Suvari: I was superficial about love

Mena Suvari has "learnt about love" since ending her second marriage.

The 'American Beauty' star - who split from second husband Simone Sestito earlier this year - claims her new relationship with tattoo artist Salvador Sanchez has taught her "a lot about love" and she thinks she was "superficial" in the past.

She said: "The relationship I'm in now has actually taught me a lot about love.

"Thankfully, I now realise how superficial I might have previously made it in the past. I finally realise that it doesn't matter what someone looks like, it's more about their energy and their whole essence. I just feel really lucky that I can finally experience that.

"I think I needed to experience the things that happened in my life because I wouldn't be where I am, emotionally, without them."

Mena spends most of her time in Los Angeles, but admits she does not feel too much pressure forcing her to maintain a Californian-style body.

She told Reveal magazine: "In Los Angeles there's a lot of energy towards your appearance. It's something I'm aware of but I don't let it dictate my life. I take care of myself because I want to be healthy, but I don't want to live my life worrying what I look like all the time."