Why you’re more attractive than you think you are

We are our own harshest critics, and here’s proof.

According to this article, research shows that others see you as 20 percent more attractive than you think you are.

That's because when you look in the mirror, all you see are your looks, along with the circles under your eyes, that wrinkle that didn’t seem to be there yesterday, or the hair that just won’t do what it’s supposed to do.

All you see is your reflection, but none of the personality. You also see all of your flaws, which others tend to overlook -- if they notice them at all.

I used to be worse about criticizing myself. I wished my freckles wouldn’t come out in the sun, that my eyes were a more vibrant color than hazel, that my eyes were bigger or my cheekbones or jawline more defined.

Now, I see the small wrinkles, and I get mad at my hair when it won’t do what I want, which seems to be often.

But over time, I’ve learned to accept my looks the way they are, and to work with them. My eyes aren’t going to magically get bigger, and my freckles aren’t going to go away. So I put on my make-up in such a way as to maximize what I’ve got. I do the best I can with my hair, and I wear clothes that flatter my body.

I also watch what I eat and I exercise, which I think shows through. People comment on it frequently, so it makes some sort of impression. I generally meet life with confidence and a positive attitude, and most people I meet respond to that.

Have you ever had someone look at your picture and tell you it doesn’t do you justice? I have, and now I think I can see why.

Your mirror, or your photo, can’t quite capture the twinkle in your eye, the mischievous tone in your voice when you tell a joke or your melodious laugh. It doesn’t capture the way you tilt your head when you’re thinking about something, or the way you walk with your head held high with a look of purpose on your face.

Part of beauty is about your looks, your hair and make-up and your clothes. But it’s only a part. The rest of beauty is about your personality and confidence. It’s also about what you do with what you’ve got.

All your positive attributes go together to make you the beautiful person you are. So play them up -- all of them!

What do you think is your most positive attribute? What makes you feel beautiful?