Pamela Redmond Satran is a writer for Glamour magazine. In 1997 she wrote a list that went utterly viral, before the word viral meant anything. This super popular article was entitled 30 Things Every Woman Should Have and Should Know by the Time She’s 30. And it became sensational. So much so that 15 years later, Glamour magazine gathered its editors and an incredible group of notable women to expand on each of the items on The List in wise, thoughtful, and intimate essays. Along with essays based on The List, writers share their feelings about what the milestone of turning thirty meant to them.
30 Things Every Woman Should Have and Should Know by the Time She’s 30
This collection of essays isn’t just for women approaching their upcoming 30th birthday. This is a perfect read for women who are 35, 55, 75, or 20 years old. The essays enclosed in the book are wonderful and absolutely heartwarming. I highly recommend to all my female friends, family, and readers. In the meantime… here’s The List!
By 30, You Should Have…
1. One old boyfriend you can imagine going back to and one who reminds you of how far you’ve come.
2. A decent piece of furniture not previously owned by anyone else in your family.
3. Something perfect to wear if the employer or man of your dreams wants to see you in an hour.
4. A purse, a suitcase and an umbrella you’re not ashamed to be seen carrying.
5. A youth you’re content to move beyond.
6. A past juicy enough that you’re looking forward to retelling it in your old age.
7. The realization that you are actually going to have an old age—and some money set aside to help fund it.
8. An e-mail address, a voice mailbox and a bank account—all of which nobody has access to but you.
9. A résumé that is not even the slightest bit padded.
10. One friend who always makes you laugh and one who lets you cry.
11. A set of screwdrivers, a cordless drill and a black lace bra.
12. Something ridiculously expensive that you bought for yourself, just because you deserve it.
13. The belief that you deserve it.
14. 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.
15. A 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…
1. How to fall in love without losing yourself.
2. How you feel about having kids.
3. How to quit a job, break up with a partner and confront a friend without ruining the friendship.
4. When to try harder and when to walk away.
5. How to kiss in a way that communicates perfectly what you would and wouldn’t like to happen next.
6. The names of: the secretary of state, your great-grandmother and the best tailor in town.
7. How to live alone, even if you don’t like to.
8. How to take control of your own birthday.
9. That you can’t change the length of your calves, the width of your hips or the nature of your parents.
10. That your childhood may not have been perfect, but it’s over.
11. What you would and wouldn’t do for money or love.
12. That nobody gets away with smoking, drinking, doing drugs or not flossing for very long.
13. Who you can trust, who you can’t and why you shouldn’t take it personally.
14. Not to apologize for something that isn’t your fault.
15. Why they say life begins at 30.
I really love this list, and of course the collection of essays bound together in a book that elaborate on each point. It’s such a wonderful read. I want to buy a copy for my grandmother, my mother, and my unborn daughter. And of course, all my girlfriends as well. Add it to your To-Read list!