This isn’t the same world that our mothers and grandmothers grew up in, and although some things never go out of style (like good manners), many things in the lives of women have drastically changed in the last half century. After the jump, 50 life skills every modern woman — at least if she’s between the age of, say, 22-66 — should be embracing in the year 2012:
1. Open a bottle of champagne. Like this.
2. Drink without getting a hangover the next morning. Tip: Line your stomach with bread, drink one glass of water for every glass of alcohol, and don’t drink more than three glasses of red wine.
3. Look good in a photo. Tip: Turn your head slightly to one side rather than look the camera head-on; stand (or sit) straight with your shoulders back; arch your back ever so slightly; don’t press your arms against your body; unless you have a prominent chin, stick it out just a little to accentuate your jawline.
4. Remove unwanted body hair the most effectively, painlessly, and affordable way possible for her.
5. Dump someone gracefully. Tip: Do it in person, if possible; get to the point quickly, choose a time when the other person isn’t expected somewhere any time soon (like work… or a wedding); give a reasonable explanation; answer whatever questions he or she may ask.
6. Write a sincere thank you note. Here’s a great how-to.
7. Set a lovely table, no matter how casual the meal is. Here are tips for setting a pretty table for a variety of occasions.
8. Wrap a gift anyone would be excited to open. Here’s a great how-to. I also like this one.
9. Find someone’s bridal/wedding/baby shower registry online. Tip: go to WeddingChannel.com and type in honoree’s name. You’ll find registries for a variety of stores. Do a “find a registry” search on Amazon, too.
10. Send a BCC group email.
11. Dress for her body type.
12. Graciously offer assistance to someone in need.
13. Book a vacation.
14. Hide a bad hair day.
15. Find the best deal. Tip: For big ticket items, always, always, always compare prices online. Then, do a “coupon” search and see if you can find a coupon code to save you even more money.
16. Write a kick-ass cover letter.
17. Hold a baby.
18. Make at least one great cocktail. Here’s an excellent recipe for a Vodka Gimlet, one of my favorites.
19. Start a conversation. Tip: ask people questions about themselves, like where they grew up, how they met their significant other, or how they know the host.
20. End a conversation. Tip: If you’re at a party, excuse yourself to the bathroom, pretend like you just saw someone you need to say hi to, or excuse yourself to call the babysitter. Saying you’re going to get a refill doesn’t work as well because the person could follow you or ask you get him or her a refill, too.
21. Pack everything she needs for a weekend getaway in one small bag. Here are some good tips.
22. Ask someone out. Tip: Don’t use ambiguous language like “hang out.” Have a specific activity and/or place in mind, even if it’s just coffee.
23. Invest her money.
24. Use Mapquest, Googlemaps, or some other 21st century version of direction-giving.
25. Pack her purse with essentials: cash, ID, keys, phone, breath mints, chapstick or lipgloss, and a book, newspaper, or crossword puzzle to keep her occupied during a long wait or when she’s trying to avoid someone on the train.
26. Prepare, order, or pay for a tasty and healthful dinner for herself and at least one guest. Here’s a recipe for one of the world’s easiest, healthiest — and tastiest — meals (pay special attention to #6).
27. Edit, upload, and print photos.
28. Perform the Heimlich, and CPR.
29. Choose a ripe fruit. Here you go.
30. Cook and carve a turkey (or tofurky, if you must).
31. Google her date.
32. Negotiate a salary and/or pay raise. This is how men do it, and women need to start negotiating more like men.
33. Bite her tongue when it’s appropriate to.
34. Get a passport.
35. Reserve a library book online.
36. Leave (or find) Yelp reviews.
37. Find the right bra.
38. Welcome a new neighbor or co-worker. Tip: Make a point to introduce yourself and give one piece of friendly advice, like where the best place is to grab lunch.
