Marc Anthony (Photo: Joe Seer / Shutterstock.com), Shannon De Lima (Photo: s_bukley / Shutterstock.com)

Let’s be honest, Marc Anthony isn’t the most attractive older man. And yet, the 45-year-old singer has been able to score with some very beautiful ladies, like his ex-wives Jennifer Lopez and Dayanara Torres. Not to mention his many May-December relationships with younger women, including Topshop heiress Chloe Green, 22, and his most recent May-December romance with 26-year-old model Shannon De Lima. How does Marc Anthony do it?

He says it’s all thanks to his father, who used to tell him growing up, “Son, I’m ugly and you’re ugly—work on your personality.” Although it might sound like pretty harsh words of wisdom coming from a father, Marc Anthony says it’s what equipped him with his secret weapon in not only his career, but his May-December relationships, too—confidence.

“I consider myself ugly, but charming,” Anthony told a Miami radio host, adding that it’s all because he doesn’t lack confidence. “I’ve been able to do what I do for many years and I think I’m good at it. And that confidence and just being a good person overall, I don’t rely on my looks to stand out.”

So, the next time you see older men dating younger women, don’t just assume that she’s only with him for his money and status. Sure, Marc Anthony’s $40 million net worth might have something to do with his popularity with younger women, but May-December relationships are often about more than just the money. Marc Anthony is the perfect example of the power of personality.

What do you think: Would you date an older man if he wasn’t very attractive, but had a very charming personality?

Sources:

“Marc Anthony Net Worth,” Celebrity Net Worth web site; http://goo.gl/l1IDqe, last accessed June 4, 2014.

Monero, C., “Why Marc Anthony Is Grateful His Father Told Him ‘You’re Ugly’ (AUDIO),” Huffington Post web site, May 27, 2014; http://goo.gl/Uif4bf.