way!
I just hate how people who weren't ugly posted. Being overweight or having a bad haircut doesn't make you ugly. I don't get some of these.
Most of these before pictures are of 12 year olds! They're not trying to be sexy. Their parents are still buying their clothes. They could care less about fashion or attracting a mate. I work at a school for kids aged 12-18. They always start out awkward and stocky and then they hit growth spurts and puberty and then they start thinking about girlfriends and boyfriends and clothes, change their hairstyle, etc. And the ones who come back and visit after graduating and heading to college have gone even further in defining their image and self. It's great and I'm happy for them. But please don't call a 12 or 14 year old ugly, nobody peaks at 12, they're kids, they're not even aware of the mountain to summit.
I saw some of my childhood photos and realized I peaked at 5. I was so damn adorable in them overalls holding my "My Little Ponies" birthday gifts. I am still attractive, but I will never reach that level of cuteness again. My husband was an 'ugly duckling' growing up. Then he hit 17 and suddenly women were interested and he thought they were just messing with him. Took him years to feel confident. Kids may look a little awkward growing up but it doesn't make them ugly and it is important to teach them positive body image because it strongly impacts your confidence as an adult. Confident people are often more successful so let them grow into their own, teach them healthy habits, and do your best to make them feel comfortable in their own skin.
I also feel bad for people who post 'before' pics when they were 11 or 12. You weren't 'ugly', you were a CHILD.
I think the majority of people in this post felt like ugly ducklings because they weren't... just pre-pubescent. Do wish that people in general wouldn't feel under pressure to conform... the 'abs thing' really gets to me. Men without washboard abs are perfectly fine, as are women without sylph-like frames. (PS primary school and high school sucked for most "non-conformist" folks- kids are *rseholes).
Everyone is taking the "ugly" duckling reference so literally. You do realize that phrase was taken from literature, right? The ugly ducklings turning into beautiful swans, that is the point of the whole story. Why be surprised at the term still being used when it is decades old and engrained in our psyche.
People care way too much about what they look like, don't forget to work on the inside too
These peeps were being mentally abused by those people who are jealous of their looks. They are actually already beautiful or handsome... -_- those bullies... ughhh...
I was a happy teen, missed 3 years of schooling due to operations post-polio, joined a class of 14 y.o.'s at age 17, wearing a back brace. Was never teased or bullied, we had a super crowd in our class, always up to mischief. Am still friends with at least 5 of them, including my secret hero, who now knows it, 50 years later!
im so happy for these people that they made it so that they are comfortable with their appearance!
they went from being ok teenagers to O.M.G. smouldering hot adults..so if you have/know any teenagers that don't think they are fitting the mold then please tell them, it WILL get better...just keep telling them it will get better..
This post was very interesting, it shows some young teens, that did change themselves for the better, positive attitudes, for positive improvement, teen years are very difficult for most, home life and school, can have an incredible impact, however, to see how many teens, simply need to grow and change in appearance !!!
It just goes to show, not everyone hits their peak in High School. I think a lot of kids bloom later, even after college. I hope some see this and realize HS is not the be all and end all of their lives.
Its a shame that if you dont look gorgeous or if you wear braces or dont wear the top notch clothing you get bullied for that. Kids can be really cruel in school if you are not better than them. But you are the better one because your beauty is on the inside. Those that bully because they have the fashion clothes make up... are the ones that have no security. Take that away from them and what have they got? hmmm. My grandkids 4 + 10 go kick boxing. My daughter was bullied at school as well as myself so we made sure that they know how to defend themselves. I recommend this for those that get bullied.
Instead of "Ugly Duckling," perhaps "IT GETS BETTER." Most people were awkward teens.
I mean, teenage have teenagers face, round nose, round cheeks, that's that. They're no ugly before, they just change. In a new 10 years picture they will look even more different. No ugly before, no ugly after.
I used to bee a cute kid, but puberty wrecked my body. I developped skin problems, including severe acne and dermatitis. I also had chronic digestive and respiratory issues. So going through highschool was hell and I was basically treated like I was a disabled leper. I'm 38 now and I've never been sicker. Some people never bloom.
“We judge you for how you look so it is a good thing you changed! Now we can wonder in how you conform to current beauty ideals whilst thinking about how ugly you looked before” Loosely translated
A lot of folks commenting here seem to be unfamiliar with Hans Christian Andersen's tale "The Ugly Duckling." The odd-looking young bird is raised among ducks and looks different so is picked on and rejected by the other ducklings but in the end it is discovered that he looked different because he's a majestic swan. It's not about the duckling being ugly, it's about how it's wrong to bully someone based on the differences or looks and how it feels for that being. And in the end it's about how we're all capable of change. You're right, most of these kids were not ugly, just geeky and undeveloped. But don't forget how little it takes for a vicious pack of teenagers to turn on anyone who is different. What changes most in all of these pictures is the person's self-confidence.