39. Get herself (and her partner) off.
40. Assemble furniture.
41. Figure out what to tip on a $27 bill.
42. Look for a way out (of a relationship, a job, or a crowded music fest full of hipsters).
43. Find a reputable repair person.
44. Give a sincere (or, at least sincere-sounding) apology.
45. When and how to say “no” firmly (but graciously when appropriate).
46. Organize a small party or dinner for a loved one.
47. Dry out her wet cell phone. Tip: turn it off and let it sit in a bowl or bag of rice overnight).
48. Change a tire (or find someone who can do it for her).
49. Give herself a breast exam. Like this!
50. Ask for help when she needs it.
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katie May 29, 2012, 12:18 pm
i really need to learn how to pack a small bag. im so terrible at that. i end up just throwing almost everything i think i might need in the most dramatic situation in a huge suitcase and everything gets mixed up and everything…. yikes.
lets_be_honest May 29, 2012, 12:43 pm
You are not the only one. Girl scouts motto of always being prepared makes me feel better about my over-packing.
kerrycontrary May 29, 2012, 3:26 pm
Lets_be_honest this is why I carry a first aid kit and sleeping bag in the trunk of my car. Thanks, girl scouts for instilling the fear of freezing to death and/or getting a snake bite at any time of year.
jlyfsh May 29, 2012, 12:44 pm
i keep a set of zip lock bags in my suitcase so that i can separate everything. it really does help! that and i always bring a small mesh bag for already worn underwear/socks.
Taylor May 29, 2012, 12:20 pm
Good list, and great “how to” links!
Art May 29, 2012, 12:33 pm
Except for 37 and 49, I object to the “women” label. This is a list of skills any modern adult should know.
lets_be_honest May 29, 2012, 12:42 pm
Don’t hate on man-ssieres
Art May 29, 2012, 12:43 pm
It’s a bro! Broooooooo!
savannah May 29, 2012, 1:22 pm
Men can get breast cancer too and it’s often discovered in later stages because men and their Drs don’t check it out more regularly so I’d leave 49 on your adult list, with a different link perhaps.
Taylor May 29, 2012, 3:37 pm
37 could be modified to know your correct clothing size – don’t be afraid to tailor things to the correct length or waist size. This would apply to men and women =)
GatorGirl May 29, 2012, 4:10 pm
Or rather than know your size- know how things are supposed to fit and what can be tailored to fit you. Sizing can be subjective. And tailors are amazing.
Emily May 29, 2012, 12:31 pm
I also like to start a conversation by giving a compliment, “oh, I love your shoes! Where did you get them?” 🙂
SweetPeaG May 29, 2012, 1:05 pm
My favorite go-to when I am not sure what to say. It never hurts to give a (genuine) compliment!
bethany May 29, 2012, 1:47 pm
I used to use this line on girls all the time as a way to scope them out for my guy friends. They’d see a girl they thought was cute, I’d walk up and compliment her shoes/bag/whatever and see how she reacted and talked to her a bit… Then I’d give my friends the thumbs up or down.
savannah May 29, 2012, 1:54 pm
my friend in boston gets paid to do exaclty that. not for her friends but for men who hire her to help them meet women.
bethany May 29, 2012, 2:51 pm
I could totally do that job! Or at least I could have 10 years ago when I satayed up past 10:30pm.
Lili May 29, 2012, 3:12 pm
OMG I want to do this! Seriously. I do it now kinda for my girl friends, but I like talking to girls more in general.
sarita_f May 29, 2012, 9:20 pm
Yeah. Soooooo… how do you get on this gravy train? I could TOTALLY do that.
theattack May 30, 2012, 1:32 am
What do you look for exactly?
lets_be_honest May 29, 2012, 12:41 pm
#2, maybe edit for idiots like me who pictured lining the OUTSIDE of your stomach with bread. I really thought you were about to share some new trick of remembering to eat bread if you tape it to your stomach or something. Then I realized I was very, very dumb.
#13, if that were easier, I’d probably go on more vacations.
#18, just don’t do the 50/50 rule. Quick way to get your SO’s mom passed out drunk accidentally. I’ll try your gimlet recipe. 🙂
#37, still working on that 🙁
This was great Wendy. I’ll be sharing with my sisters.
I do love a “prettily” wrapped gift, and handwritten thank you notes.
