I'M 19 but look like a 12-year-old. No wonder I can't get a boyfriend.

Looking so young really gets me down and I suffer with depression. I'm self-conscious but can't get away from looking like a tom-boy.

I wear tracksuits and other sportswear and I don't wear make-up. I tie my hair back in a ponytail.

People always treat me like a kid instead of an adult. What can I do?

Deidre says:

Your dress sense needn't stop you meeting somebody but, if you feel your style makes you feel you're not taken seriously, then you can do something about it.

Don't alter you image completely - it's not who you are - but subtle tweaks can make all the difference.

Be open-minded - shop with a friend whose opinion you trust and get them to find some clothes they think will suit you.

Most make-up counters will be happy to show you some natural-looking make-up techniques which may help to make you look older and chic-er, and a good hairdresser can show you flattering ways of wearing your hair down for those nights out.

I'm emailing you my leaflet on Raising Self-Esteem will help to bring out your inner confidence too.

Words and expressions:

no wonder = não me surpreende, não é de admirar

get sb down = deixar alguém deprimido, triste

self-conscious = envergonhado, constrangido

get away from = escapar de algo

tom-boy = menina levada, moleca, que se interessa por atividades masculinas

tracksuit = moletom, agasalho esportivo

ponytail = rabo-de-cavalo

dress sense = bom gosto para se vestir, estilo

subtle = sutil

tweak = ajuste, mudança, alteração, modificação

open-minded = mente aberta, aberto, liberal

counter = atendente, balconista

flattering = que favorece [cor, roupa, etc.]

night out = noitada, balada, noite em festa

leaflet = panfleto

raise = elevar, aumentar

self-esteem = autoestima, amor próprio

bring out = realçar, aflorar, trazer

inner confidence = confiança interna