An e-mail pen pal sent me the following:
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD HAVE:
1 - One old boyfriend you can imagine going back to and one who reminds you of how far you’ve come.
2 - Enough money within your control to move out and rent a place on your own, even if you never want or need to.
3 - Something perfect to wear if the employer or man of your dreams wants to see you in an hour.
4 - A purse, a suitcase and an umbrella you’re not ashamed to be seen carrying.
5 - A youth you’re content to move beyond.
6 - A past juicy enough that you’re looking forward to retelling it in your old age.
7 - The realization that you are actually going to have an old age and some money set aside to help fund it.
8 - A set of screwdrivers, a cordless drill and a black lace bra.
9 - One friend who always makes you laugh and one who lets you cry.
10 - A good piece of furniture not previously owned by anyone else in your family.
11 - Eight matching plates, wine glasses with stems and a recipe for a meal that will make your guests feel honored.
12 - A resume that is not even the slightest bit padded.
13 - A feeling of control over your destiny.
14 - A skin care regime, an exercise routine and a plan for dealing with those few other facets of life that don’t get better after 30.
15 - A solid start on a satisfying career, a satisfying relationship and all those other facets of life that do get better.
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW:
1 - How to fall in love without losing yourself.
2 - How you feel about having kids.
3 - How to quit a job, break up with a man and confront a friend without ruining the friendship.
4 - When to try harder and when to walk away.
5 - How to kiss a man in a way that communicates perfectly what you would and wouldn’t like to happen next.
6 - How to have a good time at a party you’d never choose to attend.
7 - How to ask for what you want in a way that makes it most likely you’ll get it.
8 - That you can’t change the length of your calves, the width of your hips or the nature of your parents.
9 - That your childhood may not have been perfect, but it’s over.
10 - What you would and wouldn’t do for love or more.
11 - How to live alone, even if you don’t like it.
12 - Who you can trust, who you can’t, and why you shouldn’t take it personally.
13 - Where to go - be it your best friend’s kitchen table or a charming inn hidden in the woods-when your soul needs soothing.
14 - What you can and can’t accomplish in a day, a month, and a year.
15 - Why they say life begins at 30.
(Note for Readers: Please take the above with a grain of salt. . .if it doesn’t apply . . ignore it . . .don’t shoot the poster smiles)