. . . one old love she can imagine going back to
. . . and one who reminds her how far she has come
. . . enough money within her control to move out and rent a place of her own even if she never wants to or needs to
. . . something perfect to wear if the employer or date of her dreams wants to see her in an hour
. . . a youth she's content to leave behind... a past juicy enough that she's looking forward to retelling it in her old age
. . . a set of screwdrivers, a cordless drill, and a black lace bra
. . . one friend who always makes her laugh... and one who lets her cry
. . . a good piece of furniture not previously owned by anyone else in her family
. . . eight matching plates, wine glasses with stems, and a recipe for a meal that will make her guests feel honored
. . . a feeling of control over her destiny.
A WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
. . . how to fall in love without losing herself
. . . how to quit a job without ruining her career, break up with a lover, and confront a friend without ruining the friendship
. . . when to try harder and when to walk away
. . . that she can't change the length of her calves, the width of her hips, or the nature of her parents
. . . that her childhood may not have been perfect, but it IS over
. . . what she would and wouldn't do for love or more
. . . how to live alone, even if she doesn't like it
. . . whom she can trust, whom she can't, and why she shouldn't take it personally
....where to go -- be it to her best friend's kitchen table or a charming inn in the woods -- when her soul needs soothing
....what she can and can NOT accomplish in a day, a month and a year!