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I recently did a segment on The Morning Blend entitled:  "Always a Bridesmaid Never a Bride?  Maybe the Reason is You!  Things Your Friends May Not Know How to Tell You!"  As a young adult fiction writer for tweens/teens, I'd like to share some tips that will help you in about 10 years or so.  It's stuff that your mother should be teaching you, but in case she's not sharing these tidbits, I'll save you years of therapy bills later in life.  Imagine this scenario, it's June, 2020, and you're ten years wiser.  It's also wedding season again, you want the ring, and your ring finger is still naked.   Consider this? 

 

 JC’s Bakers’ Dozen:  Life Rules Girls Should Learn in Their Teens

1. “Mint Anyone?” – Could it be your breath?  Perhaps you have halitosis or post nasal drip.  Your breath may not be as fresh as you think it is, and no one knows how to tell you!  Do you get your teeth cleaned every 6 months?  Are you flossing regularly?  You might need to visit a periodontist and have your gums scraped.  If someone offers you a mint, take it!  It could be a hint!  And keep mints or gum on you at all times.  Fresh breath is next to godliness!

 

1. “Smell Test” - When was the last time you gave yourself a fragrance makeover?  Are you still wearing Charlie cologne from high school?  As you age, the pheromones in your body change and mature.  Take your significant other with you and have him help you pick out a new scent with you. 

 

1. “Pie Crust” – I know someone who doesn’t take care of her feet.  There’s enough crust on her heels to bake a pie.  It’s gross!!!  She could lose at least two pounds by getting a pedicure!  Keep those toesies prettied up, ladies. 

 

1. “Cover Girl or Maybelline?” – Are you taking the time to freshen up when your guy comes over?  Do you put on your face and do your hair or are you in a rut?  Is your moustache thicker than his?  Is your look dated?  Maybe you need a new haircut and a new look. 

 

1. “Junk in Your Trunk” – Do you have stale food simmering in your backseat?  Is your car a disaster zone?  If you keep a junky car, a man will think that you keep a junky house.  May sound old fashioned, but most men still expect the woman to be the queen bee of all things housekeeping.  If you’re looking for a mate, having a tidy car signals that you are organized and efficient.  Who wants to marry a slob?  

 

1. “Seafood Allergy” – Do you talk with food in your mouth?  No one wants to “See Food” rolling around in your wide open trap!  It’s gross!  It could be turning off your intended and he doesn’t know how to tell you.

 

1. “Pass the Hot Sauce Please!” – Are you fun?  Are you adventuresome?  When was the last time you and your boyfriend shared a good, guttural laugh or you did something out of your comfort zone?  You might be boring him to death so he’s having trouble imagining adding kids and a mortgage to a dull relationship.  Spice it up!  Do something fun!

 

1. “L’Oreal - Because You’re Worth It!” – How’d you meet him?  If you became involved with him knowing he was “otherwise” involved, then guess what?  He thinks you have low morals.  Even if he’s a cheater, he doesn’t want to marry one.  In Camp Colorblind, the girls create a pact that they will not “knowingly” date someone who already has a girlfriend.  Pact gets tested that summer, but it’s a good rule to follow.  Ladies, make a man handle his prior business before you start dating him.  Why?  Because You’re Worth It! & it’s just good juju. 

 

1. “The Beverly Hillbillies!” – Has he met your family?  If not, why not?  What are they like?  Are they candidates for Jerry Springer?  Has he seen you interact with your family?  What’s the interaction like?  Fun?  Tense?  Stressful?  He might understand you better if he met your family or if he’s met them and they’re drama filled, he may not want to add your family baggage into his life.

 

1. “Cat Got Your Tongue?” – Does he know that you want to get married?  Have you made it plain?  He may think that you like things just the way they are.  If you don’t, tell him.  He can’t read your mind. 

 

1.  “I’ve Never Met a 200 pound ballerina” – Some folks will never do pointe shoes or dunk a basketball.  Some things are just genetically impossible, so we must work with what we have.  Are you trying to be a 200 pound ballerina?  In  other words, are you dating guys that will never marry you?  

 

1. “Would You Marry You?”  - Do a self assessment.  Why do you think he hasn’t popped the question?  Make a list.  Be honest!  You should know you better than anyone else.  If you don’t know you, he doesn’t know you and he won’t marry someone he doesn’t know.  Try to self improve on some of the things on the list.   

 

1. “Misses or Juniors?” – Just because you’re slim enough to wear junior sizes, doesn’t mean you should be shopping in the teen section if you’re a woman of a certain age.  You look foolish.  Are you trolling bars and clubs looking to meet a viable Mr. Right?  Do your hobbies and interests place you in a position to meet quality suitors?  If not, remap your hangouts and hobbies. 

Again, not all girls may decide to get married, and that's fine!  But if you are looking for a platinum band on your left hand ring finger one day, consider my tips!  That way, the money my tips save you in therapy sessions can be used for something else.  You're welcome!