The beauty of ugly

What's your worst feature? Big hands, a bony chest, rounded tummy? It's easy to look in the mirror and be self-deprecating – even the most beautiful people in the world do it. But here's a secret: it's your imperfections that make you interesting and special. Ask someone who loves you to describe you and they will pick up on the cute gap in your teeth, your voluptuous hips or your thin, muscular arms.

"Imperfection is beauty," said Marilyn Monroe, and she was famed for being alluring. So next time you look in the mirror, appreciate your imperfections, they are what make you special and different. The more you can learn to talk affectionately to yourself about those less-than-perfect bits, the more your partner will feel comfortable loving them, touching them and being turned on by them.

(Health24, April 2012)