Is it normal to lack self confidence at age 20?

82% Normal
7 Comments

I'm 20 years old and in the nursing program in college. I may seem like a happy person on the outside, but on the inside, I lack self-confidence BIG TIME. So much that at times it affects the way I interact with people; I will often choose to avoid talking with others, even friends, because I'm so self-conscious about the way I look, etc. If I'm having a bad day and I feel I look "ugly," I feel like everyone else thinks I look ugly as well. I have never been entirely happy with my looks and feel that I am weird-looking compared to other girls my age.

Is this normal to feel this way, even at the age of 20?? It's a big no-no for future nurses like myself to feel this way because I can't do the best job possible for my patients if I'm constantly wondering how I look. It is SO HARD to get out of this mind-rut. Please help me!! I really need help!!

Voting Results
82% Normal
Based on 51 votes (42 yes)
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Comments ( 7 )
  • forevaeva4
    14 years ago

    i think you would greatly benefit from counseling. I somewhat feel the same but not as bad.. no offense. Your beautiful!:) dont worry about it

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  • Katherina
    12 years ago

    I think that it's normal. I've been at that point myself. You should have a get together with your friends and if you really feel self-contious about your looks have a make over! Go to hairdressers and get a new hairstyle that would make you look good, don't be afraid to ask the hairdresser to cut your hair so that it would make you look good (they often know what's best and you don't usually need to specify anything). Book a pamper session with your friends, GroupOn does amazing deals for these. It will boost your self-confidence (I tried it myself). Good luck!!

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  • gogo45
    12 years ago

    Of course its normal, 20 is very young and you've only been an adult for 2 years, you have to come into your own and this is the time to experiment and see what life has to offer.

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  • jbmitchell999
    13 years ago

    Things will be a lot easier for you when you realize no one else is paying as much attention to you as you yourself are.

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  • iHatemF
    14 years ago

    It's normal to lose confidence when young adults are at their peaks. This happens mostly because of the stress and worrying they do constantly, especially if their future isn't settled in yet.

    Know that no one is "perfect" and that many girls your age like to put on makeup to conceal their imperfections! Don't feel too bad about it, keep your chin up and become the nurse you want to be.

    Best of wishes!

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  • [Old Memory]
    14 years ago

    20 is young & the flip side is that it may be better than being over confident. I think most people struggle with this. I also think that perfectionism can be part of it, at least many times. So you expect yourself to coast through a bad day and not feel bad yourself; or, you condemn yourself as "ugly" cause your looks aren't perfect etc.

    We all have things we could work on to be better people. But that is not the same as dumping on oneself just cause you're not perfect. That is counterproductive. Having said so, everyone does this!

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  • Up12345
    14 years ago

    I don't think this is abnormal. Many people have confidence issues well into their adult lives. Some people never get over them. I guess this did get better for me with age. You just have to realize that even people who appear to be super confident usually have something going on that they conceal. No one is perfect and everyone has some kind of issue. I think once you realize this, your everyday life will be much more enjoyable. Good luck :)

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