1. Change a Flat Tire

Thankfully, I’ve only had to do this twice. It’s not fun, and it’s not as easy as it looks, but you really ought to know how to do this! First make sure your car or truck is equipped with a spare and a jack. If you have a flat, pull over somewhere safe and turn on your hazard lights. Loosen the lug nuts on the flat tire. Place the jack according to the directions (it’s different for every car), jack the car up, and then remove the loose lug nuts. Take off the flat. Put the spare on, and put the lug nuts on. Don’t tighten them completely yet! Lower the car back down, then tighten the lug nuts. Put the flat tire and the spare away, and voila! You’ve changed a flat!

2. Write a Thank You Note

Sadly, this is becoming a lost art. When someone does a kindness, or gives you a gift, it’s a very good idea to send a thank-you note. It doesn’t have to be lengthy, or over-done. It can be simple, like, “thank you for watering my plants while I was gone.” Or, “Thank you for the beautiful tea-pot… I’d love to have you over next weekend so we can enjoy a cup together.”

3. Take a Compliment

This one isn’t easy, but it’s something we all have to learn. When someone compliments you, be gracious and say thank you. Don’t feel you have to explain… if someone compliments your shoes, you don’t have to say where they came from, or how little you paid for them. Just say thank you. And smile. And mean it.

4. Apologize

No-one is perfect. We all make mistakes, and sometimes, those mistakes can inconvenience or hurt someone. When you’ve made a mistake, own up to it and apologize. It’s best to apologize as quickly as you can, and it only counts if you’re sincere.

5. Cook a Guy-catching Meal

Sure, take-out is easy and going out to dinner is even easier, but every woman should know how to cook at least one meal that’s guaranteed to impress a man. It doesn’t have to be complicated or even gourmet; it just has to be something men typically enjoy. Roast beef and potatoes, angel hair pasta with prosciutto and artichoke hearts, dig up some recipes and work on your guy-catching meals repertoire!

6. Wrap a Gift

This isn’t an art I’ve quite mastered yet, but I’m learning. If you’re going to give a gift, I suppose you could just throw it in a gift bag with some tissue, or you could knock the recipient’s socks off with a gift that looks almost too nice to open! Don’t opt for one of those hinky plastic bows, either… use raffia or a real ribbon to top it off!

7. Enjoy Sex

Why bother with sex if you’re not going to enjoy it? Every woman ought to know what will please her, and how. She also ought to know how to help her partner get it right without getting embarrassed. Life is too short for bad sex, especially when you could be sleeping!

8. Sew a Button

My dry cleaner is fantastic. They clean and press clothes, and even do repairs and alterations, including reattaching buttons. They charge $3 each for this service. Does anyone actually use it? Everyone ought to know how to sew on a button, right?

9. Dump a Guy

Along with apologizing and taking a compliment, every woman ought to know how to gracefully end a relationship. It’s not easy, especially when you know the poor guy is attached, but it must be done head-on. It’s best to do it in person, or at least over the phone; never, ever end a relationship over text message, e-mail, or Facebook! Be straight-forward and honest, and don’t feel bad. He deserves someone who adores him, and if you don’t, then it’s time to move on, for both of your sakes!

10. Make Friends

As we get older, it becomes more difficult to make friends, unless you know how! When you’re in a new place or a new situation, don’t close yourself off and sit in a corner. Make eye contact when someone speaks to you, ask questions, and be friendly!

These are just a few things very woman ought to know how to do. My grandmother adds that every woman ought to know how to bake a loaf of bread from scratch and diaper a baby, but that’s not on the top of my list. What do you think we all ought to know how to do? What does your grandmother say? Please let me know!