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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”

FayeTealeaf Report

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varwenea
Community Member
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

ampe_sand Report

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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

BismuthBi Report

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?

DavidEntertains Report

#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

asionahaya Report

#6

Life Begins At 40! 25 --> 40

Life Begins At 40! 25 --> 40

Jbcarter77 Report

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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

Fonzevil Report

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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

b_normal_y Report

#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

reddit.com Report

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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!

a_midlo Report

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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

vicebjj Report

#15

13, 15, 20 And 27 Years Old

13, 15, 20 And 27 Years Old

PUSSYFiED Report

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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

tylerjkillion Report

#18

11—>30 Braces Were Good To Me

11—>30 Braces Were Good To Me

u_bit Report

#19

19 To 20. I Would Like To Thank My Dermatologist

19 To 20. I Would Like To Thank My Dermatologist

ezmi Report

#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

AcuteYellowFever Report

#24

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

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

emergencyx0x Report

#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

caffeinequeenxo Report

#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.

reddit.com Report

#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

mrphenylalanine Report

#32

From 18 To 23. A Completely Different Person Now

From 18 To 23. A Completely Different Person Now

Miss_Keys Report

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#33

7 Years Can Make A Crazy Difference

7 Years Can Make A Crazy Difference

redditsucksdiscs Report

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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)

kitakel Report

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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"

himechans Report

#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

gorbakim27 Report

#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!

rryanchow Report

#40

My One Regret Is Losing The Hat

My One Regret Is Losing The Hat

FuturisticUterus Report

#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

heyhaydae Report

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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

#51

15 > 21. A Lot Has Changed (For The Better).

15 > 21. A Lot Has Changed (For The Better).

PapaPigtails Report

#52

From Being The Weird Kid To Owning My Weirdness

From Being The Weird Kid To Owning My Weirdness

toolongforyoutoread Report

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#54

Puberty Was My Best Friend

Puberty Was My Best Friend

blueschuys Report

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

Yes, but you were so young in the before pictures. You were adorable! So what if you were plump? It makes me sad that you felt ugly at that age.

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#55

13 vs. 24, I Looked Like A Brown Peter Griffin

13 vs. 24, I Looked Like A Brown Peter Griffin

brownie_waffle Report

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

That's a sad level of self awareness. You look great and happy in both pictures.

#56

16—>22

16—>22

817627 Report

#57

12->25. Took Some Time, But Im No Longer A Cabbage Patch Kid. Cheers To Glowing Up, Everyone!

12->25. Took Some Time, But Im No Longer A Cabbage Patch Kid. Cheers To Glowing Up, Everyone!

graezgames Report

#58

16 vs. 25. It's Always Crazy To Look Back Every Once And A While

16 vs. 25. It's Always Crazy To Look Back Every Once And A While

anamaltic Report

#59

Brace Yourself For A Couples Edition (11-23)

Brace Yourself For A Couples Edition (11-23)

intensetoucan Report

#60

Sometimes Wish I Still Had That Hat. (11-24)

Sometimes Wish I Still Had That Hat. (11-24)

boddah666 Report

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

No regrets, you have a blouse now ! You look great.

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#61

You Don't Have To Be Young To Glow Up. I'm 36 On The Left And 25 On The Right

You Don't Have To Be Young To Glow Up. I'm 36 On The Left And 25 On The Right

arsenicookie Report

#62

23-33. Went From Eating Pizza Everyday To Just Every Other Day.

23-33. Went From Eating Pizza Everyday To Just Every Other Day.

hammers145678 Report

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

I wish I could eat pizza even once a month without gaining weight.

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#63

Think I Was About 14 Or 15 Referred Too As The Ginger Owl. Highschool Was Bitter Sweet

Think I Was About 14 Or 15 Referred Too As The Ginger Owl. Highschool Was Bitter Sweet

travcan21 Report

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

Not an ugly duckling at all, but in all fairness you are gorgeous now.

