EVERY WOMAN

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE.............

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

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW......

How to fall in love without losing herself

How to quit a job, 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 its 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't accomplish in a day - a month - and a year.