Maybe you are unbelievably non-photogenic. I do have quite a few friends who look horrible in photos (like their worst features are exaggerated) but theyre actually pretty in real life. Plus it depends on angles, lighting, etc. also your friends, assuming they are fellow guys, arent going to tell you that youre gorgeous because that would make things weird between you.
They will most definitely downplay what they really think. You must give off some kind of confident fun energy for girls to be attracted to you. I know for a fact I would rather approach a guy whose looks are average but he looks like hes having a good time and chilling out, rather than the super hot model type dude whose just standing there pouting and looking like he thinks hes god's gift to earth.
Plus the whole shy thing is pretty cute. Sensitive guys are usually um... how do you say... not selfish lovers :P lol.
During a bad period of my earlier teenage years it really didn't matter what the guy looked like, as long as he liked me. I'd flirt and show off a little and it would make me feel good just because I could do it. It feels kind of stupid now so I don't do it.
I cant really gove you an answer,but what I can give you is a way to a solution, that is you have to find the anglde that you relate to or peaks your interest. A good paper is one that people get drawn into because it reaches them ln some way.As for me WW11 to me, I think of the holocaust and the effect it had on the survivors, their families and those who stood by and did nothing until it was too late.