"Help! I'm Afraid to Meet my Beautiful Internet Love in Person!"

Dear Dr. TRuth,

I met this girl on the Internet I am afraid she won't like me when we meet.

I have seen pics of her but because I don't have a scanner she hasn't seen any of me.

I think she is quite beautiful and I am sure most people would agree.

I am not an attractive guy and the only people who think I am are my family members so I tend not to believe them.
I am 18 and have had only two girlfriends both of which were only with me because of other circumstances and not because I was good looking.

I know you might think I just solved my own problem but those two times where different.

Trust me, I could stand to loose a few pounds, I am as pale a piece of paper, I don't have many good features, plus I am inexperienced.

We have talked a lot on an instant messenger and she seems to like me and we flirt a little but that is over the computer.

I really want her to like me. Its not that I think she is an unkind person and only cares about looks, but I think looks are a factor in any relationship.
We seem compatible on many levels except for that one.

I would appreciate any advice.

Sincerely,
'Spooked'

Dear S, Your problem is not whether this girl will like you if she meets you, your problem is that you do not like yourself. There is nothing that kills romance faster than a lack of self-confidence. Even if she meets you and does like you, your poor self-esteem will be a turn off. My advice is to do whatever it is that you need to do to build yourself up in your own eyes. If you are too heavy, lose the weight! Join a gym, whatever. Make a list of your assets and talents and please, don't tell me you have none! Life is an endless process of learning to love and respect who we are, not only on the outside but on the inside as well. The problem about meeting people on the Internet is that it allows people with similar issues to avoid confronting the fact that they are afraid of rejection. The Internet is like a magic screen which allows us to project anyone we think we should be. For this reason, I discourage this as a way of meeting new people. My advice is to get out there, take care of yourself, figure out what you need to do to like yourself better, even if it means some counseling, and learn that you are lovable, likeable and even adorable. I can tell by the way you express yourself in writing that you have a lot going for you. Now why don't you know that yourself! Sincerely, Dr. TRuth