In a series of dating tips, Michelle Obama has urged women not to choose men based on looks alone.
The U.S. First Lady, who has been married to President Barack Obama for 17 years, said: 'Cute's good. But cute only lasts for so long and then it's: "Who are you as a person?"
'That's the advice I would give to women - don't look at the bankbook or the title. Look at the heart. Look at the soul.
Look at the soul: Michelle Obama has warned young women not to base their choice of men on looks alone. 'Cute only lasts for so long,' she said
The 45-year-old was speaking in an interview with the U.S. edition of Glamour magazine, which today named her as one of its 12 women of the year.
'Look at how the guy treats his mother and what he says about women. How he acts with children he doesn't know,' she continued.
'And, more important, how does he treat you? When you're dating a man, you should always feel good.
'You should never doubt yourself. You shouldn't be in a relationship with somebody who doesn't make you completely happy and make you feel whole.
'If you're in that relationship and you're dating, then my advice is, don't get married,' she added. 'Get out of it, and find that person who brings you complete and utter joy with who you are at the moment.'
Never closer: The couple whispered to each other as they waited for a classical music concert to begin at the White House last week
Compassionate: The Obamas at Halloween last month, with Michelle in fancy dress, handing out sweets outside the White House
Mrs Obama also spoke of the qualities that attracted her to her husband. She said: 'He was always special, you know?
'And not special like: He's gonna be important, he's gonna be president. He was special in terms of his honesty, his sincerity, his compassion for other people.
The couple, who have two daughters, met in 1989 while working in her native Chicago at law firm Sidley Austin .
They have been married since 1992, but their relationship has not been without its ups and downs.
Family bond: Leaving Washington for Camp David on Saturday, with daughters Sasha (centre) and Malia (far left) and Michelle's mother Marian Robinson
In a book published earlier this year, author Christopher Anderson revealed how the Obamas came close to splitting up as he tried to build his political career.
Mrs Obama was quoted as telling her husband: 'You only think about yourself. I never thought I'd have to raise a family alone.'
In turn , Anderson, told how her husband tired of her constant criticism.
Dating tips: Mrs Obama's advice was published in the latest issue of U.S. Glamour magazine
'I love Michelle, but she's killing me with this constant criticism,' he is believed to have told his grandmother Madelyn Dunham. 'She just seems so bitter, so angry all the time.'
The book, Barack and Michelle: Portrait of an American Marriage, told how the pair had been very honest about their relationship.
'The strains in their marriage, they've been very open about,' wrote Anderson.
A new bond was forged between the couple in 2001 however, over fears that their youngest daughter Sasha was suffering from the life-threatening illness spinal meningitis.
Today, the Obama's marriage seems to have never been stronger - every new image, the very picture of a couple in love.
Mrs Obama was among 12 people named by Glamour magazine as their Women of the Year 2009. Also included in the list were Rihanna, Arnold Schwarzenegger's wife Maria Shriver and tennis champion Serena Williams.