Sooo finding style and taking care of yourself is the hidden secret? :D
Sorry for taking us away from 69 cments, but I want to see how many downvotes one post can get. That's right, I want to be downvoted. Let's get it done!
Whoever went through and decided to dislike some of the positive things, I don't know what to say to such an idiot.
To the people who look the same as they did as a kid, especially if you still have a thick waist and glasses, your hot! To all those who did change for "the better", remember how you started!
People don't realize that age and maturity happens throughout life (if you allow it) and part of that means your face will change. Some, people have lost weight and that's ALL YOU! Great job on that! But the changes our bodies make throughout life is going to happen and it's always up to us if it will be a better loom or worse!
I'm happy for all of you. You've achieved what you wanted, and you look wonderful. However, I didn't see you as "ugly" before. Most if you were going through puberty, and it's not always an easy thing to go through. It takes time to mature physically and for most, mentally and emotionally as well. It's a trying time. But eventually you achieve what you wanted, to be stunning. Some may want a little extra help, but all in all, you look wonderful.
In all honesty, I think every human being is beautiful because I have the ability to see the whole person and not just their "shell". If their insides need help though, that is ALL that truly matters. I know so many women who I think are so pretty but they are miserable on the inside. Looks are overrated. There will be those who can honestly say these before pictures were that of an ugly duckling (terrible word!) AND the after is an ugly duckling as well. Why? Because beauty is an opinion. If more people would realize that only THEIR opinion of themselves is all that really matters, then crud like this would never be an issue for anyone. If you don't realize your own worth, please learn it. Stop placing your value on what's on the outside, and instead, what is on the inside. (of yourselves and others) And if you feel the need to post pics, then be prepared for the negative reviews because like I already stated, beauty is subjective.
The high school years, hormones, etc.. are a Mind F for sure. And I'm sure everyone here has the story of one of those Class re-unions when so and so showed up and they were (not the same) ha ha! many kids keep growing even after the high school years.
Orthodontists - some these pictures are good example why their work is important. Big beautiful smile is something that makes every person more beautiful.
Okay being chubby as a kid does not make you ugly and who amongst us didn't have to grow out of an awkward stage, what an asinine list.
Wow. Talk about reinforcing the “ Pretty vs Ugly “ BS. And then in the same list of Bored Panda articles grouped together you headline some statements that represent people’s feelings of unfairness “ Pretty people have an easier life”. No small wonder that social media is filled to the brim with “ augmented “ photos of people who believe that’s what others expect. Reality, Bored Panda, is that there is a “ myth “ of what we are trained to believe is beautiful, and then what the real truth is: All of life is is wonderfully beautiful.
I'm really happy for them, all of them look awesome! 😍 I was an ugly duckling too and grew up into a pretty... ugly duck 🙈
Ducks are lovely! If that is your photo you are perfectly fine. We are all too hard on ourselves.
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Oh how I love this objectification that sometimes appears here. First "pretty" people turning "ugly", then "ugly" people turning "pretty". Shall we not? There're personality traits which are more important than this. And what gives us right to judge anyone just because they started or stopped caring about how they look? Each business is their own. I was bullied when i was younger solely because of my looks and I never got over it. And I despise people who put this crap before everything else. They're no better than all those bullies and on certain level they're even worse.
Why do so many of these transformations involve losing weight? I thought curvy was considered beautiful nowadays.
And so many of the females "improved" their look by wearing makeup. What message does that send to young girls?
Load More Replies... A lot of these are pretty much just fatphobia in action. "Ugly"? No. Some were fat and now they're not, that doesn't reduce or add attraction except to a society that values thinner bodies
I don't like the word "ugly" in this context at all. These people were never ugly. Some of them were somewhat overweight, some had acne (didn't we all, at some point?), some had glasses and now have contacts, some just learned to use make up and fixed hairstyle... Are overweight people, people with freckles and people with glasses ugly? Are we automatically beautiful if we put ton of make up or lose like 10 lbs? While I think people absolutely should make changes on their appearance if it makes them feel good, I simply don't how this was put.
I never got over the bullying as I was an ugly kid. Bad clothes, bad haircut, acne. Even now that I've changed I still have confidence issues. Don't bully, people. It can affect someone their entire life. I'm 62 now.
Same. Even a teacher commented that I was awfully ugly. I'm told that I am now quite good-looking, even model good-looking, but I look in the mirror and I don't see that at all. All is see is the child everyone called ugly looking back at me.
