IT’S tough being a young woman in 2016 because life appears to be about what you look like.

And, while skinny is OK, anyone not a size 10 or 12 has an uphill battle to be accepted by her peers and by others on the superficial value of her looks.

“But surely everyone should be judged on who they are rather than how they look?” I hear you cry. Well, yes, in a perfect world that’s exactly how it should be. But in one currently obsessed with taking selfies and how they turn out, do you seriously think people are not judged on their looks?

And when you’re a young woman – or a young man – just discovering your identity and place in the world this makes a dramatic difference.

This all came to mind as I looked at a photo in the Bolton News of Ms Bolton Curve 2016. Terri Siano, aged 42. won this title despite the fact that she has no modelling experience.

The Egerton resident is a size 18 and, judging by her photos, a very glamorous lady. She believes that we need to reject conventional ideas and prove that all bodies – “no matter their size, colour or any other factor” – are beautiful.

She is a finalist in the forthcoming Ms British Curve 2016 and, whatever your views on beauty competitions, to get to this level is a real achievement. It is also a brilliant example of accepting who you are, and making the most of yourself.

Within all reasonable health limits, it’s important to do this – not because you are pandering to others’ ideals and expectations but because it’s vital to love yourself first. And if you’re deemed to be too fat or too thin today, thanks to social media, there are plenty of people out there who will tell you otherwise.

The truth is that none of us is perfect. We all have physical foibles and bits we would change tomorrow if we could. It’s also true that beauty is a cyclical fashion that moves from appreciating to depreciating the fuller figure.

It’s even a geographical trait with plenty of countries around the world preferring a more rounded shape. Fashion and media perpetuate this currently slender stereotype, casting adrift anyone over a particular dress size.

However, today, helping our youngsters to appreciate themselves for what they are is a major step in creating well-adjusted adults.