I wrote a post months ago about coming to terms with being a redhead, and I received a good deal of feedback on it. As a matter of fact, I recently received a new comment on the post from a 14-year old girl named Jordan. She says:
Heyy,
i love your article, because i can relate soo much.
But unlike you, i still havent excepted it.
i'm only 14 years old, and at school you get teased soo much, not by the girls or some of the boys, but a selected few who think its funny. I don't know, i want to dye my hair soo bad but i know when i do it'll look dumb and i wont go back to the way it was.
I don't think i look bad with it but when on a regular basis i get called stupid names its just annoying considering theres ONLY like 2 redheads in my entire school.
I wish they would stop calling me like ginger, fireman, and etc.
i use to have a great amount of confidence but now everytime someone says something like that a small part chips away. My mom, family, and friends all tell me i'll love it when i'm older and they wish they had it to but honestly i bet you if they had it, they'd wish they didn't, like me. Sorry to be a bummer but its just they way it is.
thanks.
I was very glad that Jordan took the time to find my post and comment. I hope reading my story helps her to know that it will get better. My heart broke when I read that her self-esteem has been affected by the teasing she's received. Confidence and self-worth are a struggle for many women, and for adolescent girls, it's even more of an issue.
On a brighter note, I received an earlier comment on this post from a 17-year old young woman named Amanda who had already come to love and appreciate her difference. What a wonderful thing to know that she has begun the journey to self-acceptance!
First off, i'm only 17...but I look and act really mature for my age 
Growing up as the only bright redheaded-freckled girl in my school was so hard.
The boys would constantly tease me! I felt like some weirdo.
But as I grew older my bright red hair turned to an auburnish color, and before I knew it I turned into a bombshell! Don't take what I'm saying as arrogance.
The boys who would tease me now think I'm gorgeous. The girls who I would wish to be in middle school now admire me! Walking down the street shopping will result in older men specifically turning around to smile or wink at me. I've had men also come up to me and say how they've never seen a more gorgeous redhead.
I also know of 2 guys in their 20's who begged me to go on dates with them. (I will eventually...) They claimed "I've always wanted to date a redhead."
I love being a redhead! It makes me so happy 
.
We DO get a lot of attention, and I'm sure you're very aware of that.
Thanks for your post.
- Amanda <3
Did you struggle with identity issues and self-esteem as a teenager? What would you say to your teenage self if you were able to sit down and have a conversation with her? I responded to both of these girls and would love to hear what you have to say. Maybe other teenage girls will come across this post and will find comfort in your words. Please leave your comments below!
I think the young girls today have it so much harder than I did in the 80's. However, I think teen pressures still exsist as far as "figure, fashion and fakes". I think Amanda gives a great example of how things can turn around.
If I was a teenager now, know what I now know..I would tell myself to continue to stay true to myself, do not listen to the ignorance or people who tease. People who tease are usually voicing their own disappointment within themselves. Insecure people enjoy putting other people down.
A true friend likes you for "you". Anyone who doesn't treat you with respect is not worth your time of day. As far as boys go...try really hard to stay focused on your studies, yourself and your girlfriends. Everything comes in time.
Enjoy yourself and make these the best years for "you".