HmC May 29, 2012, 2:04 pm
That LW from the other day ruined the word “prettily” for me. Not that I ever used it before… but now it just makes me think of her flouncing around breaking hearts. 😛
ktfran May 29, 2012, 12:42 pm
#44 – How to give a sincere apology. Can someone give an example? I think I do ok, but could easily use a few pointers in this department.
kerrycontrary May 29, 2012, 3:24 pm
I think it means being able to verbally recognize what you did wrong aka “I realize I hurt your feeling when I went to the Maroon 5 concert instead of showing up to your 30th birthday party”, actually saying the words “I’m sorry” or “I apologize”, and looking someone in the eye (unless you have aspergers, in which case its OK). Don’t say your sorry just to move past an argument or appease someone, you need to really mean it. Unless you don’t think you are wrong then you just need to agree to disagree and if they can’t move past it then it’s their problem.
lets_be_honest May 29, 2012, 12:46 pm
#51. Get a magazine subscription from Real Simple or something like it. I’ve done this recently and really enjoy sitting on my porch with a glass of wine and the hologram Addie I made.
katie May 29, 2012, 12:55 pm
hologram addie… priceless. lol every home needs one of these.
Addie Pray May 29, 2012, 3:18 pm
For real!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sorry I’m late for the game. But I had an interview all morning…. and I nailed it. [Famous last words.]
Addie Pray May 29, 2012, 3:26 pm
That sounds LOVERLY!
GatorGirl May 29, 2012, 1:03 pm
I would add to #17 – change a baby’s diaper, feed and burp a baby.
And every woman should know how to bake a cake. Even a pre-mixed box cake.
katie May 29, 2012, 1:52 pm
i think i’d add both of those to the column of every person, not just women.
i was telling my boyfriend about all my adventures learning about my friends one month old this past weekend, and he knew nothing. not that he has ever had the chance really to gain that experience, so not that you can really fault him for it, but i really believe thats a skill everyone needs to know, especially after this weekend and being around a baby. i mean what if you found a baby in like a dumpster or something and you didnt know what to do? you know?
GatorGirl May 29, 2012, 2:09 pm
I wrote my comment before the discussion about this is an everyone should know list… but I definitely agree. Any person should know basic baby care and how to bake a cake.
katie May 29, 2012, 3:13 pm
yea, sorry, i didnt mean for it to sound that way. mostly i was just really surprised at my boyfriends complete non-knowledge of baby things.
GatorGirl May 29, 2012, 4:08 pm
My fiance is clueless about baby stuff. He wouldn’t even know where to begin to burp or change a baby. We definitely need to find some to interact with before we have our own!
katie May 29, 2012, 4:14 pm
i feel the same way… he was just sayin that i’ll have to hold all the babies (like his new neice/nephew, not our own) and i was like- no. you are going to learn how to take care of a baby. thats ridiculous
Kare May 29, 2012, 10:11 pm
Obviously if you found a baby in a dumpster, you would take him to get a tan so he can be in commercials.
LlamaPajamas February 18, 2014, 3:48 pm
That was one of my favorite episodes! But really they’re all gold.
Taurwen May 29, 2012, 2:00 pm
I must say, my babysitting days are over and I don’t see kids in my future. I have no need to know how to hold/feed/burp/change/bath/whatever a baby.
lets_be_honest May 29, 2012, 2:05 pm
So true. I mean, once you decide to never have kids and you aren’t a 13 y/o babysitter, you will surely never come in contact with an infant ever again.
GatorGirl May 29, 2012, 2:11 pm
I disagree. Chances are someone in your life will have a small child at some point. A sibling, a close friend, heck a co-worker. You never know when a baby might end up on your lap. Or as kaite said above you could find a baby in a dumpster or on the subway.
redessa May 29, 2012, 2:11 pm
Your friends, family or neighbors may have children and ask you to watch them for a minute, or an afternoon. You might be their last ditch person but you could still get a call in an emergency.
Since you said you used to babysit, you probably know enough, but for someone who doesn’t it’s probably a good thing to learn just in case.
