My mom [45 F] keeps telling me I [16 F] look like shit. It is making me not like her. Is there a way that I can improve our relationship?

  1. This is beyond inconsiderate. This is the most recent in my own mother's selection of emotionally abusive parenting tactics in order to exert control: "Don't you want boys to like you?" etc. So I got you.
    Don't listen. Just because she's your mother doesn't make her opinion any more valid than any other rando. Be clear and direct with her that it is not okay for her to say these things to you, no matter what she retorts, there's no excuse.
    The only way I managed to eventually maintain a semi-healthy relationship with my mother was to exert some distance between us: a couple hundred miles to be exact. Our relationship was at its worst when I was your age. It really is a hard age to make other people understand you aren't just acting out -- but reach out. There are people who will get it. I promise. My mother has never acknowledged how wrong her behaviour can be neither has she stopped exhibiting the traits. I'm just further from her reach mentally and physically. Only a few years until you can do the same. Employ all the survival tactics within your reach: there's plenty good ones suggested here.

  2. When I was 16 I was awkward as hell, unpopular, didn't look great, my posture still sucks, whatever. I'm not sure if I've changed or my opinion of myself has changed maybe both but it got better, and it will for you too, especially when you distance yourself from your self-esteem wrecking mother. And peaking in popularity, confidence and looks at sixteen's a rarity anyways (and doesn't always work out for the best). It's a time for working yourself out, getting into your kinks, it's weird for everyone. Don't be too hard on yourself about that.
    Everyone has a different opinion of beauty it's a very superfluous thing. Your mothers opinion of beauty probably isn't the same as yours. Don't get waxed or go to the salon or stylist and definitely don't tan if you don't want to and it doesn't make you feel good about yourself. Maybe try subreddits like https://www.reddit.com/r/MakeupAddiction/ or https://www.reddit.com/r/skincareaddiction/ to give yourself some healthier self love that you feel good about. Activities like yoga or pilates are great for posture and a little head space.

Stay strong, beautiful girl.

/r/relationships Thread