There are times to be nosy or jealous, times to pig out and times to spend money when you shouldn't. Nobody's perfect, so instead of feeling guilty and beating yourself up about flaws as insignificant as a weakness for cookies, why not just accept them? With the best of intentions, there are certain vices you just can't give up...so we say, embrace them!

• Laziness:

Why embrace it? Because non-stop stress and irritation are no good for your complexion and they leave you feeling grouchy. Running around like a headless chicken from work to aerobics and back to do the hoovering is knackering, especially when the new series of Desperate Housewives is on...

Handling your laziness. Don't offload your tasks onto other people. It's your perogative to be too lazy to do the ironing, but don't ask your mum to do it for you! In the same vein, don't ask your other half to fill in your tax return or your colleague to finish a job you were supposed to do. Their patience will soon wear thin!.

• Curiosity

Why embrace it? Because it's better to ask too many questions than not enough: that way, no-one can accuse you of never taking an interest in anyone else! And because if you hadn't peeked through your boyfriend's diary, you would never have known what he was planning for your birthday and you'd have turned up for your maiden helicopter flight in killer heels...

Handling your curiosity. Be discreet and subtle. Ask questions without letting on the true extent of your nosiness! Act surprised, encouraging the other person to tell you more: "I can't get over it, Sophie couldn't have left her bloke, she seemed so happy!" From there you'll get down to the juicy details ("That's not the half of it though - she's run off with a woman!" etc.)

• Greed

Why embrace it? Because eating well and giving in to good food makes you a sexy, attractive, good-time girl. We're blessed to live in a world with Ben & Jerry's, so it would be rude not to indulge. Virgina Woolf said something along those lines: "One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well." A little indulgence is good for you on so many levels.

Handling your greed. Having the odd treat isn't the same as stuffing yourself 24/7. Having a cheeky bit of chocolate for a late-night treat doesn't make you a pig! Treat yourself to reward your efforts and achievements: once you've tied up the loose ends of an assignment, treat yourself to a bar (or two!). Just get a bit of exercise from time to time to reduce the effect on your waistline and help you let off steam. If the thought of the gym makes you quiver, remember there are other activities of a physical nature that get your heart pumping - and your other half involved too

• Pride

Why embrace it ?Because you're worth it, of course! Besides, a bit of pride is good for your ego, your appearance (the more you love yourself, the better you dress!) and your friends and family: you have to love yourself before you can love others.

Handling your pride. Don't confuse pride with a big ego and avoid superficial gestures. Sending flowers is all well and good, but actually putting some thought into why you're doing it is just as important. Telling your friend how hot she looks in her new dress is worth more than an empty gesture.

• Gossiping

Why embrace it? Because it feels good! It means there's always something to discuss...and it's so true that Mandy had to sleep with her boss to land that promotion. And better to discuss it with the rest of the office than with Mandy herself - you certainly wouldn't want to fall out with her now she's in charge of you!

Handling your gossiping. Careful who you share things with. If you're dying to let some juicy gossip out of the bag, go ahead...but not to people who are close to the person you're dishing the dirt on. It will backfire.

• Spending

Why embrace it? Because it's therapeutic. And if you buy three jumpers, two dresses and a pair of shoes with 50% discount, just think of the amount you've saved! New clothes make you feel good, which makes you happier and more motivated...you'll never have to waste your hard-earned cash on therapy or life coaching. Shopping is good for the economy

Handling your spending. Be generous with your spending. Keep in his good books by getting him a little something each time you go on a spree (a tie, shirt or pair of socks). Show him you're thinking of him and he'll only grumble a little when he finds out you've bought yet another pair of shoes.

• Jealousy

Why embrace it? Because who wouldn't be jealous of a man as sexy, funny and intelligent as yours? Your little attacks of the old green-eyed monster are proof of your love and show how much he means to you...

Handling your jealousy. Accept your jealousy and when you're feeling it: "Yes I'm jealous. No, I don't like the way that Barbie doll was sniffing around you". Better to have a bit of a paddy there and then (in front of aforementioned bimbo, so she knows who she's messing with) than to suffer a fortnight of insomnia. Suffering in silence and not saying what's on your mind only makes life a misery.