20 Things I Want My Daughter to Know

I read a blog post today called "100 Things I Want to Teach My Daughter" and I have to say I was a little disappointed by a lot of the cheesy "lessons" it included. Is it really necessary to "dance while you do laundry"? Go ahead and do it if you like, but it seems to me that there are so many things that I feel a real urgency to teach my daughter. These are truths I've learned for myself... many times by a series of hard-knocks. This is what I want my daughter to know:

1. Just because it's a "boy" thing doesn't mean you can't try it. Or like it. Or thrive doing it.
2. Being perfect is boring. Celebrate your weaknesses as much as your strengths. It's what gives you personality.
3. Don't be in a hurry to get married. You change so much from the time you graduate high school through your mid-twenties that you'll be shocked at how different you become. Use all those extra years to be free, have fun, and see what's out there. It's the only time you have to do whatever you want.
4. Be financially smart. Live within your means. Don't use a credit card. Save for the things you want. Financial holes are really hard to dig yourself out of. These financial rules may be old, but they work.
5. Do things for people because you want to, not because you expect something in return. It'll save you a lot of heartache and resentment.
6. When choosing who you want to be with for the rest of your life, make sure they'd "swim across a shark infested lake to get you a lemonade." And make sure you'd do the same for them.
7. Smile and be nice. You'll be surprised how far that gets you in life.
8. Treat others how you'd like to be treated.
9. Take care of yourself. Exercise, put make-up on & do your hair, put on real clothes. It'll do wonders for your self-esteem.
10. Expectations are the seed of disappointment.
11. The only person you can change is yourself.
12. Don't worry about things you can't control. Change/fix/control what you can and forget about the rest.
13. Look out for #1. If you don't treat yourself well and lookout for you, nobody will. Don't lose yourself in somebody else. Know what you like, do what you like, do things because YOU want to.
14. Don't take anybody's word for it. Develop your own opinions about people and things. Otherwise you're sure to miss out on a lot of good relationships and experiences.
15. Spend your time doing things you like. No sense in wasting your life doing things you think you "should" do.
16. Be self-sufficient. Learn how to cook & clean. Educate yourself. Be able to make your own money.
17. Try not to put too much stock in the events of your adolescence. Friends, situations, relationships, and looks are fleeting. It's not as horrible as it seems and it'll get much better. Really.
18. Ask for help.
19. Try new things. Food, experiences, friends... it'll keep you from getting bored and you'll find new favorite things and talents in the process.
20. You'll always be loved by your parents no matter what. If it makes you happy, it makes us happy. We'll always be proud to call you our daughter.