My dad is eastern european so I'm a bit unusual looking.I used to be really shy but I've just accepted I look like I look and it doesn't bother me one bit now
Not trying to boast, but I once said in the bathroom, "Mirror, mirror, on the wall, who's the fairest of them all?" And it said nothing because it's an inanimate object
to answer your actual question about confidence i think looks does affect it. I wouldnt say I was confident 3 years ago but now I am more happy with myself and am a lot more confident. People like confident people a lot better too and it really does help in life.
Best way to gain confidence is do things where you meet new people and you'll realise they like can like you :P (travel is a good idea).
I'd say I'm pretty average. But if you're worried about how your looks effect your chances with girls just work hard. Get loads of money and all of a sudden about 80% of girls will be attracted to you. 10% will be far too rich and good looking and the other 10% will be classed as 'other' (or what I call genuinely nice girls)
I wouldn't say I'm somebody who's really good looking but I wouldn't say I look terrible either. I'd say I'm average. There are features I like about myself and other features I don't..