I’m coming to terms with the fact I’m really very ugly

Thank you, that's a really nice thing to hear. I'm not amazing but I will never regret the slightly bonkers idea to run away to another country. Fortunately it was pre-Brexit so I was able to get my five years residence and then nationality before everything went a bit tits up.

I agree 100%. Sadly I'm not so sure that the root of OP's problems is about her physical appearance. But it's easier to blame that.

I just want you to know that I was you at your age. I fucking hated myself. Now I'm nearly 50 and I have got a lovely husband and 2 kids. I can't say I love myself but I know I'm not ugly and never was despite the straggly hair, wonky teeth, and weight.

What fixed it? Not losing weight, you'll be flabbergasted to hear. Finding a good therapist, doing things that made me feel like myself, and having less contact with my parents. Worked a charm.

Even if you are ugly (I bet you're not) the truth is that won't stop you finding a partner even if media/social media tries to convince you otherwise. Dating apps encourage shallowness and you have to have rock hard self esteem to deal with that, but in real life pheromones, confidence, and twinkly eyes will work wonders!!

What a lovely post. And so true. I have much less to lose and am finding it difficult to motivate myself even to just get started.

OP I am late to this party, have skimmed a bit and read your posts. Have you looked a the Body Dysmorphic Disorder Foundation website? Just have a wander through it, see if anything strikes a chord. My DD could have written your post, and when challenged on it she'd say it's not depression etc., it's the TRUTH. We can all feel shit about our appearance (body dissatisfaction) but when it stops you doing things you want or makes you terribly unhappy then it is time to take action. I agree entirely with what you say about the GP probably dismissing your feelings as entirely weight related, although they might offer anti-depressants (could be worth considering) but if it's BDD you'll need specialist support. Anyway, just a thought: https://bddfoundation.org

That's brilliant. Have a lovely time at those parties!

Be proactive @AutumnLeavesandKnittedJumpers

1 Find a dentist and get a quote for braces and a payment plan.

2 Consider a career coach who is well qualified- many are psychologists, also do CBT. (Don't dismiss all coaches.) If you can't afford that, there are loads of books out there which help you with career choice.

3 Keep on with the weight loss.

4 Get your hair done and maybe think about getting a 'free' make up make over at a counter in a store.

5 Join some clubs or classes and make friends.

Yes. It’s becoming more clear that looks are probably not the issue here.

Says somebody who has never suffered. Nobody chooses depression.

You sound amazing to me.

Following on from my post just now, this is what I was referring to.

The majority of the population are not conventionally attractive. Attractive people are the minority. Take a walk outside in a busy populated area and see how many of these people are out with spouses. The answer will be most of them. I have met many women who look how you describe yourself. They’re all married

Given what I witness with my own eyes everyday, I’m willing to bet that part of the reason men are not interested in you is due to your personality or attitude. This theory also fits in with the fact that you make initial matches on dating apps, but after talking they claim they’re not interested in meeting. Think about that.

While men are visual creatures, a lot of them are also realistic. Most of them won’t write off a woman of equal levels of attractiveness, based on her looks alone. After all these men also crave love and companionship, and realistically speaking, are also aware their options may be limited.

I think you need to take a step back and think about how you come across to people. I’ve noticed your responses to posters are not personable in anyway. Just short, blunt, and negative. And also very much all about you, despite the fact these posters are sharing their insecurities and bad past experiences in an attempt to make you feel better. (I have quoted one of your posts as an example below underneath this post) Are you coming across like this in text to the men on the dating apps, or even in person by any chance?

It appears that therapy may be beneficial in your case.

Don't be nasty.

Get over it? This is life

That's great. I hope you have a lovely time at the parties.

sometimes I just feel like giving up, I’m 26, I’ve never had a romantic relationship because nobody has ever found me attractive.

I don't think this has anything to do with how you look, I think it's that you don't love yourself. I know that sounds wanky and it probably sounds clichéd to read it, but no-one came poverty you if you dont love yourself. They're not 'feeling it' because of the vibes you're giving off.

Deprioritise a romantic relationship and concentrate on your relationship with yourself and building your self esteem.

Join the “average club” where the majority of us are! You’re only 26, no need to panic, also even if you are as unattractive as you think you are ( which I doubt) it’s not going to stop you meeting someone and finding love! That’s not how evolution has played out- if only average or attractive people procreated then there would be no unattractive people in the world - but there are probably millions , those “ugly” genes are being passed on because they found someone who saw their inner beauty. Also Look up Hollywood celebs before they got plastic surgery and their teeth done !

One of my children is older than the OP yet they were seen by an NHS dentist roughly 20 years ago about teeth. They were advised that the alignment was so slight it was not worth tackling and now, as an adult, it's clear that was right.

BUT the point is that my DC was referred for an assessment.

Bless you I hope you find someone special.

Having seen your posts on other threads, you seem extremely angry, resentful and unhappy about life in general. Is this really about your looks, or is there much more going on for you than you realise?

I don’t think that’s fair at all.

I am in awe of your weight loss! That’s amazing. You’re clearly more incredible than you know OP.

I was simply stating NHS orthodontic treatment for under 18s is not a given.

And not everybody is happy to have crooked teeth.

I've had half a glass of wine so I feel like saying a bit more. I've not had any man seriously interested in me for over 20 years (quite a few non-serious but that's another story). It broke my heart for a long time but now I'm kind of relieved. I can do whatever I like without some old wanker getting under my feet. At the age of 49 I left the UK without a job to go to. I'm not a very skilled person, no degree or anything. Long story very short, I'm still "abroad" at nearly 64 and this is where I will stay. Fingers crossed I will be in my nice job until I retire in a few years. I have dual nationality now. Sometimes you don't know how good you are until you have a go. Get outside of your comfort (or discomfort) zone. And, as previously mentioned, I'm fat. Not really attractive any more. Very single. Prone to awful depression. But having my own little adventure, doing my thing.

Find your thing, and do your thing. Just do something, try something.