I was the short, fat, scraggly haired kid with braces and glasses... with 2 beautiful sisters. Let me tell you, that screws up your self image forever. I know that I'm no longer that teenager. I have a lot more self confidence and I KNOW I look better now and I'm healthier than I've ever been. BUT deep down, I'm still that lonely kid. I think your early self image stays with you throughout your life. You aren't necessarily bound by it, but it's there.

BTW, I turned 50 last month. I've been looking forward to it. There's something magical about a half century. But it does make you look back and think "What have I done with that half century?" I don't feel old. It's hard to describe the exact feeling.