I'm so discouraged

by Katie
(Canada)

For the longest time I have had so much struggles with simply loving who I am, and accepting myself. And through your book and bible study, and the stories of other girls here, I've started overcoming that. And ever since I did, I feel that it has been even more discouraging when I want to find real friendship.

Perhaps I need to just be more open to meeting more people, but so far the people I DO know seem to be so double-minded. I mean the people at church even. My Christian mentor won't quit lecturing about marriage and dating and boyfriends and girlfriends, and lust. It's like that's all there is in his mind to teach us about. And the boys seem to be having so much trouble looking at a girl in the face rather than below their faces. My mentor even suggested that I go date guys. And not for marriage but just for the experience. What experience??? It sounds disgusting to me now, and the idea of dating is now more farther from me than it ever has been!

I just feel so discouraged that I don't know where I'm going to find pure acceptance. Not for being a girl that is preety or talented, but just for being me as a person. Other than my one friend that I am still friends with since graduating high school, and my family, I don't know anyone else so far who is interested in me not for a gain of their own (popularity or buying stuff etc).

Am I simply experiencing this because I have only just recently begun accepting myself beyond how I look?

Nonetheless, I cannot help but add my thanks for making your wonderful book and this website available! It makes me so joyful that I can love myself despite how much I hated myself before. I feel like I am just beginning to learn to really breathe while living!

Thank you in advance :)!!!