Growing up isn’t easy, especially for women. The media bombards girls with images telling them how they should look, how they should act, and what they should say. Billboards, commercials, magazines, and television all tell young girls to wear provocative clothing and heavy makeup, never speak too much but always sound sexy, know what you’re talking about but don’t be too smart. It can be confusing being told that you’re beautiful just the way you are, only to have someone add that you’d look even better if you just cut your hair, added lipstick, lost ten pounds, and wore nicer clothes. As girls, we’re told it’s what’s on the inside that counts, but if you’re heavy or have acne, you’re always going to be alone.

I’ve never fit in. In primary school I didn’t have a ton of friends because I could never find the courage to make them, and by the time high school came around I’d already been labeled a hermit. I’d try to dress differently so I would stand out, but I’d only make myself more transparent. I’ve never seen myself as exceptionally beautiful, and I’ve definitely never considered myself to be a catch. I’ve spent most of my life being overweight, or dealing with acne so severe that I’ve singlehandedly kept Clearasil in business. I’d like to say I’m smart, but trying to get me to understand anything with numbers is like trying to teach a cow to sing opera: it’s not going to happen. I never had  …