CatsMeow May 29, 2012, 2:21 pm
Uhh… is anyone else feeling inadequate? Or is it just me? Seriously, I can’t do half these things.
And how come guys are off the hook? GUYS! Learn these things. Because obviously your 30-year-old buddy Cats can’t help you if you need it.
lets_be_honest May 29, 2012, 2:22 pm
Oh I bet you can do a lot of these, and the others are easily learned.
JK May 29, 2012, 2:25 pm
I got 29/50. But I guess a lot aren´t really applicable to me. 🙂
CatsMeow May 29, 2012, 2:29 pm
But at least there are links. I can learn too.
Seriously, though. I’m terrible at wrapping presents (I make my brother do it at Christmas), I don’t have a passport, EVERY day is a bad hair day, I almost killed the last baby I tried to hold, and I don’t even have a table to set. I can’t cook, so forget the turkey, and I have no idea how to entertain guests beyond “Hey, come over and have a few beers with me.” Also, I ALWAYS overpack and I’m terrible at dumping. Gah! And I only get breast exams when my OBGYN does it.
I do have very well-fittnig bras, though. That’s a plus. I’m certified in CPR and first aid (though I’ve never had to use it). I’ve asked guys out. I can get myself off. I’m a good tipper, I can change a tire, and I can assemble furniture. But for the other stuff… where should I start??
CatsMeow May 29, 2012, 2:31 pm
OH and I always make someone else open champagne. It scares me.
lets_be_honest May 29, 2012, 2:42 pm
Well now that you point those out, I feel like a loser too! Things to remember:
there will always be someone willing to help you open champagne.
at least you have hair
you can get a passport when you need one. its a lot less depressing than having one expire before you use it.
i can’t cook either. i think my friends prefer me inviting them to drink rather than eat. chips are food, right?
me not being able to change a tire reminds me that I have wonderful friends who come to my aid when I have a flat
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gmAReOklwNY
6napkinburger May 29, 2012, 3:54 pm
No no get a passport!! I am a huge believer that everyone should have a passport! They last 10 years, so the frequency with which they expire inconveniently is not very high and renewing them is INCREDIBLY easy. (I just did it).
I actually carry my passport around with me. (Habit I picked up while travelling.) You really don’t want the freedom to be able to blow this popsicle stand if your best friend offers you a ticket for a month from now? Or tomorrow? You want the issue to be your VISA and not your visa? If you can afford a passport, everyone should have a passport!
SpaceySteph May 30, 2012, 10:46 am
I agree about blowing this popsicle stand. And not just if your friend invites you on a trip. What about if the economy starts going to shit or they start hunting your kind down and putting them in concentration camps. Sure it’s home of the free blah blah blah, but you never know when you might need to GTFO.
GatorGirl May 29, 2012, 3:00 pm
Opening champagne isn’t that bad. You just slowly twist the cork with the bottle at a tiny angle. If you do it just right it hardly pops. I had to learn back when I was a bartender and now I find it sort of fun. Yes I am a total weird-o.
ktfran May 29, 2012, 4:43 pm
I use a towel to help me. It gives me a better grip and makes me less afraid of the pop. Try it!
SpaceySteph May 30, 2012, 10:46 am
Key is to hold from the bottom and not the neck. I actually do all the champagne opening in my relationship. My dad taught me well.
Fabelle May 29, 2012, 3:04 pm
Nope, I’m also feeling like an incomplete person right now! I can’t wrap presents (that’s what gift bags are for!), open champagne, hold a baby (I mean, I guess I could? but I never have, & the idea terrifies me), or even remove unwanted body hair effectively (I’ve stuck with shaving, even though it’s always been irritating to my skin)
I can pack a small bag & cook dinner, though?
applescruff May 29, 2012, 2:22 pm
Thanks for the negotiating salary article. That was good timing for me. 🙂
ginger May 29, 2012, 2:40 pm
For me too! I recently had my annual review where my boss said “I definitely want to pay you more” and then never gave me an actual amount. The tips will def help the sit down to sort out what that actually meant.
