?Amy Adams says finding love is helping her become a woman.

The 'Doubt' actress - who is engaged to actor Darren LeGallo - spent years searching for her ideal man and now she has found him, she can concentrate on other areas of her life.

The 34-year-old star said: "I spent most of my 20s looking to find a man - what a waste of energy! Now I actually have a man and I'm able to focus on becoming a woman.

"He accepted me from day one as I was, which allowed me to discover who I was meant to be. I'm very appreciative of that."

Amy got engaged on the set of new movie 'Julie and Julia' and even believes the act of betrothal improved her acting.

She said: "I got engaged on this film - the day before I finished shooting. Maybe this is a very, I don't know, young girl statement, but when you're not seeking to gain the approval of your man, it's amazing what you can accomplish."