London, October 29 US First Lady Michelle Obama has advised young women of her country not to choose life partners on the basis of looks.

In an interview by TV news anchor Katie Couric for Glamour magazine's December issue, American President's Barack Obama's wife insisted that a person's physical features are transitory.

"Cute is good. But cute only lasts for so long, and then it's, Who are you as a person? Don't look at the bankbook or the title. Look at the heart. Look at the soul," the Telegraph quoted her as saying.

She added: "When you're dating a man, you should always feel good. You shouldn't be in a relationship with somebody who doesn't make you completely happy and make you feel whole."

Michelle revealed that the people who have inspired her in life are her parents.

She said: "They were the people in my life. My mom, for sure. My dad. The teachers. For me, role-modelling was immediate, it was touchable "Children connect with who is in their lives, present and accounted for.

"That's why we're trying to encourage moms, teachers, fathers, to be that presence in their children's lives, in their communities, because it really makes a difference."

Michelle further mentioned that she understands the public attention she receives because of her position and role as the leading lady of the nation.

She added: "People are always going to have opinions, and people have a right to their opinions, particularly when you're the First Lady; you're representing the nation.

"So I can't be surprised that people are interested. But I've tried to be at peace with the choices that I make first, and then be open to everyone else's reflection.

"I have always tried to put my kids first, and then. put myself a really close second, as opposed to fifth or seventh. One thing that I've learned from male role models is that they don't hesitate to invest in themselves." (ANI)