Ten things I’ve learned from women

I miss quality time with women, especially those that had influenced my life. There may not be a great number of them, but they are a part of me and they know me in ways others can’t. They know exactly what makes me laugh and which things infuriate me. They’re familiar with my moments of euphoria and those of silence, and they believe that there is something good in everything. They’ve seen me without makeup after a rock concert and when my spirits were low after a disastrous day; they’ve shared my joy, when everything started moving in the right direction, and have tried to make sense of things with me, when plans went south. I’ve learned a lot from these women and it’s interesting to know that our stories are completely different. And yet, all our stories somehow have a lot in common, even though we live through them at different times in our lives, so they seem different at first glance. There were some crucial times, when we didn’t see each other often, but we still stuck together in a way. Connected forever, just like when I was 16 and the world was a different colour. Thank you for all the lessons, my darlings, they are priceless and unique, although I suspect you, my dear readers are also familiar with them; we are, after all, a part of the same universe.

Photo and make-up: Biljana Babic

There is a Wonder woman inside each of us

It’s the multitasking woman that keeps a steady job, she’s a wife and mother at home, a friend in her spare time, and the one that gets everything done. She cleans, cooks, she’s a business woman, her day is 48 hours long, and she falls in her bed at night, only to take her Wonder woman cape off for a little while, otherwise she is always in action.

Laugh a lot

Mostly when things are serious, because life is also a game, and it’s good to let some soups cool off for a while before eating them, because they’re more easily digested, when the temperature subsides.

Take care of your own happiness

Sometimes, we rush into things (or walls for a hard crash), but we must always remember it’s worth fighting for our own happiness, and standing up for ourselves. You know, we only live once. It’s always a debut performance.

Socialise

Because women are stronger with women by their side, if we can only push envy aside and stick together.

Photo and make-up: Biljana Babic

Friendship above everything else

Though it’s often not so self-evident, a friendship can be stronger than love, which comes and goes. A true friend is there by your side forever, even if you don’t see each other or talk that often, because there is a thread that will always keep you linked.

Shopping

Don’t let anyone tell you shopping is a thing of superficial, instant gratification. It’s all about relaxation and joy that men often don’t understand, and perhaps that is part of its allure. Shopping with women can be a wonderful experience, if you’re on the same wave length.

Don’t forget about birthdays

And celebrate them! It’s your personal holiday and you should look forward to all the following years, socialise, and a birthday provides the perfect excuse to go out for dinner.

Photo and make-up: Biljana Babic

Have rituals

What kind? I have a few of my own: getting a facial, walking in the woods, lighting candles in the evening, browsing through an interior design magazine, smelling perfumes … The things that make our everyday what it is and often seem redundant, but in reality, they are details of our happiness.

Kids rock

I know they can be demanding, and impossible sometimes, but at the end of the day we can’t wait to hold their little hands, and stroke their soft hair. Children are supposed to be cared for and protected. They can teach us a lot. And sometimes it’s better to tell a friend that she’s making mistakes in upbringing, because even an honest critique is part of a sincere friendship.

Men are desired, but we can do without them

Because every one of us can find ourselves in a difficult situation, and can get scared of being alone. But together we can endure anything, even an empty apartment. There is a difference between habit and love, and it’s good if we can tell one from the other.

Photo and make-up: Biljana Babic