How to Be a Happy Single Woman

Hey, beautiful! Feeling a little down in the dumps 'cause it's a Saturday night and it seems the whole world is paired off except you? Well, snap out of it!!! Sistah Elaine is here to help. With these 10 easy steps you'll soon be feeling so fine and full of yourself you'll soon realize that a man is just the icing on your cake!

Things You'll Need

• A new attitude

Instructions

1. Make the most of your career or find a new one. If the career track you are presently following leaves you a little less than thrilled, change it. If the position for senior copy writer suddenly becomes available, go for it. If your dream is to be a writer, don't dream, write! The idea is not to wait for the sudden appearance of "Mr. Wonderful" to make you happy or give you confidence. True self confidence comes from personal achievement, and in today's competitive world, personal achievement is primarily defined by having a successful career. So if your 9 to 5 job is starting to feel like 9 to infinity, then it's time to kick that job to the curb and find a new one!

2. Take the time to decorate your living space the way you always wanted. Make the space you are living in as perfect as you can. Do not deny yourself that antique white Victorian lace comforter thinking that you would rather buy it when you have a conjugal bed to put it on. Remember this is your retreat from the outside world and whatever items catch your eye should immediately occupy a loving place in your home without a moment's thought or hesitation.

3. Look for quality friendships, not quantity. Friends are the people that add color and excitement to our lives. Unfortunately, it is in times of sorrow or need that most friendships are severely tested. Therefore when choosing someone as a potential "sistah" it is best to remember that a friend is more than just someone to hang out with. True friends give us the nurturing when we need to grow and the courage when it's best to stay the same.

4. Think of dating as an adventure. The secret to happy dating is to not have any expectations. Do not think of this man as a potential lover, potential husband, potential friend or potential anything. Just think of him as someone that you have never met before and, girl, just like Mata Hari, your goal is to learn all you can about him. Then slowly go on from there and soon you just may find yourself to be pleasantly surprised. You may find yourself your very own George Clooney.

5. Have fun with your appearance. Being single is the one time when you can change your appearance as often as some people change their underwear and you don't have to be concerned with someone else's opinion. So, if you are a brunette and always wanted to try life as a blonde, now is the time to do it. If you have long flowing hair and want to try a short, sassy cut, then girl, run to that barbershop and tell him to clip away! If the results are less than wonderful, no one will be there to remind you and no one will ever have to know. (Girl, that's why they invented hats!) If, however, you turn out looking absolutely fabulous, then go out there and paint the town red, white and YOU!

6. Control your spending habits. As single women who only have ourselves to rely on for financial support, getting a handle on our expenses is vital. But for many women, the idea of curbing their spending habits seems as unlikely as marrying Johnny Depp. While the dream is quite nice, that's all it turns out to be. But all you really need is the determination to pay all your present bills, the awareness of how you spend your money every month and the discipline to think before you purchase. And once you master these skills, you'll see your bank account filling up in no time!

7. Indulge in some private time. After working all week at our great career, spending time with our true friends and going out on all our great dates, a single woman can get awfully burnt out. This is why setting aside some private time is so important. Private time not only allows us to recoup our energy, but if spent properly, we can make ourselves feel quite pampered. Before we can "take care of business," we need to take care of ourselves. And setting aside at least an hour per day to do so is the best thing we can ever do for ourselves. Some ideal private time "escapes" include: taking a long bubble bath, listening to your favorite CD over and over or treating yourself to breakfast in bed. Whatever it is that takes you away from your world for just a little while, just do it and do it proud!

8. Work that body. A healthy body is the key to looking and feeling beautiful. Nothing encourages a beautiful body more than exercise. Along with toning you physically, exercise has also been proven to tone you mentally. Researchers have discovered that even after a mild work-out, creativity levels soared-all the more reason to exercise. So whether you prefer low-impact aerobics or a 12-mile jog, don't just sit there thinking about it-get that beautiful body moving!

9. Expand your horizons. In today's fast-paced society, knowledge is the way to get ahead. And nowhere is knowledge more beneficial than in the lives of single women. Whether learning about the latest tax shelter or checking out the latest art exhibit, the more you know, the more productive your life can be. Of course another good reason for acquiring knowledge is the way you will feel both fulfilled and confident. So read newspapers, watch at least two news shows per week, go to a museum or take a class. In other words, work that beautiful brain!

10. Appreciate all the really wonderful things you are. Whether we are striking 5'10" blondes or cute 5'2" brunettes, we ALL deserve to be loved. But before we can receive love, we need to feel love-love of self. Love of self happens when we accept ourselves for who we are-the good and the not so good. While it is easy to appreciate our good qualities, it is when we are thinking negatively that the following words must be remembered: ALL of us on this planet are special and we ALL deserve the best that life has to offer! Once we realize this, the world can become our oyster! Now go out there and strut your stuff!