From 1997 Glamour

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 (YES), a suitcase (YES), and an umbrella (OK) 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 email address (YES), a voice mailbox (DON'T NEED IT), and a bank account (YES) — 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 (YES) 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 (I KEEP GETTING IT WRONG).
• ✔ 2. How you feel about having kids.
• 3. How to quit a job, break up with a man (+ HOW TO TAKE BEING BROKEN UP WITH), 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-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 apologize for something that isn’t your fault.
• 15. Why they say life begins at 30