Growing up can be incredibly awkward. Our bodies are still developing. We’re covered in spots. And our fashion sense might just match our bad posture. Sometimes, looking awkward doesn’t automatically stop with our teenage years (my collection of baggy sweaters says ‘hi’) and can continue into our twenties and thirties, too.

However, some people have changed incredibly over the years, starting out as ‘ugly ducklings’ and turning into beautiful swans that barely anyone can recognize anymore. One of the places where they share their inspirational before-and-afters is the ‘Ugly Duckling’ subreddit. As you’re checking out these awesome transformations, remember to upvote your favorite ones, dear Pandas. When you’re done, have a look through Funscrape’s earlier lists about the subreddit right here and here.

We all know that being a good person is more important than having the perfect looks. However, if given the chance, a lot of people would choose both. And there’s nothing wrong with wanting to look how you feel inside.

#1 From About 11ish(?) To 25. My Skin Cleared Up, I Got Braces, Learned How To Make Up And Fill In My Eyebrows. I Was Made Fun Of/Very Lonely Growing Up, And I Feel The Way That I Looked Had A Big Impact On Why I Am The Way That I Am Now. “Be Kind”

Image credits: FayeTealeaf

#2 16-19 Or: How I Learned To Start Shaving And Escape The Neckbeard

Image credits: ampe_sand

#3 16-20. Does This Count?

Image credits: DavidEntertains

The ‘Ugly Duckling’ subreddit is a community of over 116k ‘enthusiasts’ who “turned into butterflies” over the years. The subreddit celebrates late bloomers, positive personal changes, and motivational transformations.

Being a late bloomer is nothing to be ashamed of. It can happen at any time. And the process can be drawn out or happen nearly overnight, just like with Neville Longbottom’s actor Matthew Lewis who ‘Longbottomed’ and caught a lot of us unaware of what just happened.

Scott Barry Kaufman writes on Psychology Today that a lot of human traits (including physical attractiveness) are under genetic control and can take “decades” to emerge. 

#4 12 – 24 Even My Family Doesn’t Recognize Me These Days, It’s Nice

Image credits: asionahaya

#5 Age 14 To 19. Lost Some Weight And Gained Some Confidence Along The Way

Image credits: BismuthBi

#6 Life Begins At 40! 25 –> 40

Image credits: Jbcarter77

“There is one way of becoming an early bloomer, but there are an infinite number of ways of being a late bloomer. Also, the more complex a trait, the more ways that a child can become a late bloomer for that trait. This means that the most appreciated abilities in society, such as creativity and leadership will rarely fully present itself at a young age, all at once,” Kaufman explains.

He adds that even though society tends to celebrate child prodigies, being an early bloomer is no guarantee that you will continue to be successful. Dedication, hard work, and moving towards your goals step by step are just as (if not even more) important as talent.

#7 Left-13, Right-34

Image credits: vrnkafurgis

#8 13 – 25

Image credits: Alex_J_Newman

#9 Left 12, Right 24

Image credits: BlackSharkoon

#10 2015 – 2019. Basically, I Cleaned Myself Up And Started Over!

Image credits: a_midlo

#11 12 And 29. Still With The Short Hair And Glasses, Some Things Never Change

Image credits: b_normal_y

#12 11 vs. 28, Lost That Baby Fat And Learned How To Smile

Image credits: reddit.com

#13 Age 17-24, Was Bullied A Lot Growing Up

Image credits: Fonzevil

#14 13, 15, 20 And 27 Years Old

Image credits: PUSSYFiED

#15 Then: 320 Lbs, Face Always Red, Angry At Dad, Ready To Die For Punk Rock. Now: 250 Lbs, Skin Healthier, Love My Dad, Punk Rock Is Pretty Ok But Being An Adult Is Pretty Ok Too

Image credits: vicebjj

#16 Age 12 To Age 26… Still Feel A Lot Like The Kid On The Left

Image credits: tylerjkillion

#17 (Spoiler Alert) I Didn’t Peak In Highschool Lol

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#18 Age 15 To 21. Lost Some Weight, It Sucks My Eyes Didn’t Get Bigger

Image credits: AcuteYellowFever

#19 11—>30 Braces Were Good To Me

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#20 A Slight Change

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#21 17-24, Went Through Horrible Cystic Acne, Lost 50 Lbs, Got Braces, And Dropped An Emotionally Abusive Boyfriend

Image credits: meganam38

#22 19 To 20. I Would Like To Thank My Dermatologist

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#23 Mother’s Day With My Momma 2014-2018

Image credits: MavrickOcean

#24 4 Years Later (16-20)

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#25 Always Felt So Geeky In High School. I Even Went Through A Period Where I Wanted To End My Life In Middle School Because Of My Weight And Look. Now I’m In My 30’s And Feeling The Most Confident I’ve Been In My Life. Big Thanks For Braces And Lasik

Image credits: trebor88

#26 From 17 To 18, I Don’t Even Know

Image credits: chrono28

#27 12-27. Lost A Chin, But Gained A Smile

Image credits: emergencyx0x

#28 16 vs. 46. Took Awhile To Get Here, Lol.

Image credits: reddit.com

#29 Age ~11 To 20 – I Owe A Lot To Contacts, Braces, Filling In My Eyebrows, And My Hairline Somehow Growing Forward

Image credits: MissBrightside13

#30 10 Year Different. Ages 13 & 23

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#31 From 18 To 23. A Completely Different Person Now

Image credits: Miss_Keys

#32 Found An Old School Photo (14/29)

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#33 13-21 Puberty Really Hit Me Hard And Shot Me Up To 6ft8

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#34 Nearly Two Years Of Hard Work And Dedication. I Won’t Ever Stop!

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#35 3 Years With A Lot Of Time In The Gym And Taking Care Of My Skin

Image credits: gorbakim27

#36 7 Years Can Make A Crazy Difference

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#37 My One Regret Is Losing The Hat

Image credits: FuturisticUterus

#38 18 To 24

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#39 15 To 23. No Makeup For A Better Comparison

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#40 Me, Early 20’s Looking Troll Man To More Normal Looking Dude In His 30’s

Image credits: 7fingersphil

#41 12 vs. 20. Had To Stop Riding The Bus+change My Classes In Middle School Because I Was Bullied So Bad For “Being Ugly”

Image credits: himechans

#42 7 Years Apart

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#43 18 vs. 23 Just A Late Bloomer I Guess

Image credits: JohnnyWarlord

#44 Grew Into My Face A Little(19 vs. 26)

Image credits: newacctwhodiss

#45 15 → 26, From Strange Genderbender To Recognizable As A Woman

Image credits: amewsings

#46 18 To 23. Puberty Hit Me Like A God Damn Freight Train.

Image credits: limthekid

#47 One Year Transformation. 23 To 23 (Almost 24 Hahaha). What A Gym Membership, Self Love And A Skincare Routine Can Do For You

Image credits: heyhaydae

#48 21 vs. 29.. Losing 100lbs Has Definitely Helped!

Image credits: TinyNugggins

#49 11 To 21. Wear Your Sunblock, Folks

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#50 14 To 20, Lost Weight, Took Care Of Myself And Stopped Cutting My Hair

Image credits: illutree