Kristina May 29, 2012, 2:54 pm
I really like a lot of the things on this list. I feel like I have a good grasp on many of those things already 🙂
I’m still working on biting my tongue when I need to. I always feel the need to speak up when I don’t HAVE to say something, and people don’t always like to hear the truth, which is unfortunate.
lets_be_honest May 29, 2012, 2:56 pm
I only learned this at 29ish. Hardest thing to learn on the list.
Addie Pray May 29, 2012, 3:21 pm
There’s only about 10 or so on the list I haven’t done. As for No. 38 (welcoming a new neighbor), I was very welcoming with my new (hot) neighbor! Maybe too welcoming. Don’t be *that* welcoming to your new neighbor. That’s all.
SpaceySteph May 30, 2012, 10:47 am
Hey Addie, the house next to me is on the market. If you know what I mean.
kerrycontrary May 29, 2012, 3:27 pm
37 is SO important. Finding the right bra will make you look thinner and younger. Now that I wear the correct size and fit (and your size is probably bigger than you think) I can tell when people are wearing the wrong bra.
Taylor May 29, 2012, 3:36 pm
An addition to that – if you are unsure of your bra size, get fitted – but not at Victoria’s Secret!
katie May 29, 2012, 3:39 pm
i was so dissappointed when i was fitted there… i was all, im going to get my correct size today and all my problems are going to go away!!
she just did it right there when i asked about it. right over my (presumably not correctly sized) bra and shirt. that cant be accurate. it was over in like 8 seconds.
rachel May 29, 2012, 3:45 pm
The last time I got measured at Victoria’s Secret, I’m pretty sure they just lied to me to convince me I could fit into their bras.
katie May 29, 2012, 3:51 pm
did you try on the size they suggested?
rachel May 29, 2012, 4:03 pm
Yeah. Didn’t work out so great. I was looking for a strapless bra at the time, and those need to fit extra well. Just a bit spilling out on top when there are straps can be dealt with…not so much if there’s nothing else holding it up.
6napkinburger May 29, 2012, 3:50 pm
Yeah. To be really fitted well, it has to be awkward with you topless with an older woman who does not seem to have any boundaries. I jest, but really, that’s the best way. I’m going to do that when I move… new city, new bras.
katie May 29, 2012, 3:52 pm
thats what i was expecting!! lame.
6napkinburger May 29, 2012, 3:57 pm
Go to an old lady underwear store. You only have to buy 1 to find out your size. (or none at all).
Also, good bras really are expensive. It’s a sad fact of life. (I haven’t subscribed yet, but I think I will soon). They really will run you $50-100 for a true quality bra (not “lingerie” and not VS — im not talking about calvin klein or la perla — real bras). But when you think about it, its like shoes. You wouldn’t go marathon running in $12 flip-flops — you buy the proper equipment.
rachel May 29, 2012, 4:04 pm
Haha, I like the marathon analogy. I bet my bras feel like they are running a marathon…
AnotherWendy May 29, 2012, 7:07 pm
I went to a Maidenform outlet store and the woman was awesome. Took my daughter there too the first time she needed a real bra, and although a different woman measured her, she did a great job fitting her too.
Tracey May 29, 2012, 5:00 pm
I’d add know how to do basic home repairs. I have an old home and so far I’ve installed a new tub drain, hung mini blinds, sanded old wallpaper off my dining room walls, took up carpet, put down floor tiles, painted several rooms, patched cracked plaster, installed locks, changed furnace filters (easy yes, but figuring out how to open the latch to get to the old filter…that was the trick) and caulked windows. It’s a very good feeling to be able do some basic things in your house or apartment…it’s also good to know your limitations. I can’t put in faucets, install anything electrical, or hang drywall, so if that work needs to be done, then it’s time to call a pro. That said, I’ve found a day at Home Depot or Lowe’s can be just as fun as a day at DSW or the spa.
lets_be_honest May 29, 2012, 5:09 pm
As an addition to your advice, I’d add know when to ask for help. I tried to change a light fixture on my porch “because I am strong woman, need no men.” Well that ended in electrocution. 🙂
Tracey May 30, 2012, 1:45 pm
Almost had the same thing happen to me when helping install a ceiling fan in my dining room…lesson learned!
