Get groomed and you'll bloom

Dr Date

WOMEN are most attracted to a man's personality.

By David Tian

03 November 2008

WOMEN are most attracted to a man's personality.

However, a little grooming can go a long way. It will convey the message that you take care of yourself and by extension, your loved ones.

Here is some advice on improving your look. I place them in order of ease.

1. Freshen your breath

Floss daily. Visit your dentist for a cleaning. If bad breath persists, consider getting a tongue scraper.

2. Remove excess body hair

Most Asian men think this doesn't apply to them. They're wrong. While they may have less hair on their back or neck, there is often overgrown hair in your nostrils, between your eyebrows and maybe even in your ears. Use a nose-hair trimmer or tweezers once a week. Get a good razor and use it regularly.

3. Put away your glasses

Few guys look their best in spectacles. If you are one of those rare men, then consider treating yourself to cool, designer frames. The majority of us should switch to contact lenses or get laser eye surgery.

4. Take care of your complexion

Go to a cosmetics counter and ask the beautician to recommend facial products for your skin type. Ask for free samples. If your problem is severe, see a dermatologist.

5. Eat healthier

Bulk up on fresh fruits, vegetables and lean meats and protein. If you are obese, consult a doctor or dietician for weight loss plans.

6. Join a gym

See a personal trainer for a fitness evaluation and a customised work-out plan. Make sure you include both cardiovascular and resistance training. Start boning up on health, fitness and diet.

Learn more about dating expert Dr Date at his website: www.powerofbeingasian.com.

Dear DrDate,

You say that women find personality more important than looks. I guess this means that men care mainly about looks. What can an average-looking girl do to make herself better looking?

Yours, Homely Helen

Dear Helen,

While it's true that in general, men pay much more attention to the opposite sex's physical appearance than women do. The most desirable men look for more than a pretty face and a sexy body. Having said that, there are simple steps you can take to improve your looks without resorting to drastic measures like surgery.

Beauty is subjective. Don't feel like you have to please other people. First and foremost, make sure you are happy with the way you look.

Make sure you like your hairstyle, clothing and make-up. Ask a fashionable friend for a second opinion. Or get a consultation with a beautician, master hair stylist or image consultant.

But there are also other less costly ways to improve your appearance dramatically.

A while ago, the US television show 20/20 aired a segment on physical attractiveness.

They ran an experiment in which they hired one actress to stand on the side of the highway by her supposedly stalled car. Passing cars and trucks came to a screeching halt.

With alacrity, men ran dangerously across four lanes of highway to come to her aid. Several men fought over which lucky guy could get the petrol for her.

In the next segment, there was a different actress. Same clothes. Same car. But this actress was judged by the show's producers to be less attractive. The result? A couple of cars slowed down, but after the drivers checked her out, they sped on.

What was the difference?

The first actress smiled at the passing cars. She threw her shoulders back, cocked her head and pushed out her chest. She looked happy, fun-loving, confident and hence, beautiful.

The other actress leaned against her car with a defeated expression on her face. She looked down at the ground. She crossed her arms in front of her chest. She looked unhappy, grumpy, diffident and thus, homely.

To be a 10, move like a 10.

Develop confident and beautiful body language. You will actually appear more striking and gorgeous when you hold yourself with grace and energy.

Convince yourself that you are the most stunning woman around. Then move like it.