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