Learn to love his annoying behavior: we show you a mind-shift trick that turns irksome boyfriend traits into blessings in disguise.(LOVE AND LUST)

* Sometimes it can be hard to see the good in your guy when he's getting on your nerves. "No matter how terrific your man is, he'll have a habit that annoys you," says New York clinical psychologist Alon Gratch, PhD. But believe it or not (we didn't at first), those very things that bug the bell out of you can easily morph into endearing qualities by using a clever strategy.

"Almost every undesirable attribute your guy possesses has a positive flip side to it," Gratch explains. "Recognizing the specific upside to each of his flaws will make you happier with your guy and help your relationship flow more smoothly." Once you acquire this mental skill, you can apply it to any bothersome behavior.

To that end, we cribbed this handy conversion chart from Gratch's latest book, If Love Could Think. Here's how the chart works: Look at the first column to locate the bothersome guy trait that your boyfriend happens to be guilty of. Then check out the column next to it and see the positive characteristic that's connected with it. The third column of the chart shows the surprising perks you'll enjoy simply by dating him.

 
His Annoying           The Positive 
Trait Is ...           Flip Side Is ...         How You'll Benefit 
 
He doesn't express     He tends to be logical   He thinks about things 
his feelings.          and calm, clearing the   you tell him instead 
                       way for you to express   of reacting based on 
                       your emotions.           his emotions, so you 
                                                two can discuss your 
                                                problems as a couple 
                                                sans any drama. 
 
He's uberprepared--    Well, his place          He never misses a 
neat and methodical.   probably isn't a         birthday or an 
                       pigsty, and his rigid    anniversary. Plus, you 
                       MO means he's always     won't have to stress 
                       thinking ahead.          about boring details, 
                                                like renewing 
                                                passports for your 
                                                Euro vacay. He's on 
                                                it. 
 
He's irresponsible     Since he doesn't get     His easygoing attitude 
and forgetful, so      consumed with trivial    helps encourage you to 
you have to nag him    concerns, he's always    chill and not sweat 
to do things or        fun and flexible.        the small stuff. 
remind him about 
plans. 
 
He dresses poorly.     He's down to earth and   You don't have to look 
He thinks getting      doesn't put on airs      perfect, and by 
fancy means taking     for people--what you     letting down your 
off his baseball       see is what you get.     guard physically, 
cap.                                            you'll open up 
                                                emotionally because 
                                                you know he'll accept 
                                                your little flaws. 
 
He's shy. At a         He's a ...