The editors of Glamour created a book around the article “30 Things Every Woman Should Have and Should Know by the Time She’s 30″

Now, I’m not 30 yet but I’m getting darn close. Getting older doesn’t really bother me all that much, I’ve always said I would love to be a cranky old lady that can torment teenagers and chase people with my walking stick. It sounds like fun! Which is why I found it interesting to read “30 Things Every Woman Should Have And Should Know before 30.”

I find these lists amusing more than anything as it gives us all, even the over 30s, a chance to reassess our goals. Are we where we thought we’d be? Have we grown up and learnt from our mistakes? Or do you find yourself making similar mistakes over and over again? I know I do. I still find it difficult to take the extra 5-10 minutes it takes to wash up the dishes; I hate dusting and I despise having to fold away my clothes after doing the weekly washing. Let’s hope I grow out of this after 30 hey? You over 30s are sniggering, aren’t you?

The Huffington Post republished Glamour magazine’s 1997 story titled “30 Things Every Woman Should Have and Should Know by the Time She’s 30.” I know what you’re thinking… 1997 (what the hell?) but it’s still relevant so let’s go through them one by one, with some of my corrections – just for fun.

But, remember let’s take it with a grain of salt. Or sugar, you sweet tooth, you.

By 30, you should have…

1. One old boyfriend (or girlfriend) you can imagine going back to and one who reminds you of how far you’ve come.

I’ve got this. Let’s hope this makes me wise beyond my years! Yeah right.

2. A decent piece of furniture not previously owned by anyone else in your family.

If my dad paid for my new furniture from Freedom, this counts right?

3. Something perfect to wear if the employer or man of your dreams wants to see you in an hour.

Hmmm *runs to shops*

4. A purse, a suitcase, and an umbrella you’re not ashamed to be seen carrying.

Yes, but I want new stuff. New stuff is always better

5. A youth you’re content to move beyond.

Not quite.

6. A past juicy enough that you’re looking forward to retelling it in your old age. Or not.

Hopefully I will have conveniently forgotten by then. Damn that digital footprint… I’m in trouble.

7. The realisation that you are actually going to have an old age – and some money set aside to help fund it.

Old? Who are you calling old? I’m taking a leaf out of my mum’s book here “I’m not getting old”. Wise woman.

8. An email address, a voicemail box, and a bank account – all of which nobody has access to but you.

Tick, tick, tick. However, I would like an email butterfly that magically deletes all non-important emails or subscriptions that I somehow get, like the gazillion emails a day from Flight Centre.

9. A resume that is not even the slightest bit padded. Ahem.

My name is correct. That’s enough.

10. One friend who always makes you laugh and one who lets you cry.

Very important. I have both of these and more.

11. A set of screwdrivers, a cordless drill, and a black lace bra.

Cordless drill? I don’t speak this language. That’s what Hire A Hubby is for. The feminist in me is shaking her head.

12. Something ridiculously expensive that you bought for yourself, just because you deserve it.

This laptop. My iPad. My $300 jeans. All worth it.

13. The belief that you deserve it.

I’ll get there.

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.

St Ives scrub and sunscreen 30+ daily. Swim, cycle or walk 3 times a week. That’s good enough.

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

This section is *under construction*

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 man, 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 your great-grandmothers and the best tailor in town.

7. How to live alone, even if you don’t like to.

8. Where to go – be it your best friend’s kitchen table or a yoga mat – when your soul needs soothing.

9. That you can’t change the length of your legs, 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 apologise for something that isn’t your fault.

15. Why they say life begins at 30.

What’s on your personal list of things to have and know by the time you’re 30? Or if you’re over 30 – what advice do you have to give us that you would have told your younger self?

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