We’ve all seen the Glamour article (well, at least a lot of the girls have read it).
It talks about boyfriends, bosses, dates, dumping, pride and purses – “30 Things Every Woman Should Have and Should Know by the Time She’s 30″. In was originally published in 1997 and still circulates around magazines and the web today! It was turned into a book featuring essays from famous woman (some a little famous, some a lot famous) that continues to see today.
Last month I saw an article tweeted about what you should know before you’re 25 and blogged about my thoughts. I am proud to say at the ripe ol’ age of 22, I am crossing things off that list!
I found this Huffington Post article a few weeks ago that talks about the Glamour list and wanted to share it on my blog. As a woman I couldn’t agree more… and this gives me some things to work towards in the next eight years.
Glamour’s “30 Things Every Woman Should Have and Should Know by the Time She’s 30”
1. One old boyfriend you can imagine going back to and one who reminds you of how far you’ve come.
2. A decent piece of furniture not previously owned by anyone else in your family.
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. An email address, a voice mailbox, and a bank account — all of which nobody has access to but you.
9. A résumé that is not even the slightest bit padded.
10. One friend who always makes you laugh and one who lets you cry.
11. A set of screwdrivers, a cordless drill, and a black lace bra.
12. Something ridiculously expensive that you bought for yourself, just because you deserve it.
13. The belief that you deserve it.
14. A skin-care regimen, 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.
By 30, you 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 in a way that communicates perfectly what you would and wouldn’t like to happen next.
6. The names of the secretary of state, your great-grandmothers, and the best tailor in town.
7. How to live alone, even if you don’t like to.
8. Where to go — be it your best friend’s kitchen table or a yoga mat — when your soul needs soothing.
9. That you can’t change the length of your legs, the width of your hips, or the nature of your parents.
10. That your childhood may not have been perfect, but it’s over.
11. What you would and wouldn’t do for money or love.
12. That nobody gets away with smoking, drinking, doing drugs, or not flossing for very long.
13. Who you can trust, who you can’t, and why you shouldn’t take it personally.
14. Not to apologize for something that isn’t your fault.
15. Why they say life begins at 30
—
So I’ll admit, I’m working on the address that’s just mine, the decent piece of furniture not owned my mom and dad, the suitcase and the retirement fund. Well, actually my suitcase is just fine – but I think it would be cool to have a complete set (not a random piece given to my by the mercy of my parents). I would also like to know if the “ridiculously expensive” item I am to buy because I deserve it, needs to pass the dad approval test…because, if not, I think I deserve some more Burberry in my closet. Right? Ok, I’ll save my next splurge for a kick-butt power suit… perfect when I am conquering the business world.
And who are we fooling? My important mail still goes to my parents’ house. I don’t really know (yet) how to quit a job or ask for raise, and I apologize way too often for my own good. BUT this list shows me that I am maturing and finding my way.
I may not know how I feel about kids right now, but I don’t have to decide today, or tomorrow, or in one year. However, it is something that I will need to really start to contemplate in the next few years. I am figuring out my relationship with my family, friends and with my boyfriend. Even better, I am learning that I can do things alone. I ran the Capital City Half-Marathon by myself (and a few great supporters at mile 11 and the finish line) and I am get myself up, ready and to work/gym/friends’ houses on-time. Slowly learning what it is like to be a “grown-up”.It can be easy to want to call someone when life gets tough – and you’re allowed to ask for help. But, you need to know who is the right person to call and that no matter what, you could take care of a situation by yourself.
Here are five things I think should be added to the above list:
- If a car gets you from Point A to Point B – you’re lucky
- Not having fabulous weekend plans is ok (every now and then)
- It doesn’t matter the size of the clothes you’re wearing. Squeezing yourself into a size 0 doesn’t make you look skinny
- Brands are simply brands – there is more to life than comparing labels and designers. Keep clothes pressed and clean
- No matter what, life goes on
![cool_13_1_half_marathon_sticker[1]](https://jessicaleereynolds.files.wordpress.com/2013/01/cool_13_1_half_marathon_sticker1.jpg?w=230&h=230)
jessicaleereynolds.wordpress.com 