By 30, you should have: âąOne old boyfriend you can imagine going back to and one who reminds you of how far youâve come. âąA decent piece of furniture not previously owned by anyone else in your family. âąSomething perfect to wear if the employer or man of your dreams wants to see you in an hour. âąA purse, a suitcase and an umbrella youâre not ashamed to be seen carrying. âąA youth youâre content to move beyond. âąA past juicy enough that youâre looking forward to retelling it in your old age. âąThe realization that you are actually going to have an old ageâand some money set aside to help fund it. âąAn e-mail address, a voice mailbox and a bank accountâall of which nobody has access to but you. âąA rĂ©sumĂ© that is not even the slightest bit padded. âąOne friend who always makes you laugh and one who lets you cry. âąA set of screwdrivers, a cordless drill and a black lace bra. âąSomething ridiculously expensive that you bought for yourself, just because you deserve it. âąThe belief that you deserve it. âąA skin-care regimen, an exercise routine and a plan for dealing with those few other facets of life that donât get better after 30. âąA solid start on a satisfying career, a satisfying relationship and all those other facets of life that do get better. By 30, you should know: âąHow to fall in love without losing yourself. âąHow you feel about having kids. âąHow to quit a job, break up with a man and confront a friend without ruining the friendship. âąWhen to try harder and when to walk away. âąHow to kiss in a way that communicates perfectly what you would and wouldnât like to happen next. âąThe names of: the secretary of state, your great-grandmother and the best tailor in town. âąHow to live alone, even if you donât like to. âąHow to take control of your own birthday. âąThat you canât change the length of your calves, the width of your hips or the nature of your parents. âąThat your childhood may not have been perfect, but itâs over. âąWhat you would and wouldnât do for money or love. âąThat nobody gets away with smoking, drinking, doing drugs or not flossing for very long. âąWho you can trust, who you canât and why you shouldnât take it personally. âąNot to apologize for something that isnât your fault. Why they say life begins at 30.
Maya AngelouâąPamela Redmond Satran (via assshhhllleyyy)