Load More Replies... I was an ugly duckling growing up. I was bullied for having a big nose. I was called so many different names from Pinnochio to Big Bird. I had numerous people make comments like “if you didn’t have a big nose u would be so pretty” or “I would date her if she didn’t have a big nose.” It was all throughout my childhood and partially into adulthood. I had very low self esteem. I had depression. I had no confidence. I saved up money from age 16 to 24 to get my nose and chin done. And it changed everything for me. It raised my confidence and self esteem tremendously. I’m finally happy with how I look. I’m 28 now btw.
I was at a bar one night and a guy I went to high school with came up to me and said, "Hi." I had hair down to waist. He said, "Wow! You remind me if that fairy tale...I can't think of it." I said, "Rapunzle?" He said, "No. The Ugly Duckling! You were so ugly in high school but you are HOT now!" I almost punched him. I told the bartender he was taking care of my bill and I ordered the most expensive drinks I could think of. Top shelf all the way!
I just hate how people who weren't ugly posted. Being overweight or having a bad haircut doesn't make you ugly. I don't get some of these.
Most of these before pictures are of 12 year olds! They're not trying to be sexy. Their parents are still buying their clothes. They could care less about fashion or attracting a mate. I work at a school for kids aged 12-18. They always start out awkward and stocky and then they hit growth spurts and puberty and then they start thinking about girlfriends and boyfriends and clothes, change their hairstyle, etc. And the ones who come back and visit after graduating and heading to college have gone even further in defining their image and self. It's great and I'm happy for them. But please don't call a 12 or 14 year old ugly, nobody peaks at 12, they're kids, they're not even aware of the mountain to summit.
I saw some of my childhood photos and realized I peaked at 5. I was so damn adorable in them overalls holding my "My Little Ponies" birthday gifts. I am still attractive, but I will never reach that level of cuteness again. My husband was an 'ugly duckling' growing up. Then he hit 17 and suddenly women were interested and he thought they were just messing with him. Took him years to feel confident. Kids may look a little awkward growing up but it doesn't make them ugly and it is important to teach them positive body image because it strongly impacts your confidence as an adult. Confident people are often more successful so let them grow into their own, teach them healthy habits, and do your best to make them feel comfortable in their own skin.
I also feel bad for people who post 'before' pics when they were 11 or 12. You weren't 'ugly', you were a CHILD.
I think the majority of people in this post felt like ugly ducklings because they weren't... just pre-pubescent. Do wish that people in general wouldn't feel under pressure to conform... the 'abs thing' really gets to me. Men without washboard abs are perfectly fine, as are women without sylph-like frames. (PS primary school and high school sucked for most "non-conformist" folks- kids are *rseholes).
Everyone is taking the "ugly" duckling reference so literally. You do realize that phrase was taken from literature, right? The ugly ducklings turning into beautiful swans, that is the point of the whole story. Why be surprised at the term still being used when it is decades old and engrained in our psyche.
People care way too much about what they look like, don't forget to work on the inside too
These peeps were being mentally abused by those people who are jealous of their looks. They are actually already beautiful or handsome... -_- those bullies... ughhh...
I was a happy teen, missed 3 years of schooling due to operations post-polio, joined a class of 14 y.o.'s at age 17, wearing a back brace. Was never teased or bullied, we had a super crowd in our class, always up to mischief. Am still friends with at least 5 of them, including my secret hero, who now knows it, 50 years later!
im so happy for these people that they made it so that they are comfortable with their appearance!
they went from being ok teenagers to O.M.G. smouldering hot adults..so if you have/know any teenagers that don't think they are fitting the mold then please tell them, it WILL get better...just keep telling them it will get better..
This post was very interesting, it shows some young teens, that did change themselves for the better, positive attitudes, for positive improvement, teen years are very difficult for most, home life and school, can have an incredible impact, however, to see how many teens, simply need to grow and change in appearance !!!
It just goes to show, not everyone hits their peak in High School. I think a lot of kids bloom later, even after college. I hope some see this and realize HS is not the be all and end all of their lives.
Its a shame that if you dont look gorgeous or if you wear braces or dont wear the top notch clothing you get bullied for that. Kids can be really cruel in school if you are not better than them. But you are the better one because your beauty is on the inside. Those that bully because they have the fashion clothes make up... are the ones that have no security. Take that away from them and what have they got? hmmm. My grandkids 4 + 10 go kick boxing. My daughter was bullied at school as well as myself so we made sure that they know how to defend themselves. I recommend this for those that get bullied.
Instead of "Ugly Duckling," perhaps "IT GETS BETTER." Most people were awkward teens.
I mean, teenage have teenagers face, round nose, round cheeks, that's that. They're no ugly before, they just change. In a new 10 years picture they will look even more different. No ugly before, no ugly after.
