Every time I interview a 40-something woman for 40:20 Vision I ask them what 3 “gifts” would they give a 20-something if they were a “Forty-Godmother”. Here are one woman’s gifts:
1. Be kind to your family but don’t let them direct your life. You can’t let them direct your. A lot of people really can’t let go of that feeling that you have to please your family. I would say stay close in your heart but you have to figure out what’s right for you and it’s not always what your parents think is the right choice.
2. Be financially astute. Save and plan. If you don’t know how to do it, get educated because I think that is one of the most important things you need to know in life. It’s not having the latest accessories, clothes, car, whatever. It’s about saving money and making an investment in your future.
3. Humor balanced with respect. In a long-term relationship, you have to respect what the other person is doing. As much as being the “love your life” is a big part of it, when it comes down to it, after 23 years you really need to have someone that you can function with on a daily basis, that you can rely on, you can trust and that you can laugh with at the absurdities of life.