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#64

I Was Told That This Might Be Appreciated Here. The First Picture Is Me In My Duct Tape Dress At 16. The Second Picture Is Me Now, At 21 After Losing 100 Pounds, Cutting Off My Frizzy Hair, And Actually Putting Effort Into My Appearance

I Was Told That This Might Be Appreciated Here. The First Picture Is Me In My Duct Tape Dress At 16. The Second Picture Is Me Now, At 21 After Losing 100 Pounds, Cutting Off My Frizzy Hair, And Actually Putting Effort Into My Appearance

Astyyria Report

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

Awesome before, and awesome after! I love the duct tape dress and what it says about you too.

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#65

2010-2020. Never Really Took Care Of My Health Nor My Looks Until Well After High School. Thankful For The Gym, Healthy Eating, And Some Good Ol' Makeup!

2010-2020. Never Really Took Care Of My Health Nor My Looks Until Well After High School. Thankful For The Gym, Healthy Eating, And Some Good Ol' Makeup!

goldengiraffe999 Report

#66

13 To 19 Y/O...5heads Where Y’all At?

13 To 19 Y/O...5heads Where Y’all At?

chromasphere Report

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#67

I Guess You Could Say I've Changed A Bit Since I Was A Good Charlottle Loving 12 Year Old. I'm Now 25 And Can Still Laugh At My Tiny Brass Knuckles Necklace.

I Guess You Could Say I've Changed A Bit Since I Was A Good Charlottle Loving 12 Year Old. I'm Now 25 And Can Still Laugh At My Tiny Brass Knuckles Necklace.

logicalnifty Report

#68

Thank God For The Orthodontist, Me At 10 & 18

Thank God For The Orthodontist, Me At 10 & 18

reddit.com Report

#69

October 2012 (Age 20) vs. October 2018 (Age 25). Freshman Year Of College Was...not My Best :-/

October 2012 (Age 20) vs. October 2018 (Age 25). Freshman Year Of College Was...not My Best :-/

cinnamon_pita_chips Report

#70

12-23 Puberty And Private Dentistry.. And Let’s Not Forget Fake Tan And Makeup Get A Lot Of Credit Here!

12-23 Puberty And Private Dentistry.. And Let’s Not Forget Fake Tan And Makeup Get A Lot Of Credit Here!

selinaf910 Report

#71

15 To 22, Traded In The Braces And Acne In Exchange For A Healthy Dose Of Self Confidence And The Ability To Smile

15 To 22, Traded In The Braces And Acne In Exchange For A Healthy Dose Of Self Confidence And The Ability To Smile

unic0rnism Report

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#74

12-20. Losing Weight And Learning How To Do My Hair Helped A Bit

12-20. Losing Weight And Learning How To Do My Hair Helped A Bit

feistaspongebob Report

#75

Age 10 - 18! Thank God For Braces (My Teeth R Straight Now, I Swear)

Age 10 - 18! Thank God For Braces (My Teeth R Straight Now, I Swear)

dampsock137 Report

#76

11 vs. 26: I Suspect That I Might Be Benjamin Button

11 vs. 26: I Suspect That I Might Be Benjamin Button

reddit.com Report

#77

14 - 21 R.I.P Bushy Eyebrows, Big Nose, Greasy Hair And... Coontails?

14 - 21 R.I.P Bushy Eyebrows, Big Nose, Greasy Hair And... Coontails?

XtremeBreen Report

#78

13 To 20 (My Mom Gave Me That Haircut)

13 To 20 (My Mom Gave Me That Haircut)

Tapioca-Cat Report

#79

12-18. Most People Can Tell I’m A Girl Now.

12-18. Most People Can Tell I’m A Girl Now.

imxhyl Report

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#80

Age 17 On The Left, Age 34 On The Right

Age 17 On The Left, Age 34 On The Right

ChippyLipton Report

#81

12>22 First One Is Cringe Pure, I Know. I Was Bullied A Lot Back Then Haha, Felt Like I Needed To Change

12>22 First One Is Cringe Pure, I Know. I Was Bullied A Lot Back Then Haha, Felt Like I Needed To Change

ognirenca Report

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

Kids are cruel. There's absolutely nothing wrong with her teenage self.

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