Every woman should have:

 One 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 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 ...and a past juicy enough that she's looking forward to retelling it in her old age.

 The realization that she is actually going to have to have an old age... and some money set aside to fund it.

 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 resume that is not even the slightest bit padded.

 A feeling of control over her destiny.

 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.

 A solid start on a satisfying career, a satisfying relationship and all those other facets of life that do get better after 30.

Every woman should know:

 How to fall in love without losing herself.

 How she feels about having children.

 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.

 How to have a good time at a party she'd never choose to attend.

 How to ask for what she wants in a way that makes it most likely she'll get it.

 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's over.

 What she would and wouldn't do for love.

 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 here 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.