Mischa Barton shows that anyone can love their body and show it off on the May 2009 cover of the UK version of Cosmopolitan. In the interview she talks about criticism of her body, the pressure she feels to look good, the women she admires, being single, and her secret to happiness. Here are the highlights:

On the constant remarks about her size: “Surely there are more important issues than if someone has cellulite? And I don’t understand the point of people looking for bad things. Why bother? I know it’s human nature to want to pick on other people, but I find it a little shallow.”

On the pressure to look good: “I think women can be terribly critical of other women. I don’t think most men would even notice if you put on some weight … Beauty is about more than looks. It’s about the way you carry yourself and how you treat people. It’s your personality that matters and I think most men would agree.”

On how she feels about the way she looks now: “It’s human nature to be self-critical, but it’s possible to like the way you look. I’m happy now – I wouldn’t change my body, and I couldn’t anyway. The only way to be happy and be a more enjoyable person to be around is to embrace what you’ve got … Everyone has issues about their body, but I feel confident now. I’m healthy and happy.”

On whether she’d change to look like someone else: “There are women I admire – I think Liv Tyler is beautiful. But that’s as far as it goes. I know I’m never going to look like her and I’m not into surgery, or changing the way I look. I think it’s better to embrace what you have and play on your good points.”

On being single: “I’m working on [getting confident] but I’ve grown so much in the past six months. I’ve grown immensely … It’s because I’ve been single. After I broke up with a boyfriend last year [prior to Luke Pritchard from the Kooks], I felt empowered. I’ve forced myself to grow up – I really felt like it was time. And nothing makes you grow like finding out that somebody or something isn’t good for you. You can pick out what you need in life and the kind of person who can complement your personality, and if they’re not doing it, I don’t think there’s any point wasting time. I’ve had great relationships and my exes have all been friends, but for now I’m happy being single.”

On the secret to happiness: “[The secret to finding happiness is] to always play on your strong points and not listen to negativity. I think people see celebs as having these perfect lives. But that’s not true. Instead, what counts is that the people in your life – your family and friends – think you’re a nice person.”

I’m glad that it sounds like Mischa is getting things back together for her life. And these pictures are hot!

Photo Source: Popsugar

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