Why Self-Respect Shows Up in the Way You Live, Speak, and Treat Others

By Mary R. Dittman, M.B.A.

Years ago, I wrote a two-part series called “Be a Lady.”

At the time, I focused quite a bit on manners, appearance, and elegance.

I still care about those things.

But today, I think the deeper issue is self-respect.

How do you carry yourself when no one is watching?

How do you care for your body, your home, your belongings, your work, and your relationships?

How do you speak when you’re angry?

How do you treat people when you have the power to embarrass them?

How do you behave when someone else behaves badly?

Those questions say far more about confidence than whether your outfit is perfect.

Take Care of Yourself Because You Matter

I believe taking care of yourself is an act of self-respect.

That does not mean looking polished every minute.

It does not mean wearing makeup to the grocery store.

It does not mean having an expensive wardrobe or looking like a celebrity.

It mea...

What a Single Queen Taught Me About Living Well

By Mary R. Dittman, M.B.A.

It started with Netflix’s The Crown.

Then it was Victoria.

Then it was every movie or miniseries about Queen Elizabeth I that I could find.

Eventually, I moved on to an English-subtitled Russian television production about Catherine the Great.

Apparently, I have a thing for queens.

I’m not entirely sure why I’ve become so fascinated by history’s great ruling women, but I suspect it has something to do with the fact that they had to be incredibly shrewd.

In a world where courtiers jockeyed for influence and many men believed women were not fit to rule, a queen had to understand people. She had to know whom she could trust, when to speak, when to stay silent, when to compromise, and when to hold her ground.

And perhaps no queen fascinates me more than Elizabeth I.

Elizabeth ruled England from 1558 to 1603. Sometimes called “The Virgin Queen,” she never married and never had children. She had suitors and ...

Why Strong Friendships Are Part of a One-Derful Life

By Mary R. Dittman, M.B.A.

Most of us have experienced it.

A friend starts dating someone new, and suddenly she disappears.

You hardly hear from her.

Text messages go unanswered.

Girls' nights become rare.

And the only time she seems available is when her boyfriend is out of town, working late, or they've had an argument.

If you're honest, maybe you've been that friend, too.

I know I have.

In my younger years, I would cancel plans with girlfriends to go on a last-minute date.

I would drag myself out of the house with a terrible cold for a man, but happily reschedule lunch with a friend because I was tired or simply didn't feel like going.

It wasn't because I didn't value my friendships.

It was because I believed romantic relationships deserved priority status.

And to some extent, that's natural.

Women are wired for connection.

When we fall in love, we want to spend time with our beloved.

But I eventually realized som...

Small Decisions That Create a Life You'll Love

By Mary R. Dittman, M.B.A.

Many single women spend years waiting for life to begin.

We'll get organized when we buy a house.

We'll save more money when we're married.

We'll finally take better care of ourselves once life settles down.

We'll travel, decorate, declutter, and pursue our goals after we meet Mr. Right.

But what if Mr. Right never shows up?

Or what if he doesn't show up for another ten years?

Do you really want to spend the next decade living in limbo?

I don't.

One of the biggest shifts I've made in my own life is realizing that my future self is counting on me.

The woman I hope to be five years from now depends on the choices I make today.

And honestly, so does the woman I hope to be five months from now.

Take Care of Your Environment

Whether you rent a tiny apartment or own a sprawling house, your environment matters.

Is your home clean?

Organized?

Peaceful?

Does it support the life you're trying to build...

Why Building an Interesting Life Makes You Happier—Whether You're Dating or Not

By Mary R. Dittman, M.B.A.

Most people can name every Kardashian, their children, and their exes.

But ask them to name five Supreme Court justices and you'll likely get a blank stare.

We live in an entertainment culture. We're constantly looking for stimulation, scrolling social media, keeping up with celebrity gossip, and consuming whatever happens to be trending.

At the same time, I've heard many women express a fear that men will find them boring.

My response?

The people who are interesting usually have interests.

I don't mean interests designed to impress other people. I mean things that genuinely light you up.

Maybe it's yoga.

Maybe it's knitting.

Maybe it's champion-level Tiddlywinks.

Maybe it's collecting vintage Tupperware.

Maybe it's renovating a dollhouse.

Whatever it is, people are drawn to passion.

And by passion, I don't mean romance.

I mean that state where your eyes light up, ...