I used to bee a cute kid, but puberty wrecked my body. I developped skin problems, including severe acne and dermatitis. I also had chronic digestive and respiratory issues. So going through highschool was hell and I was basically treated like I was a disabled leper. I'm 38 now and I've never been sicker. Some people never bloom.
“We judge you for how you look so it is a good thing you changed! Now we can wonder in how you conform to current beauty ideals whilst thinking about how ugly you looked before” Loosely translated
A lot of folks commenting here seem to be unfamiliar with Hans Christian Andersen's tale "The Ugly Duckling." The odd-looking young bird is raised among ducks and looks different so is picked on and rejected by the other ducklings but in the end it is discovered that he looked different because he's a majestic swan. It's not about the duckling being ugly, it's about how it's wrong to bully someone based on the differences or looks and how it feels for that being. And in the end it's about how we're all capable of change. You're right, most of these kids were not ugly, just geeky and undeveloped. But don't forget how little it takes for a vicious pack of teenagers to turn on anyone who is different. What changes most in all of these pictures is the person's self-confidence.
Sooo finding style and taking care of yourself is the hidden secret? :D
Sorry for taking us away from 69 cments, but I want to see how many downvotes one post can get. That's right, I want to be downvoted. Let's get it done!
Whoever went through and decided to dislike some of the positive things, I don't know what to say to such an idiot.
To the people who look the same as they did as a kid, especially if you still have a thick waist and glasses, your hot! To all those who did change for "the better", remember how you started!
People don't realize that age and maturity happens throughout life (if you allow it) and part of that means your face will change. Some, people have lost weight and that's ALL YOU! Great job on that! But the changes our bodies make throughout life is going to happen and it's always up to us if it will be a better loom or worse!
I'm happy for all of you. You've achieved what you wanted, and you look wonderful. However, I didn't see you as "ugly" before. Most if you were going through puberty, and it's not always an easy thing to go through. It takes time to mature physically and for most, mentally and emotionally as well. It's a trying time. But eventually you achieve what you wanted, to be stunning. Some may want a little extra help, but all in all, you look wonderful.
In all honesty, I think every human being is beautiful because I have the ability to see the whole person and not just their "shell". If their insides need help though, that is ALL that truly matters. I know so many women who I think are so pretty but they are miserable on the inside. Looks are overrated. There will be those who can honestly say these before pictures were that of an ugly duckling (terrible word!) AND the after is an ugly duckling as well. Why? Because beauty is an opinion. If more people would realize that only THEIR opinion of themselves is all that really matters, then crud like this would never be an issue for anyone. If you don't realize your own worth, please learn it. Stop placing your value on what's on the outside, and instead, what is on the inside. (of yourselves and others) And if you feel the need to post pics, then be prepared for the negative reviews because like I already stated, beauty is subjective.
The high school years, hormones, etc.. are a Mind F for sure. And I'm sure everyone here has the story of one of those Class re-unions when so and so showed up and they were (not the same) ha ha! many kids keep growing even after the high school years.
Orthodontists - some these pictures are good example why their work is important. Big beautiful smile is something that makes every person more beautiful.
Okay being chubby as a kid does not make you ugly and who amongst us didn't have to grow out of an awkward stage, what an asinine list.
Wow. Talk about reinforcing the “ Pretty vs Ugly “ BS. And then in the same list of Bored Panda articles grouped together you headline some statements that represent people’s feelings of unfairness “ Pretty people have an easier life”. No small wonder that social media is filled to the brim with “ augmented “ photos of people who believe that’s what others expect. Reality, Bored Panda, is that there is a “ myth “ of what we are trained to believe is beautiful, and then what the real truth is: All of life is is wonderfully beautiful.
I'm really happy for them, all of them look awesome! 😍 I was an ugly duckling too and grew up into a pretty... ugly duck 🙈
Ducks are lovely! If that is your photo you are perfectly fine. We are all too hard on ourselves.
Load More Replies... Oh how I love this objectification that sometimes appears here. First "pretty" people turning "ugly", then "ugly" people turning "pretty". Shall we not? There're personality traits which are more important than this. And what gives us right to judge anyone just because they started or stopped caring about how they look? Each business is their own. I was bullied when i was younger solely because of my looks and I never got over it. And I despise people who put this crap before everything else. They're no better than all those bullies and on certain level they're even worse.
Why do so many of these transformations involve losing weight? I thought curvy was considered beautiful nowadays.
And so many of the females "improved" their look by wearing makeup. What message does that send to young girls?
Load More Replies... A lot of these are pretty much just fatphobia in action. "Ugly"? No. Some were fat and now they're not, that doesn't reduce or add attraction except to a society that values thinner bodies
