No matter how tanned, toned or genetically-blessed you might be, we all tend to have the same reaction when we spot a glimpse of ourselves in the mirror: Yikes!

A staggering 80 percent of women in the United States have a negative body image, say some experts. And it doesn’t have to be that way. Here’s how to help come to love your body (or at least like it better).

Manage your expectations.

We’re naturally more critical of ourselves than we are of others. Little wonder that we then feel inferior when we hold ourselves to a higher standard than we do others. Next time you’re bemoaning your thighs or belly pooch, be fair to yourself.

Get used to it.

One theory on body acceptance is based on the research that we like what we’re familiar with. We’ve accepted our gap-tooth smile or freckles as a part of our natural beauty because we see them all the time. Spend more time naked (embrace the initial discomfort!) and it might help you get a handle on your hang-ups.

Make the mind-body connection.

When you’re unhappy with how your body looks, you tend to disconnect from how it feels. Needless to say, this is not good for your sex life. Reflect on those moments when you felt completely in tune with your body – maybe after a great yoga class, on mile four of a long hike, during a sinfully good massage – and try to reestablish that mind-body meld more often.

Dress the part.

No one feels sexy in tattered cotton underwear and grimy sweats. Don’t wait until you “look better” or lose ten pounds to enjoy your body. Give yourself permission to splurge a little on clothes that fit perfectly, flatter your shape, and emphasize the best of your body as it is right now.

Be more like a man.

Do you see guys sitting around reading articles about how to feel better about their naked bodies? Not so much. They think about it less because they’re devoting more of their brainpower to gratitude that they’re going to have sex! We could all learn a lesson there.