The Beguiling Truth About Beauty 
Not a knockout? We all focus on our imperfections. But seeing yourself as others do casts you in the best possible light. Turns out that self-knowledge is the most important beauty secret of them all.

Also in this issue:

A Case for Double-Edged Optimism
Personality and outlook are critical for staying healthy but a sunny disposition only goes so far. For some, a shot of pessimism packs more medicinal punch. From good stress to lethal optimism, the new rules of the immunity game.

Lone Stars
The hard demographic fact that you will likely spend most of your life on your own is reshaping singlehood into a satisfying destination rather than an anxiety-ridden way station. Welcome to the richly diversified world of today's singles.

Class Dismissed
It's every modern parent's worst nightmare—a school where kids can play all day. But no one takes the easy way out, and graduates seem to have a head start on the information age. Welcome to Sudbury Valley.

The Right Way to Rock the Boat
Once upon a time, being assertive meant asking for trouble; today, you most likely need to stop worrying what the neighbors think.