You're walking down the street and several kids from your school snigger and laugh at you. A scene from your worst nightmare, or something that's happened to you?
Looking good is important when you're in your teens. But it's also a difficult time as your body is undergoing so many changes. But there are many things you can control, in order to look as good as possible. Or at least to avoid the sniggers of your peers.
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Oily Oliver. Dirty and oily hair is never cool. It looks even worse if it is long. Downside is, in your teens your hair tends to get oily more quickly than usual. Get into a habit of regular hair washing, especially if you're doing sports. Speak to your hairdresser about your type of hair and how often it should be washed. Oily hair will not get you a date.
Fashion fiasco. It is important when you are 15 not to look as if your mother dressed you. Granted. But, at the same time, it is also important not to choose clothing just because it's fashionable. Do take a look at what suits you. If you're carrying a little extra weight around the waist, think twice about exposing it. If you look like a stick insect, steer clear of revealing bikinis or very tight-fitting clothing. Choose fashions that make you look as good as possible.
Weight wobble. At some time in their lives, most people carry a bit of extra weight. And that's true for many people in their teens. Don't obsess about it, and for heaven's sake don't do the crash diet thing – you could be messing up your metabolism for life. If you're piling on the extra kilos, get more exercise, steer clear of the junk food and don't spend all your free time watching TV or sitting behind a computer screen. Get out and about, play sport, get walking. If you're carrying extra weight, dress sensibly. By doing this, you can hide most of this quite effectively.
Zits are the pits. Here and there you will find people who sail through their teens with blemish-free skins. And we all hate them, right? Zits are part of being a teen. They're largely caused by hormonal fluctuations and have nothing to do with eating chocolates, as was believed in years gone by. Healthy eating and regular exercise can also do no harm. If you have one or two zits, live with them and welcome to the real world. If you have so many you feel ashamed to show your face in public, it might be time to get to the doctor. There are many treatments available for skin problems. Use them, rather than becoming a hermit. And lastly, don't fiddle with them – you'll only make them worse.
Pit of despair. Misery might love company, but won't necessarily get it. If someone permanently looks as if they've just heard they've failed an exam and they've been grounded for two weeks, chances are others will avoid their company. Who feels like surrounding themselves with someone who is always scowling, bored, irritated or angry? It's difficult enough keeping yourself cheerful. Put a smile on your face, and you will have friends.
Slouching Sam. If you are moving about looking like something from a science fiction movie, don't be surprised if you're always spending weekends alone in front of the TV. You don't have to be all alert and cleancut – but do walk up straight and try and look vaguely healthy and wholesome. If you're moving about like the Frankenstein monster, who will want to take you home to meet their parents? Let alone be seen at the movies with you?
Dirty Harry. Being dirty is no fun for yourself or those around you. If you notice people giving you a wide berth, check your hygiene habits. Being sweaty, and having bad body odour will do nothing for your social life. Shower or bath daily and don't skimp with the soap or the anti-perspirant deodorant. Sweat or food stains on clothing are also a distinct turnoff. Get washing!
Smoking/drinking. If you are smoking or drinking to impress those around you, you have to ask yourself whether you want to be held in high esteem by people who measure others according to these criteria. Anyone can pour liquor down their throats or damage their lungs with tobacco smoke. There is no art involved in this. Steering clear of these things, because you want to preserve your health, is surely more attractive and admirable?
Excessive sunburn. If you want to look good, tanning in excess is not going to do it for you. Overexposure to our harsh South African sun will make your skin look leathery and old long before its time. Use a decent sunblock when you venture outdoors between 10 a.m. and four p.m. Looking like a crayfish, or peeling doesn't look attractive.
Chewing gum. There's nothing wrong with chewing gum every now and then, but if you're always chewing, it's become a nervous habit – and it doesn't look pretty. And if you think about it, it's a bit yucky to churn the same piece of chewing gum round and round for hours in your mouth. Would you want to kiss someone who has just been doing that?
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