Every woman should . . .

While looking through some old emails, I stumbled upon this little gem of a forwarded message. I generally hate getting them, but I loved the sentiment in this one, even years later. As with any chain message, I have no idea who the original author is or where it originated.


EVERY WOMAN SHOULD HAVE one old love she can imagine going back to, and one who reminds her how far she has come.

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD HAVE enough money within her control to move out and rent a place of her own even if she never wants to or needs to.

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD HAVE something perfect to wear if the employer or date of her dreams wants to see her in an hour.

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD HAVE a youth she's content to leave behind.

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD HAVE a past juicy enough that she's looking forward to retelling it in her old age.

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD HAVE a set of screwdrivers, a cordless drill, and a black lace bra.

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD HAVE one friend who always makes her laugh and one who lets her cry.

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD HAVE a good piece of furniture not previously owned by anyone else in her family.

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD HAVE eight matching plates, goblets with stems, and a recipe for a meal that will make her guests feel honored.

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD HAVE a feeling of control over her destiny.

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW how to fall in love without losing herself.

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW how to quit a job, break up with a lover, confront a friend without ruining the friendship—and how to change a tire.

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW when to try harder and when to walk away.

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW that she can't change the length of her calves, the width of her hips, or the nature of her parents.

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW that her childhood may not have been perfect, but it's over.

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW what she would and wouldn't do for love or more.

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW how to live alone even if she doesn't like it.

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW whom she can trust, whom she can't, and why she shouldn't take it personally.

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW where to go, be it to her best friend's kitchen table or a charming inn in the woods, when her soul needs soothing.

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW what she can and can't accomplish in a day, a month, and a year.