James Bauer’s Texting Tip of the Week

A Chinese study found there may be a scientific foundation for the proverb, “Beauty comes from within.” How so?

Participants were asked to rate the attractiveness of strangers’ photos. They were given positive, negative, or no information about the personalities of the people pictured.

But researchers observed a significantly higher attractiveness rating for photos accompanied by positive personality stories.

What does this mean for your love life?

First, don’t waste energy bemoaning your physical features. Especially things you can’t change, like eye color or the places your body is genetically wired to store fat.

Clearly, attractiveness comes from something deeper:

• Groundedness.
• Honesty.
• Comfort.
• Humor.

Ask yourself: “What do I think makes a good person? How can I act more in that way?”

The answers that fit your values will lead to next steps.

Maybe that means volunteering to read to kids at the library. Or rediscovering a love for community art projects. Perhaps you’ll start a meditation practice. Or simply work on patience and understanding.

When you do these things, you’ll grow to like yourself — and so will that special someone.