Being a strong, independent woman is about more than how to stick up for yourself. The perfect house wife of the 1950s is gone, and in her place stands the new generation of women ready to take on the world.
Don’t worry, you can still be a sexpot while holding your ground and maintaining your independence, but if you’re going to be a feminine force to be reckoned with, here are 10 essential life skills to get you through most sticky situations.

1. Know how to change a tyre
The standard response after a breakdown is to call the male friend who can fix it. That’s exactly what I did the first time my car broke down! No one likes being dependant, so learn basic car maintenance with: Dare To Repair Your Car: A Do-It-Herself Guide to Maintenance, Safety, Minor Fix-Its, and Talking Shop.

1. 2. Know how to cook a great meal – from scratch

Cooking a great meal for friends or loved ones is such a nice activity. Sadly we are using more and more packet ingredients. Learn how to cook from scratch using natural herbs and spices and you’ll be able to eat healthier, save the environment and impress with gorgeous home cooked meals. Try Jamie Olivers cook book for help getting started.

3. How to end a bad relationship

The problem with bad relationships is that we often stay too long. An independent woman will know how to recognise and deal with a bad relationship, without causing a path of destruction.  Just because someone loves you, doesn’t mean you have to love them back. When a relationship turns sour, it’s better for both parties to end it. Learn to end a bad relationship in a mature way. If you keep getting into harmful relationships try seeking help to identify the behaviours you need to avoid so you can  Break Bad Relationship Patterns for Good. The good thing about bad relationships is that they will teach you to recognise a good relationship when one comes your way.

4. Learn to make friends

Learning to make friends is something that isn’t taught to adults. As children we are socialised and make friends through our teenage years, but often don’t make new friends as adults. You can make friends by joining clubs, going out, going to parties and even online. Put yourself out there and you will meet people. From there, its learning how to maintain friendships over the long term. Recognise and acknowledge people who are good friends and be prepared to end bad friendships.

5. Be able to choose and use contraception

One of the best parts of being an adult in the 21st century is the ability to choose. We can choose who we sleep with, for what reason and if we want to have children or not. I don’t believe that any higher power wants us to pop out babies for every roll in the hay. You must be responsible for your body and what goes in and comes out of it! Learn to use protection, how to bring it up with a partner and what to do if they refuse. If you are in a committed relationship and have both been tested for STDs, consider different methods of contraception like the pill. But choose what works for you, not just what your partner wants. It is your right to look after your body in this respect.

6. Know how to look hot in 60 seconds or less

Self confidence is a life skill that is definitely learnt. The best part is that looking hot has absolutely nothing to do with how you actually look – its all in your presentation. Find what works for you – a slick of lipstick and mascara is usually enough to perk you up, and make you feel better about yourself instantly. Discover your mantra, stand up straight and believe that you are the hottest girl in the room. It really works!

7. How to do your own tax

Be in charge of your finances and your body and you rule your own world. You don’t have to sit down and personally go over every item, but don’t give up the responsibility of this to anyone in the world. That includes accountants. I never entrust my finances 100% to anyone else under any circumstances. If you do choose to have an accountant do your end of financial year equations, double check everything. A mistake that is made in your name rests on your shoulders and you have no one else to blame. You have been warned!

8. Be irresponsible

As we mature its easy to fall into a rut of always being responsible. Take time to let go! You don’t always have to be the strong, mature one. It’s healthy to let your hair down once in a while and be a kid again. If this means going on holiday and dancing half naked at mardi gras – what’s the worst that could happen? Learn to say ‘no’ to taking on too much responsibility. You don’t have to prove to the world how you are the most grown up anymore – your ID card says that for you. Be like a private soldier – only responsible to yourself.

9. How to give (and receive) compliments

I love compliments! Unfortunately giving and receiving praise is actually harder than it sounds. Have you ever giving someone a compliment only to have them shrug you off? Did it make you want to give them more compliments? Not likely! To give a good compliment think about something about your complimentee. What do you like the most about them? Simply commenting on their shoes is too generic, instead, say something about their sense of style. Make it real by using eye contact and saying it in public. To receive a compliment, just say “thank you”. Don’t immediately return their compliment. Just be grateful for a moment. I like to write compliments down in a diary, to be savoured at a later date. Its great for your self confidence on a bad day.

10. Be honest

That hardest life skill of all. There are entire television series’ made about adult’s inability to be honest (remember seinfeld?). I do believe that if you can’t say anything nice, then don’t say anything at all. But at the same time, if someone asks for your opinion that is no reason to stay quiet. Being honest with others involves being able to stand by your opinions, and not alter your ideas to suit those around you. You can learn to sugar coat an honest opinion. If someone asks you if you like their new skirt, don’t just blurt out “its hideous”, go with something more peaceful, like “it’s not my favorite” or “i prefer your other one”. You can even say “it’s not very flattering”, its a much nicer way of saying “your butt looks huge in that!”

Images

AllPosters.com . Drowning Girlby Lichtenstein, Roy. Buy at AllPosters.com

Fix a tyre by Laurie York

Bad relationship by