Since last week, I have been compiling a few 'rules for my one-day daughter.' They aren't witty and brilliant like the author of Rules For My Unborn Son, they are just the written form of a lot of 'hmming' over the past years. Lessons I'd like to pass on to my daughter one day.

1. Always wear a tank top under a button-up.
2. Read more books than magazines.
3. You don't have to brush your hair. Just make sure your fingers won't get stuck. ;)
4. Take care of your teeth.
5. Learn to say no to yourself.
6. Don't ever say something to one person, in hopes someone else will hear you. Speak to the person you're speaking to.
7. Say what you mean. Then stop.
8. Don't tell stories of being hit on. It won't win you admirers, or convince people you're pretty.
9. You're pretty.
10. Treat your sister like your best friend, because one day, she will be.
11. Go to sleep overs. Never be the first to fall asleep, nor the one who keeps everyone else awake all night.
12. Always take Dare. Truth just gets you trouble!
13. PMS is an excuse, but it's a poor one. At the very least, remember to apologize and learn from your behavior.
14. Let boys open the door.
15. Give boys the opportunity to lead. And if they don't, lead sweetly.
16. Don't ever dumb yourself down for others.
17. Don't talk with food in your mouth.
18. Don't belch!
19. Smile at strangers.
20. Shoes are my favorite to look at too, but always make eye contact.
21. When I tell you you're like no other and better than all the rest, take it humbly, but believe it, because I say what I mean.
22. Don't ever become the girl who can't leave the house without makeup.
23. If your dad wants to take you out to a late-night-last-minute movie, you better be ready to roll in 5 minutes! Nobody wants to miss the previews.
24. Don't embarass your siblings in front of non-family. (The rest of the time, please do.)
25. Don't attempt to improve your standing by knocking others down.
26. I'll always care more about the truth of who you are, than the reputation. You do the same.
27. It seems big now, but believe me, it isn't.
28. Tell me secrets. Tell me tummyaches. Tell me heartaches. Tell me dreams.
29. Don't do things half--.... Whatever you do, do it with all your heart and ability!
30. Be a gracious loser.
31. You can be a good athlete and girly at the same time- I'll help. ;) Don't squeel, or fall all over.
32. Watch your mouth - keep it clean.
33. Don't tell other people's secrets.
34. Boys will always try to make you sound dumb. (This is because they really think you are.) I haven't found the answer to this one yet, but believe me, the good ones finally recognize (and admit at times) you're really quite clever. ;) In the meantime, just smile (and get better grades). It will get to them better than anything you could say.
35. It is okay to be fiesty.
36. Always say a little less than you could. Whatever you tell, hold something back for only the dearest to your heart to one day know.
37. Laugh at yourself, but not too often.