AnotherWendy May 29, 2012, 7:10 pm
Yes! Like how to stop a running toilet, unplug a toilet, fix a slow tub drain and a leaky faucet. I have a great book called Chicks Can Fix and use it often!
Tracey May 30, 2012, 1:46 pm
I’m going to look that one up…there’s always something breaking down in an old house.
CatsMeow May 29, 2012, 7:22 pm
I agree that these are good things to know. I’m not yet a homeowner, however, so I haven’t really had to do very much other than deal with obnoxious toilets (I swear I’ve had way more toilet issues than the average person).
Tracey May 30, 2012, 1:49 pm
You may be ahead of the curve. If it’s taught you how to use a wrench, use deduction skills, take something apart and put it back together, then you’re well on the way to knowing how to fix other stuff.
That reminds me of one other thing I’ve learned how to do – hang a toilet paper roll. I just knew there would be a self stick roll thingy on the market, but there isn’t. Someone needs to invent that….
jlyfsh May 30, 2012, 10:52 am
Would you like to come help me do these things at my new house, haha. I have a feeling I am going to be spending a lot of time at Lowe’s and googling how to do things for awhile!
Tracey May 30, 2012, 1:53 pm
I’ll trade work with you…I have to work on my kitchen in the fall. Lowe’s and I are going to be best friends. Shame they don’t sell patience. Here’s a tip for you…buy more than you think you’ll need and keep receipts. It’s easier to take things back for a refund than it is to have to make a last minute run in the middle of painting/patchingcutting/drilling. And you can NEVER have too many pairs of work gloves. The five pack of gloves with the rubber grip for $5 will be a lifesaver.
jlyfsh May 30, 2012, 3:42 pm
i will remember to buy more and take back if i have to! and i don’t have any of those gloves so i need to invest in some! i would trade work with you, but you might be a little too far away from south carolina 😉
bittergaymark May 29, 2012, 6:54 pm
The SMALL BAG concept is by far the most important thing on this list. My best travel buddy drags way too much shit along whenever we travel and then, somehow, never has a decent thing to wear anyway. Seriously, it astounds me every time. How she can bring so much and yet have nothing that makes much sense wardrobe wise… I’ve actually had plenty of gay guys in my life unable to figure this one out either… It’s perhaps my biggest pet peeve.
d2 May 29, 2012, 11:30 pm
I initially misread #18 as “Vodka Giblet”. That conjured up a completely different image…
jlyfsh May 30, 2012, 10:50 am
I will also add learn to pack up your house and coordinate a move. And how to purge!
Kristina May 30, 2012, 1:59 pm
I have to be out of my apartment Friday and I haven’t even started packing. Oh my. Though I think I am pretty good at moving.
rachel May 30, 2012, 2:03 pm
My new job is going to pay for movers! Actual movers to pack all my shit up! I’m so excited.
jlyfsh May 30, 2012, 3:40 pm
ahh yes we are using movers to actually do the moving. i wanted to still pack up my own things, mainly because i really needed to purge before packing! it is nice to know that on sunday i don’t have to lift a finger!
Rachel May 30, 2012, 3:46 pm
The company I have to go through specifies that their insurance won’t cover things that they don’t pack themselves. So I’ll bring my clothes in my car (who wants movers’ hands all over my clothes?) and let them handle the rest!
Rachel May 30, 2012, 3:47 pm
It’s making me less want to spend the time to purge, since I don’t have to do any of the lifting, haha.
Tracey May 30, 2012, 3:15 pm
That sounds like one very cool job. Congrats!
Rachel May 30, 2012, 3:38 pm
Thanks! I just have to actually finish my degree so I’m qualified for it, haha.
SpaceySteph May 30, 2012, 1:54 pm
I WISH I did not know how to pack up and move. Alas, in the last 4 years I have moved 5 times. Once with only a week notice due to some shady circumstances.
