We’re all guilty of making comparisons sometimes. It’s a normal process that helps us figure out who we are and where we belong. 　36　 We think, “ How am I like her, and how am I not like her？”

　　Are comparisons good or bad？

　　It’s not always bad to compare yourself-sometimes it can push you to improve your skills. Unfortunately, though, we hear a lot of girls say they think a friend is prettier because she has different hair, different skin, or a different body type than they have. 　37　 Besides, they’re unfair. If you always try to be someone else, you’ll never win. So stop the negative self-talk and focus instead on being the best version of yourself. 　38　 So we should appreciate ourselves based on those unique qualities, not on how we compare to someone else.

　　Learn to love yourself

　　Instead of trying to be like someone else, put your effort into becoming the best possible you.　That doesn’t just mean taking care of yourself by exercising and eating well, but also trying to be the best friend you can be. You are the only one in control of how you act and treat people. 　39　

　　Just by taking care of yourself and looking your best, you’ll start to feet more confident. 　40　 When that happens, just remind yourself of all the beautiful qualities you have, and the reasons you are awesome and unique. Think about your talents and focus on how you can improve.　Instead of getting hung up on the people around you, just be the best possible you. There’s really no comparison!

　　A．Don’t be afraid to make changes.

　　B．So be a friend you would love to have.

　　C．We are each unique in our awesome ways.

　　D．Those types of comparisons can destroy your confidence.

　　E．Most of the time, we don’t even mean to—it’s just how our brains work.

　　F．Even so, you’ll probably still catch yourself making comparisons sometimes.

　　G．Comparing your looks with other girls’ is like comparing apples and oranges.