HEY MIKE! So many girls I know are really down on themselves. Even the ones who are popular and drop-dead gorgeous often don’t think too highly of themselves. What’s the deal? How can I help my female friends feel better about themselves?
— C.N., Minneapolis
I like your question, and I commend you for wanting to help girls instead of putting them down.
Here’s the deal: Other than perhaps her family, nearly every influence in a girl’s life tells her she doesn’t measure up. If you’ve seen any of the dozens of fashion magazines many girls read, it’s not hard to imagine why they feel bad about themselves. Sadly, the way some guys treat them doesn’t help. (Again, I’m glad you’re trying to be part of the solution!)
Communicate this to the girls you hang out with: “Hey, when I give you a compliment, I say it because I believe it’s true. I wouldn’t say it if it weren’t. It’s my way of letting you know that you’re cool.” 