Tracey May 30, 2012, 1:56 pm
Ooh, that’s a good one! You can never label (or plan) too much or use too much bubble wrap. And watching an episode of “Hoarding: Buried Alive” will make anyone begin to pitch and purge!
SpaceySteph May 30, 2012, 10:49 am
#18… does Sangria count? What about mimosa? If not, then I fail this one.
Yes, my only cocktail trick is mixing fruit juice with some kind of wine.
liz madden February 18, 2014, 10:45 am
How about putting in your list- Education, Employment, advancement in work, being comfortable with yourself, equality, (expecting that your other half also knows how to make the table look pretty), embracing body hair – after-all we are born with it! oh god. I feel sad for the modern woman today if this is what you aspire to be.
Dear Wendy February 18, 2014, 11:05 am
You sound like a barrel of laughs.
LlamaPajamas February 18, 2014, 3:56 pm
I wouldn’t put education and work advancement (two things that are very important to me) in the same list as these life skills. I’m a staunchly feminist, modern gal and I really like this list. And I agree with the other commenters that these are skills that are just as applicable to men. I took this as a list of good skills to learn rather than a list of skills that define my identity.
Sara February 18, 2014, 6:11 pm
I think that having a great cover letter and being able to negotiate a reasonable salary speak to employment and advancement. The difference I see is that Wendy’s skill lists is more specific than directions such as “employment” and “being comfortable with yourself.” I, personally, do better with specific goals than abstract goals. In addition, I’m not sure how how your list and Wendy’s list are exclusive. Aren’t skills like being able to change a tire and read map part of what makes me an equal partner in my own relationships? If I am educated, employed, comfortable with myself, and feel equality in my relationships does that mean that I don’t have unwanted body hair?
Northern Mermaid February 18, 2014, 4:12 pm
Aside from the bra and breast exams, these are all pretty gender neutral. And it’s “unwanted” body hair. Maybe you like your leg hair, but aren’t so keen on your chin hairs. Maybe you want your body hair.
Liz Madden February 18, 2014, 5:24 pm
Wendy darling, the laugh is on you if you think these are the 50 skills every modern woman should have. Good luck with them. Have a great afternoon 🙂
rachel February 18, 2014, 5:26 pm
It’s 50 skills, not THE 50 skills. Clearly you lack both reading comprehension and a sense of humor.
Addie Pray February 18, 2014, 5:29 pm
Oh oh oh I vote for “Wendy darling” becoming a thing! What do you say, Wendy darling?
rachel February 18, 2014, 5:30 pm
I picture someone saying it with a cigarette holder in their mouth, like in some old movie.
Addie Pray February 18, 2014, 5:32 pm
Yes! Joan Crawford, hands down.
Addie Pray February 18, 2014, 5:38 pm
For real, I think this site needs to change its name to Dear Wendy Darling. Or even Dear Wendy Dawling for more drama. And then Drew needs to draw a cigarette holder in Wendy’s hand oh oh oh and a puff of smoke forming a halo around her head. WHY, WHY HAS THIS NOT HAPPENED YET.
Dear Wendy February 18, 2014, 8:37 pm
I want Dear Wendy Darling to be a cocktail. A tequila cocktail! With a dash of pomegranate juice. And a slash of spritzer.
LlamaPajamas February 18, 2014, 9:37 pm
I’m going to drink a Wendy Darling cocktail the next time I need to pluck my unwanted (oh, so unwanted!) neck and chin hairs.
applescruffs February 18, 2014, 10:42 pm
I have pomegranate juice…hmm.
Cassie February 19, 2014, 12:34 am
And yet “Wendy darling” has her own successful website with a wide following that you yourself have read and commented on. And you have…?
shanshantastic February 19, 2014, 10:22 am
Righteous indignation and a misplaced superiority complex. And obviously not enough tequila.
Cassie February 19, 2014, 6:59 pm
🙂
Miss MJ February 18, 2014, 5:30 pm
Is there something in the water?
Northern Mermaid February 18, 2014, 9:12 pm
Wendy Darling makes me think of Peter Pan 🙂