There are times when you struggle with self-esteem and feel ashamed of how you look. You seek love and support to build your confidence, and you’re searching for something that reflects this journey that will fill the void that you didn’t get to have. If you’re looking for a story that offers gentle encouragement and shows people helping each other build confidence, My Sweet Girl is a story for you. It’s very fluffy and won’t give you headaches with heavy drama. Unlike many stories with 20 chapters of misunderstandings and bad communication, this one is light and heartwarming. If you enjoy soft stories that make your heart feel warm without heavy drama, that you can read in one go, then My Sweet Girl is definitely a perfect choice for you.
My Sweet Girl is a manga written and illustrated by Rumi Ichinohe. Originally serialized in Kodansha’s Bessatsu Friend magazine from 2015 to 2021, the series gathered generally positive reviews, with many praising the art style. Kodansha also licensed it in English and describes the plot as:
“Love isn’t for me.” That is what Tsugumi Koeda, a first-year high school student always told herself. Her small-framed, flat body has given Koeda a serious complex, making it totally impossible for her to ever imagine falling in love. That is, until one day when Masamune Sena, a boy from the next class sees her thin, boyish body by accident… Since then, whenever Tsugumi’s with the natural and frank Masamune, the feelings she’s held back, feelings that she wants to be “a girl” like everybody else start to grow more and more… This is a pure and slow-step love story dedicated to all the girls who find things awkward when it comes to love!
My Sweet Girl – Review
I was looking through my plan-to-read list and remembered I had read the first two chapters of My Sweet Girl a few months ago. I decided to pick it up again a few days ago and ended up binging the entire story. This story made me feel so soft inside, and I wanted more with each chapter. I’ve read so much manga filled with miscommunication and dragged-out arcs that drive me crazy, but this story is different. There’s drama, but it’s not overly stretched out, which I really appreciate.
My Sweet Girl follows a typical shojo high school romance structure, with the male lead being popular and the female lead being less so. What stands out is how the story addresses the female lead’s body complex. She believes no one will love her because she’s very skinny, contrasting with the societal preference for a curvier body type. As she meets the male lead, they form a connection, initially starting with him teasing her but not bullying her. The romance develops quickly, and the two characters are together for most of the story, which I enjoyed. I love seeing couples in a relationship and how they grow together, making me giggle and feel a bit jealous.
Being in my early twenties and having a body type similar to that of the female lead, I relate to her struggles. It’s hard to find people who help build your confidence in real life. Reading this story made me wish I had a friend like the male lead to help me grow. Although the story made me feel jealous, it also filled a void in my heart. It’s not that I hate my body, but seeing stories that reflect what I wish had happened to me is comforting.
The romance in My Sweet Girl is adorable. The male lead encourages the female lead to see herself as more than just “bones,” and she helps him with his conflicts as well. This mutual support and character development are rare in manga, and it’s something I truly enjoyed. There are characters and moments of drama that might make you want to punch someone, but the story resolves these arcs quickly, focusing on the cute moments between the leads.
While some parts of the drama don’t have a strong closure, I didn’t mind because I was so invested in their cuteness. Overall, the story showcases character development and mutual support, making it a rare gem. I’ve just finished reading it, and if I’m taking the time to write this recommendation, it means the story genuinely touched me.
My Sweet Girl – Should You Read This Manga?
My Sweet Girl is a refreshing shojo high school romance that stands out for its heartwarming and genuine story. The plot centers around a popular male lead and a less popular female lead who struggles with her body image. Unlike many manga filled with miscommunication and dragged-out drama, this story quickly develops the romance and focuses on the couple’s growth together.
The female lead’s journey to build self-confidence with the male lead’s support is touching and relatable, especially for those who have faced similar challenges. The story balances light drama with plenty of cute, feel-good moments, making it a delightful read. If you enjoy stories with mutual support, character development, and adorable romance, My Sweet Girl is a must-read.
My Sweet Girl finished with 13 volumes: 54 chapters; you can only read it in an ebook version on the Kodansha US website.
Looking for more finished romance manga? Check out 6 Finished Silly Heartwarming Romance Manga That Will Leave You Melting.
© Rumi Ichinohe / Kodansha Ltd.
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