Be a Strong Independent Woman

Ladies need to stick together. Most men will not help you out without wanting something in return, so the only ones that we can turn to is ourselves. Read on to find out how to be a strong, independent woman!

Steps

 * 1) Have a strong handshake. Do not attempt to break the other person's hand, but do have a firm, solid grip.  Three handshakes should be enough.  If you shake more than that, the other person may see you as wanting something more or as being too clingy.
 * 2) Do not let anyone take advantage of you. This does not only apply to men, believe it or not.  Anyone and everyone is capable of being manipulative and/or a user.  Your boss, co-workers, peers, and the regular people you deal with everyday may try to take advantage of you at some point.  Do not become completely untrusting, though -- be smart about who you trust and who you do things for, and don't be afraid to say no, but don't suspect everyone of being out to get you!
 * 3) Realize that women have come a long way. Many people try to claim that a woman's job is in the home, taking care of the house, children, and their husband's needs far beyond their own.  And while it is true that they should have a part in all of this (as should a husband), a lot of women must work outside of the home to help provide for their families.  Less than a hundred years ago women had barely any rights, and now we are almost on the same level as men, if not equal.  This is a huge advancement that you should be proud of.  Women also have needs, too.  When they have had a hard day at work or are feeling down, they should be able to guiltlessly enjoy themselves and have "me" time every once in a while.
 * 4) Don't worry about men too much.  Yes, you may want a man in your life.  But, do you need one?  You've survived this long without one, so obviously it won't kill you to be single.  However, if you do not choose to be single, don't take men and their antics too seriously.  If he truly loves you and cares for you like he should, then you will never have to worry about every fight being the last one.
 * 5) Raise your self esteem. The majority of people with low self esteems are women.  You need to realize how smart, beautiful, and wonderfully made you are.  Think of all of the things you are capable of:  making and giving life, nourishing a child, being someone's rock and shelter.  Someone in this world needs you and loves you just the way you are.  Why not add another person to that list: you.
 * 6) Do not let people threaten you. Learn self-defense, take a karate class, something to teach you how to keep yourself from harm.  If someone is verbally threatening you, then go the correct authorities.  At school, that could be your teacher, principal, guidance counselor, or School Resource Officer.  At work, that would be your supervisor;  if your supervisor is the one doing it, then go to Human Resources or go to your supervisor's superior.  In extreme cases, the appropriate authority figure may be the police.  Do not be afraid to ask for help -- just because you're independent does not mean that you are stupid, and not asking for help is just that.
 * 7) Be your own self! Do not constantly try to look, act, or dress like someone you know or a celebrity.  You are unique for a reason/reasons.  If you were supposed to do everything that they do, then you would either be stuck to their hip or would be them.  Find your very own style, hobbies, and life in general.  You only get to be one person in the end, and that person is you.

Tips

 * It is not always easy to be strong. Things get you down, and that's okay.  You just can't let those things keep you down.  You can rise over anything with a little help and time.
 * Independence does not equal stupidity. If you need help, then ask for it.  There are some things that no one can do on their own.  The trick is to know the difference between those things and the just plain difficult ones.

Related Tips and Steps

 * How to Be an Individual
 * How to Live Life to the Fullest
 * How to Apply for a Job
 * How to Raise a Child