I agree, be independent, never depend on someone else to make you happy. You will automatically be attractive to many when you are secure in yourself. Most of all, never allow anyone to belittle you, even if you love them. Never stop learning; try to learn something new every day, and acknowledge it. Take self-defence classes. Never hang up the telephone with loved ones without saying I LOVE YOU! Mostly be good to yourself.

Advice? Maybe keeping in mind the question “What do *I* want to do?” and taking the time to self-query on that.

It would depend on what kind of advice she was looking for.

Marry late. Establish yourself first.

Be aware that what you think now will change. That in the future you will look back and wonder where that young girl went. Remember that you should only regret what you haven’t done., that it may then be too late to fix it. So BE practical.Get that degree, get some real estate. We all need to be able to provide for ourselves.And then you must look after your health, women are notorious for putting others first. Do not allow yourself to be used, manipulated, put in danger or abused by anyone. And then remember this is your life. Be good , be safe, be wise and Enjoy.

I’d give her a copy of Joan Didion’s 1975 commencement address at U.C. Riverside: “I’m not telling you to make the world better, because I don’t think that progress is necessarily part of the package, I’m just telling you to live in it. Not just to endure it, not just to suffer it, not just to pass through it, but to live in it. To look at it. To try to get the picture. To live recklessly. To take chances. To make your own work and take pride in it. To seize the moment. And if you ask me why you should bother to do that, I could tell you that the grave’s a fine and private place, but none I think do there embrace. Nor do they sing there, or write, or argue, or see the tidal bore on the Amazon, or touch their children. And that’s what there is to do and get it while you can and good luck at it.”

women at 21 should save their money

Don’t let life pass you by. You may regret it. So, seize the moment, take risks, and remember to laugh.

Get as much education as possible in your chosen field. And choose carefully. Don’t run after guys. They will still be there once you reach your goals. Build yourself to complete self-sufficiency. Get a pet. Stay healthy and make positive friends. Stay away from destructive relationships. Don’t waste time with people who want to use you. Save your money and buy a home. Maybe an older one in an excellent area. Volunteer a bit. Be a lifelong reader and learner. Stay close to your family. Listen to your elders. Ask good questions before jumping into anything, be it a purchase, a position or a commitment. Live near water, a library, a university and public transportation. Don’t settle for second best in any area of your life.