#3: Pay Attention To Who You Are
This may sound silly, but really, growing up is a process
of becoming more self-sufficient ? learning how to take
care of yourself and nurturing the insight and strength
to make good decisions that will get you where you want to
go. You're it ? everything ? so you need to take care
of your self-image right along with your laundry and your
checkbook.
Start to pay attention to yourself. What do you like? What
do you believe in? What makes you happy? What do you want?
Make lists. Get to know who you are. It sounds easy, but it's
really one of the hardest things in the world to do. And as
you practice knowing yourself, it becomes easier to know
what isn't working for you ? like a bad relationship.
If you do find yourself in a bad relationship, get rid of
it. Frankly, it's often easiest to get to know yourself
when you're alone (other people just make it harder
to hear your own voice). It can take a lot of courage to be
alone ? to know who you are as you, not in relation to somebody
else. Sometimes, when you don't trust that who you
are alone is enough, it can be the scariest thing in the world.
But rest assured, you are the key to your own happiness.
It's amazing how much more attractive, secure, and
desirable you feel when you know and respect yourself (that's
what we're talking about, after all). And as you stand
on your own feet, you'll find that you choose better
boyfriends or girlfriends, who are more likely to become
great partners.
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