I could do with some real help.
At the moment in my life i am seriously lacking self-confidence. I am 15, nearly 16, and i have never had a boyfriend. All my mates tell me i am pretty, and tell me not to worry, and that i will get a boyfriend in time. I can't wait though, and really want one, and to experience it like other girls my age. I am a size 14-16 though, and wonder if it's this that's putting them off. I have liked the same lad for 5 years now, and he just isn't interested. Please.. someone out there help me! I simply need advice on what to do about any of this. Please please help me!! From Lauren xxx

I've had plenty of boys and believe me when i say, that any guy who doesn't love you for who you are, or who wants you to change, IS NOT WORTH IT
every girl is beautiful, your size has no effect on your personality, this guy you've been into for 5 years, FORGET HIM, not trying to be mean, but you need to move on, let him see what he's missing out on

xxxxx

I feel a bit of an old codger saying this but when i was your age, i was in exactly the same position. I had never even kissed a boy until i was 16 so i felt rubbish and started blaming my looks and personality . All my friends had been dating boys for years but i was always the one that was the agony aunt and never had a boyfriend myself. Then i moved to a new 6th Form and met a guy called sam. I hate his guts now but back then i really fell for him and realised that i was quite glad that i hadnt thrown myself around like all the other girls in my year. I just wanted to love someone and for someone to be proud to have me as their girlfriend. We were together for nearly 4 years in all and were engaged. When we split up it broke my heart but a few months after i realised that i had grown up a lot in that 4 years and that there was a hell of a lot more to life than having a boyfriend. I then spent the next 3 years single and i loved every minute of it. I know it will be hard for you to grasp what im saying now as you are a fair bit younger, but enjoy your life kiddo!! In all fairness, i used to be a size 14 and looked pretty chubby but as i got older i lost the weight and if im honest with you, it helped my self esteem a lot. Dont be stupid and lose too much weight though- it just isnt attractive! And with most people, its just puppy fat anyway and it will drop off. I wish you the best of luck and seriously, dont waste your life looking for a fella- youve got your whole life to to that!!

Amie x

I know lots of girls that still havent got a boy friend, and they all think the same thing. Just because your friends are in relationships doesn't mean you have to or that you're the only one that's not.
Clare is right about not being confident. If you've got curves use them; size 14 is the national average for women.
And I know it's patronising and everyone else says it but the right person will come along. This lad that you like may be interested but be too shy himself to say anything. But also don't push other lads away, you never know you may end up liking them instead.
Remember though don't go out of your comfort zone, what ever the situation is.
Good luck luv
L.H. x

if anything is 'putting them off' I reckon it's more likely to be your lack of confidence than your size, in my experience men like curves! The best advice I can give you is learn to be happy with yourself and the rest will come, the more confident you are in yourself the more people (including lads) will want to be around you. It's taken me til now (I'm 33) to realise that and repair the damage I did to myself at your age by having no respect for myself so would hate anyone else to go through the same. I was so desperate for someone (anyone!) to like me and reassure me there was nothing wrong with me that I got myself into some seriously dodgy situations and in the end managed to make myself feel worse instead of better. The best thing you can do is surround yourself with friends (female and male) who make you feel good and are there for you when you need them, they will do far more for your self-confidence than some lad who just wants to grope you then never speak to you again! Concentrate on having fun and learning to like yourself and I guarantee lads will be fighting to take you out before too long and what's more they will know that you have too much respect for yourself to be treated like s**t. As for the lad you've liked for 5 years, if he really isn't interested you have to let it go, your time is too precious to waste on someone who can't see how fantastic you are and focusing on him might mean you miss out on someone who is worth it. Good luck hun,

lotsa love,
Clare xxx

I will try to increase my self-confidence!! Thanx. I think your message has given me more confidence even now. i will also try to 4get that lad. although it's not gunna be easy! Thanks for the advice, Lauren xxx
P.S- I will let you know how i go on!! x